Tag Archives: Leadership Development Program

by | June 6, 2013 · 2:37 pm

Change one heart, change the world: Hadas Prawer’s story

Hadas and other members of LDP bonding and breaking barriers

Hadas and other members of the Leadership Development Program bonding and breaking barriers

We often talk about successful events, tournaments, and twinnings that are all so amazing and a vital part of the PeacePlayers program. However we do not as frequently hear from the participants themselves about how the program has affected their own lives. This week we will learn about an important member of the PPI family, Israeli participant Hadas Prawer.

Hadas is 16 years old, from just outside of Jerusalem, and has been a part of PPI for 4 years. She stumbled upon PeacePlayers when one of her basketball coaches told her that once a week the team was going to be practicing with another girl’s team, an Arab team.

Representing PeacePlayers to the fullest!

Representing PeacePlayers to the fullest!

Initially Hadas didn’t know if she wanted to participate and was a little hesitant. She says, “In the beginning it was weird because I had never talked to Arab people. You hear not so good stuff on the news, so it was kind of awkward and I really didn’t know how to act.”

All of that soon changed as Hadas started becoming good friends with some of the Arab girls. She began looking forward to practices and getting to know new people. She decided to stay in PPI and become a member of the Leadership Development Program because she has always wanted to be a coach and PeacePlayers offers her the tools to make that happen. “PeacePlayers has given me many opportunities to play basketball and work to become a real coach. Now I feel like I am doing something more important than just basketball. I really like the idea of being able to work with Jewish and Arab kids together and have the chance to make a small difference.”

Hadas and Coach Vito Gilic getting ready for practice

Hadas and Coach Vito Gilic getting ready for practice

Although Hadas says she has a very supportive family, not everyone in her life was behind her decision. Friends would often hassle her and question why she would ever want to play basketball with the other side. Hadas claims, “I now know that they are just like me after getting to know them. My friends won’t change my mind because it is my decision and my life.” Hadas is working hard to become a coach so she can unite, educate, and inspire divided members of her community.

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by | May 23, 2013 · 5:54 pm

New Arab and Jewish Teams Play Together in the Middle East

The PPI family as well as US AID representatives coming together after a successful twinning

The PPI family as well as USAID representatives coming together after a successful twinning

This past Wednesday, PeacePlayers Middle East celebrated the start of two new teams from Maiser (an Arab community) and Katsir (a Jewish community) with a unique twinning. At twinnings, boys and girls from typically segregated communities come together to play basketball in order to learn, play and make new friends. Since this was only the second meeting for the kids they were separated into mixed groups where they joined in activities to learn each others names and simply get to know one another a little bit better. Later, the Arab and Jewish children participated together in some fun ball handling drills – dribbling through obstacle courses, playing shooting games, and going outside for a fun game of tag.

The kids getting to know one another a little bit better to kick off the event

Coaches direct the kids through name games so that they can get to know one another

Initially you could tell each side was a little uncomfortable but as the event went on you could see the children, some of which were as young as 8 years old, starting to relax and get closer to their peers. At one point a small group of Arab and Jewish boys began teaching each other how to count in Hebrew and Arabic. This is another example of progress that can be made when we come together and open ourselves up to new people and new experiences.

Five Leadership Development Program (LDP) participants helped coach the twinning, giving our older participants a chance to improve their leadership skills and make a positive impact on the next generation. The coach from Maiser, Renan, commented on the day, “The activity was fruitful, successful, enjoyable, with a lot of variety and aimed to the goal.  The kids went home with a big smile on their faces.”

PPI would also like to thank the representatives from USAID who helped out at the event.

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by | May 10, 2013 · 3:44 pm

Happy Mother’s Day from PeacePlayers!

PeacePlayer Dimitris Charalambous and his mother Cleopatra

Cleopatra Charalambous and her son, Dimitris, outside of Larnaca, Cyprus

If it weren’t for the love, support and encouragement of our mom’s we wouldn’t be the people we are today. That is why this week, in honor of Mother’s Day, we wanted to get to know one of our amazing PPI moms, Cleopatra Charalambous,  mother of one of our very special young leaders, Dimitris.

