YES program promotes peace, development
KUWAIT: US Ambassador Lawrence Silverman yesterday inaugurated the annual international Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program’s Sports for Development and Press (YESDP) alumni workshop, hosted by Kuwait. The YES program initiative is being held as part of the US State Department’s efforts to involve youth for peace and development. The group will be presenting their ideas and sports programs and share their experiences when they were in the United States for the YES program.
Countries with representatives in this program that were at the event at Marina Hotel in Salmiya include Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, the Philippines, Turkey, Kosovo, Jordan and Palestine. In his opening remarks, Silverman thanked all the participants in this year’s YES program. “I am pleased to say the program will celebrate its 15th year in October and I hope it continues for decades to come. During these almost 15 years, more than 11,200 young people like you from 45 countries have benefited from the program. But to be honest, all of us benefit from the program in terms of enhanced mutual understanding between peoples,” he said.
The YES enables program participants from predominately Muslim countries to study for an academic year at an American high school. It also provides a unique opportunity for personal growth through enrichment activities that include community service, youth leadership training and civic education, all of which are vital to promote mutual understanding respect between the United States and partner countries.
“I welcome the 30 YES program participants from Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Morocco, Nigeria, the Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, and Turkey. When I speak to some of the many Kuwaitis studying at universities in the United States today, I tell them that they are not just students - they are also ambassadors of their country to the United States,” Silverman said.
He said the YES program participants and alumni are in many ways the best ambassadors of their countries. “I hope you will see that by this workshop, we are continuing our outreach to you and your countries and our desire to help you achieve what you and your parents wish for your future. I hope that your experiences in this program have helped build your leadership skills. And I hope that you will stay in contact with those you met in the United States,” he added. Samar Khilief, AMIDEAST Country Director thanked the ambassador for gracing the occasion and his continued support to AMIDEAST’s effort in enhancing opportunities for the youth across the MENA region.