The International Training Office of Northern Illinois University hosts a 5-week institute, April 16-May 21, 2011, for 22 Muslim & non-Muslim Filipino students & 4 adult leaders from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The goal is to transmit knowledge & build action strategies among participants related to the following themes: civic education, leadership development, respect for diversity, inter-ethnic cooperation, volunteerism and community engagement. By drawing on the example of civic society and diversity in the United States & by understanding the larger regional context in which contemporary conflicts in Mindanao exist, participants will acquire new perspectives to support future grassroots efforts to build closer cooperation & understanding among the different cultural, religious, & political groups in the southern Philippines. This project is undertaken in partnership with the International Visitors Program-Philippines Alumni Foundation, Inc. (IVP-PHILS), & builds on the Philippine expertise of the major project supervisors. Together with our partner organization, we are currently running the 7th year of the Philippine Youth Leadership Program.
The participants will comprise at least 22 third-year high school & first year college students, aged 15-17 years, & 4 adult leaders who will be selected from all geographic parts of the ARMM & nearby areas in an open, merit-based recruitment strategy. Through a range of formal & informal interactive learning workshops & site visits, the NIU-based institute will focus on advancing four general goals: 1) facilitate a dialogue & promote greater mutual understanding & respect between Muslim & non-Muslim youth from the ARMM & surrounding provinces; 2) create, educate & empower a new generation of young leaders with a strong sense of civic responsibility & commitment to community development & meaningful social change; 3) increase their understanding of U.S. institutions 4) & the U.S. in general.