PeacePlayer Dimitris Charalambous and his mother Cleopatra

Dimitris and his mother Cleopatra in their home in Larnaca

Cleopatra was raised in London but returned to Cyprus over 20 years ago.  A mother of four, and working full-time at UCLAN University in Pyla, Cyprus, Cleopatra is quite a busy woman.  She is the epitome of hard working, loving moms worldwide who balance their professionalism with the invaluable task of raising and shaping their children into the young leaders they dream for them to become.

Having been raised in the multi-cultural atmosphere that is London, Cleopatra  developed an understanding of the importance of respecting other cultures and seeing people as people.  Even while raising her children in the quiet community of Larnaca, Cleopatra has managed to pass along these important  values to her children.

Dimitris (left) getting ready to play with his bi-communal team at the Hasna Cup in Norway

Dimitris (left) getting ready to play with his bi-communal team at the Hasna Cup in Norway

Six months ago Cleopatra’s 16 year old son Dimitris joined PeacePlayers and has already become a standout participant. After demonstrating leadership on and off the court, Dimitris was chosen to attend our Leadership Development Camp in Kantara  and travled to Norway with the PeacePlayers bi-communal boys’ team to compete in the Hansa Cup.

“PeacePlayers has been such a great opportunity for Dimitris, it is only too bad that he found out about the organization so late.  He doesn’t want to detach from the organization so when he finishes playing he wants to become a PeacePlayers leader.”

Dimitris with his new friend Tunc at the LDP camp in Kantara

Dimitris (left) with his new friend, Tunc, at the LDP camp in Kantara

Cleopatra has been very supportive of her son’s interest in PeacePlayers, and is thankful for the opportunity for Dimitris to develop new friendships with young people from all over Cyprus. When we asked Dimitris if his mom was nervous about going to the LDP camp in Kantara he said, “I don’t think so. She thinks it is great for me to have friends that are Turkish-Cypriots and I would spend more time with them.”

Cleopatra is the kind of encouraging parent that we as an organization are grateful for. When asked what she would like to see from PeacePlayers in the future, she responded, “I would love to see more children in Cyprus have the opportunity to be a part of PeacePlayers.  The organisation is an excellent tool for promoting good relations between our Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot communities, and the kids that are involved are getting a lot out of it.”

On behalf of the entire PPI family around the world, we are wishing every mom a Happy Mother’s Day!

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by | April 19, 2013 · 12:23 am

PeacePlayers Welcomes Special Guests From Adidas

All participants at the conclusion of a spectacular event

PPI’s young leaders pose with the adidas guests at the conclusion of a spectacular event

Adidas is a key partner of PeacePlayers International, helping to serve tens of thousands of children through a variety of projects around the world. This past month, 3 members of adidas, PPI Board Member and Vice President of Global Basketball, Lawrence Norman, Global Director of Basketball, Greg Marron, and Global Category Manager, Jack Gray, visited PPI’s Middle East program to see first-hand how we use basketball with a unique Peace Education Curriculum to bridge divides between Israel’s Jewish and Arab youth. In Israel, where most Arab and Jewish youth lack any opportunities for positive interaction, PPI gives over 500 children annually the unique opportunity to play sport together in a fun and inclusive environment.

ADIDAS guests getting involved and playing with the kids

adidas guests getting involved and playing with the kids

The visitors spent their morning with PPI coaches and staff touring the Old City, learning about the ancient and complex history of the region. After a special tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, everyone headed to the Hand in Hand School to participate in a PeacePlayers Leadership Development Program (LDP) practice. Each year 24 specially selected LDP participants engage in a variety of athletic, community service and professional development activities so that they may become leaders for social change and the next generation of PPI coaches.

