(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – On Monday, Oct. 9, the University of Virginia Center for Politics kicked off the Youth Ambassadors Program with Bolivia and Peru. The program features 13 high-achieving youth leaders and two educators from these countries.
The exchange is operated by the Center’s Global Perspectives on Democracy Program in partnership with World Learning and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
After their arrival, the Youth Ambassadors will participate in a number of educational programs and activities focusing on leadership development and civic engagement. They will work with the Boys and Girls Club of Southwood on a service project, attend a session on politics and government with Professor Larry Sabato, engage with Charlottesville-area peers, and host a cultural street performance on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall. Participants will lodge with area host families.
Members of the media interested in the Youth Ambassadors exchange are welcome to attend any of the following events:
— Tuesday, Oct. 10: Leadership Training and Team Building at UVA Poplar Ridge High Ropes Challenge Course from 12:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
— Friday, Oct. 13: Grassroots Organizing with Brothers United to Cease the Killing from 10:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
— Monday, Oct. 16: Lecture on Youth Engagement and American Politics by Center for Politics Director Larry J. Sabato at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at UVA’s Jefferson Hall (Hotel C).
— Monday, Oct. 16: Visit to Monticello High School from noon to 2:30 p.m.
— Tuesday, Oct. 17: My Country, My Culture performance from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of E. Main St. and 3rd St. on the Downtown Mall.
Other opportunities may be available upon request.
This will be the 37th exchange group to come to UVA as a part of the Center for Politics’ GPD program. GPD fosters dialogue between the United States and other countries through public events and international exchanges. Visit https://centerforpolitics.org/global-perspectives-on-democracy/ for more information about GPD programming. For more information about the IYLEP, contact Daman Irby at 434-981-7965 or [email protected].
