The Center for Southeast Asian Studies and the International Training Office at Northern Illinois University hosted a four-week training program for 34 Muslim and non-Muslim youth and adult leaders for Mindanao. Dr. Lina Ong and Dr. Susan Russell co-directed the project. Office/Staff/Training Assistants are Rey Ty, Rica Gonzalez, Ida Mandica, and Nalika Diyadawa. In-country coordinators are Dr. Naga Madale & Dr. Noemi Medina.

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State, this training, entitled "Bridging the Gap: Engaging a New Generation in Southern Philippines through Inter-Ethnic Dialogue and Conflict Resolution" took place from April 3 - May 4, 2005.

The goal of this project was to advance a dialogue and degree of mutual understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim youth from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and surrounding provinces. The participants immersed in various academic, social and cultural activities that focus on conflict resolution, peer mediation, peace-building, community activism, and leadership development.

The lectures and workshops that were conducted for the training were arranged according to the major themes of the program.

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