After introductions were made, coach Vito Gilic and curriculum facilitator Nissreen Najjar led the kids and the adidas representatives through a series of different basketball drills that demonstrated PPI’s peace education principles. For Lawrence, who also serves on PPI’s Board of Directors, this was not his first time seeing PPI’s programming in action. “I have now attended four events in the Middle East over the past five years, and watching the kids grow up in the program to become future leaders reminds me how lucky I am to be part of PPI.”

Once this activity was finished, the kids were split into three teams and each adidas guest had a chance to coach them in some competitive games. Things got intense as all the games were very close. There were even a few buzzer beaters! LDP participant, Hadas Prawer, said after the practice, “I had such a great time meeting the adidas guys. They were very nice and it was so much fun to play with them during the practice and also have them as our coaches at the end of the day. Overall it was a great day and I am so happy that they came to meet us.”

Lawrence Norman coaching his PPI team

Guest coach Lawrence Norman motivating his PeacePlayers team

Before the guests departed they stuck around for pictures and even stayed to play a few games of one-on-one with the kids. The event was not only memorable for the kids, it made a huge impact on the guests as well. After returning home and hearing the shocking news out of Boston, Lawrence wrote to the PPI staff: “Seeing what happened in Boston (my hometown) this week is yet another reminder of the hatred that exists in all corners of the globe. And the horrific event at the Marathon brought flashbacks to the three years I lived in Tel Aviv—a time when the sound of detonating bombs was part of the routine. However, what PeacePlayers is doing in the Middle East paints such a different picture…one of teamwork, warmth and optimism. There is plenty of good out there, and seeing the kids’ smiling faces this week reminded me of this again.”

PPI is grateful for adidas’ generosity and commitment to supporting our peacebuilding efforts, and looking forward to continuing our partnership. Upcoming events include a session with adidas staff at the US headquarters in Portland and then this summer in DC, when some of the same youth from the LDP practice in Jerusalem will be traveling to US for two weeks of leadership training and cultural exchange supported by the US Department of State Sport United Program.

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by | April 11, 2013 · 2:36 pm

PPI ME celebrates another outstanding Mini Fest!

PPI minis having a blast playing together!

PPI minis having a blast playing together!

Last Friday PeacePlayers International - Middle East wrapped up another successful mini fest. Mini fests are a fantastic opportunity for several teams of young PPI participants to get to know each other. Over 50 kids from the ages of 6-8 gathered in the gym for an afternoon of basketball and fun. In the beginning of the event the minis spent some time mingling, running around and shooting baskets together. Once everyone arrived, the coaches set up three different stations of ball handling, passing and shooting and another with games. The kids were then divided into three groups, each of which contained participants from every team present at the event.

The minis had a blast interacting with new kids while they worked on their basketball skills. To conclude the event super coach Vito Gilic brought all the kids together to partake in creative relay races.

Coach Vito Gilic setting up relay races at the conclusion of the event

Coach Vito Gilic setting up relay races at the conclusion of the event

It was incredible to see all of the kids screaming and cheering each other on the entire time. A spectator would never be able to recognize or notice that many of the participants come from very different communities and would normally not have any contact with one another let alone be sharing an afternoon of sport and activities together.

Another inspiring aspect to the event was that PPI-ME’s Leadership Development team (LDP) took a significant role in the mini fest as well and led each station. This was a great opportunity for the young PPI participants to interact with the older leaders of the program. They were able to observe and spend quality time with positive role models within their own communities.

PPI participants taking a quick break to pose for a picture

PPI participants taking a quick break to pose for a picture

Many of the LDP members began in PPI at a young age so it was incredible to see the two groups bonding. To have the LDP members’ giving back to the minis is a big part of what PeacePlayers is all about so the occasion was effective and positive in more ways than one!

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by | March 29, 2013 · 4:23 pm

Cyprus Plays On!

PeacePlayers participants and families unite together for a barbecue a nice distraction away from the current Economic Woes that have hit the country

PeacePlayers participants and families unite together for a barbecue a nice distraction away from the current Economic Woes that have hit the country

This week, International Fellow Ashley Johnson provides an update on the financial situation in Cyprus and how PPI – Cyprus is playing on 

A creative new way to practice their crossovers with holla-hoops

A creative new way to practice their crossovers with holla-hoops

The story of Cyprus’ financial collapse seems to be headlining the news across the world over the last two weeks.  I have had friends from as far away as Afghanistan and Africa email me to ask my perspective from the ground in Cyprus.  One cannot seem to escape the constant newsfeed and information flow.  Every single individual in Cyprus’ life has been forever imprinted with the events of the past two weeks.  As I write this blog entry the banks re-open their doors, today is Thursday March 26th and the banks have been officially closed since Friday March 15th.  This past Monday night, the 25th of March, on the eve of the EU and IMF enforced deadline, Cyprus came to an agreement with the EU and IMF on a 10 billion euro bailout deal.  However, in order to qualify for the deal Cyprus will have to raise 5.8 billion euros.  Significant capital control measures have been established placing strict restrictions on the outflow of cash.

While Cyprus as a whole remains engulfed in the banking reform, PeacePlayers-Cyprus plays on.  We knew Saturday morning March 16th would be a unique day in the history of PPI-CY, we didn’t realize it would also be a unique day in the history of the country. The same morning that it was announced that President Anastasiades had signed the original bailout plan (to be rejected days later on March 18th), PPI-CY hosted its first ever “twinning” combined with a parent’s barbecue.   Nearly 90 participants and families from both sides attended.

Gorkem steals the show during the picnic with a rendition of Gangem style on the picnic tables

Gorkem steals the show during the picnic with a rendition of Gangem style on the picnic tables

The gravity of the new announcement had not yet hit the public and the mood was quite jovial.  The participants, who are all members of our Leadership Development Program, greeted their friends from the other community and parents cheered from the sides as the kids played with one another on mixed teams.  Following the games, The United Nations Civil Affairs team announced that the troops stationed in Cyprus had raised funds to purchase new basketballs for our program.   Afterwards the participants and their families joined the PeacePlayers’ coaches, staff and board members for a large family style potluck and barbecue.  The event was a huge success and was a great step forward for PPI-CY as we seek to increase the parental engagement and support of our program.  With the fantastic turnout and excitement of the PeacePlayers’ “twinning” and barbecue we know at least one event that took place on this day will be forever embedded in a positive light in peoples’ minds.

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by | February 14, 2013 · 2:17 pm

PPI-ME Welcomes Guests from the U.S. for Exciting Visit

The whole group together at the close of the site visit

The whole group together at the close of the site visit

This past Sunday, PPI – ME was given the opportunity to host a few important guests from the United States. The guest of honor was  Lee Satterfield, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), who was joined from Washington by Sheila Casey. PeacePlayers recently received a grant from the ECA to carry out a two-part program that would include a participant exchange to the United States in September with youth leaders as well as a Leadership Development Program (LDP) that would be held locally throughout next year.

In addition to Lee, other guests included Hilary Olsin-Windecker (Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv), Sri Kulkarni (American Center Director), Michele Dastin-van Rijn (Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv) and Michael Richards (Consul for Press and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem).

Lee Satterfield (left) and American Fellow Jamie Walsh work together in some twinning drills

Lee Satterfield (left) and American Fellow Jamie Walsh work together in some twinning drills

The guests were given the chance to see the current LDP program in action as they helped demonstrate some of classic twinning drills with Basketball Operations Manager Vito Gilic. They were even able to witness just how fun and effective these activities are as they participated in the drills as well!

Following the twinning portion of the event Project Manager Galit Sahar also walked the guests through PPI’s Arbinger curriculum and showcased a few basketball drills we use in conjunction with in depth discussions and personal storytelling. Afterwards there was a question and answer session where the guests from the U.S. and the LDP participants were able to get to know each other a little better and truly discuss the effects of the program and how PPI has changed their lives.

Galit engaging the participants in some Arbinger discussions

Galit engaging the participants in some Arbinger discussions

This was a great way for everyone involved to meet some of the people who help make this program possible, and for our supporters to see that our youth leaders have already achieved remarkable results.

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by | January 31, 2013 · 2:34 pm

Spotlight on PPI-ME Project Manager Galit Sahar

Galit participating in a bike race along with some members of the LDP Program

Galit (left) participating in a bike race for peace with some members of the LDP.

This week’s blog features an interview with Project Manager Galit Sahar. Galit works closely with the PPI-ME Leadership Development Program (LDP) as she designs and coordinates many of the events.

How long have you been a part of PPI and why did you want to work for this organization?

I have been working in PPI for almost 3 years now. After a long trip to India I decided I wanted to be a part of an organization that works for a good cause and to also be involved some way in the conflict that goes on here.

What were your initial thoughts about using sports as a medium to promote change?

Getting a workout in with PPI participants!

Getting a workout in with PPI participants!

At first I was very skeptical about using basketball as a tool to promote social change since my background was more with youth groups and involved using verbal communication as the primary tool. However, after coming to practices and seeing the change in the perspectives and opinions of the kids, I started to believe in it more and more.

What is the most important thing you have learned throughout your time in PPI?

One of the most important things I have learned has been through the Arbinger peacebuilding curriculum we teach the kids. These ideas have taught me how to analyze the dynamics between the kids and how to better understand them and be more sensitive to each individual’s personal situation and conflict resolution in general.

Can you share a moment that touched your life while working here?

A moment that truly touched my heart was when one of the older girls from our program said to me once quietly, “You know when I look at you, I feel sometimes that we are sisters.”

What has PPI taught you that will stick with you in the future?

Galit showing off her bubbly and warm personality!

Galit showing off her bubbly and warm personality!

PPI has inspired to me to continue to work in ways that attempt to solve this conflict and to always try to teach others to respect each other and work to bring communities together. I want to always be a part of helping others see each other as human beings.

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by | January 11, 2013 · 7:25 pm

Top Five Moments from PPI – Cyprus in 2012

PeacePlayers had a great year in 2012 and we are all looking forward to what 2013 has in store for us!

PeacePlayers had a great year in 2012 and we are all looking forward to what 2013 has in store for us!

PeacePlayers-Cyprus had a successful year filled with basketball, tournaments, camps, twinnings, leadership development programs and of course our PPI-CY participants who without them we wouldn’t be able to achieve the goals of PeacePlayers. We are really looking forward to this upcoming year, to build upon our existing programs and add new ones that will help us achieve more as a bicommunal organization here in Cyprus. Here are the top five moments from PPI-CY in 2012 in no particular order:

1. PPI-Cyprus Summer Camp Features NBA and WNBA Guests

In the summer of 2012, PPI – Cyprus held its annual summer camp for 64 Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot youth for 6 days and 5 nights in the mountain village of Agros. Activities that ran through the week, included basketball training, team “survival” games, a film workshop, a workshop on leadership and Anatomy of Peace training. On the court, campers were run through basketball drills and given time to compete in games. In the classroom, they learned about leadership and the importance of volunteering, the Anatomy of Peace curriculum and other life skills for personal development. The highlight of this year’s camp was the attendance of two professional basketball stars. NBA Brooklyn Nets Assistant Coach and former NBA player, Doug Overton, and former WNBA player Shaunzinski Gortman, attended the whole length of the camp as mentors and coaches.

Doug Overton with new friends at the PPI-Cyprus Summer Camp

Doug Overton and Shaunzinski Gortman with new friends at the PPI-Cyprus Summer Camp

PPI-CY was excited to have guests from the NBA and WNBA, whose expertise in all aspects of the game of basketball, including their ability to not only play but teach, is something that PPI-CY and all of its participants benefited from. The camp had a great impact on the participants, as one coach stated, “The children from both sides of the island were interacting to the point that you could not tell we were running a bicommunal event. As they played on and off the court together, the participants seamlessly weaved in and out of their assigned teams and groups leaving no one isolated or alone, regardless of where they were from.”

2. PPI-CY & Norwegian National Football Federation team up

Norweigian Team Poses with PPI-CY

Norweigian Team Poses with PPI-CY

On October 16th while the Norwegian National Football team was in Cyprus to play a match against the national team of the Republic of Cyprus, they took time out of their busy schedule to visit PPI-CY. The Norwegian ambassador and the entire team talked and played with 20 PeacePlayers participants, demonstrating Norway’s tremendous support and encouragement of bi-communal relationships on the island.

3. LDP Weekend

Vito Gilic leading a drill at the LDP retreat

Vito Gilic leading a drill at the LDP retreat

On 17th and 18th of November coaches and staff members selected 21 promising young leaders from our program across Cyprus to be part of our Leadership Development Program (LDP). We assembled together in the mountains of Cyprus for a weekend of intensive basketball skill development, leadership and Anatomy of Peace sessions. Along with our special guest from PPI – Middle East, Basketball Operations Director and youth coach extraordinaire Vito Gilic, our coaches from each of our teams across the island joined in the weekend and had the opportunity to learn Vito’s methods for teaching and coaching youth. On the court we worked on everything from individual skill development, cooperation among pairs and full court teamwork drills. Vito taught the coaches how to incorporate different tools resulting in highly innovative and creative training sessions.

When asked what her hopes hold for the 21 program leaders attending the LDP weekend, PPI Cyprus Managing Director, Marina Vasilara responded, “Each of these kids possesses tremendous potential, the sky is the limit, we want them to be empowered to reach beyond limitations and open their minds, to realize they possess the capacity to reach great place.”

4. PeacePlayers’ All Girls Basketball Tournament in Limassol

PeacePlayers' All Girls Tournament

PeacePlayers’ All Girls Tournament

In December 2012, PPI-CY organized their first ever Limassol basketball tournament for girls. What made this tournament unique was the fact that for the first time in Cyprus youth basketball academies including Zenon (Larnaka) and Apollon (Limassol) scrimmaged against two mixed PeacePlayers teams. PeacePlayers created the two teams by teaming up Turkish-Cypriot players from Lapta (North Cyprus) with Greek-Cypriot players from Kiti and Dali (South Cyprus).

The tournament brought together 60 girls ages 12-16 years old. A fun, friendly and competitive environment allowed our PeacePlayers kids to test their basketball skills against the 2 youth basketball academies. For players on the club teams, this was the first time they had ever played on the court with a mixed team of both Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot players. Anyone at the game could recognize the excitement and uniqueness of this experience, even the parents of the club teams were cheering and supporting their kids as well as the PeacePlayers’ teams.

5. Winter Tournament

In the context of the festivities for the European Commission being awarded the Nobel Prize, PPI-CY in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Cyprus organized the PeacePlayers Winter Basketball Tournament. The PPI-CY Winter Basketball tournament hosted 130 Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot youth, for 3 on 3 competitions. Also present were 20 volunteers, parents and representatives of the European Commission who in collaboration with the coaches and PPI staff directed a successful tournament.

“I am delighted we support this initiative. Sport is the best way to overcome any dividing lines and to create an environment of cooperation and trust among our youth” said George Markopouliotis, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Cyprus.

The PPI-CY Winter Basketball Tournament

The PPI-CY Winter Basketball Tournament

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by | December 27, 2012 · 5:21 pm

PPI-ME’s Future Leaders Come Together for Weekend Retreat

LDP participants come together to celebrate another successful retreat weekend

LDP participants come together to celebrate another successful retreat weekend.

Over 30 Leadership Development Program (LDP) juniors and seniors (ages 13-18) participated in a rigorous yet exciting weekend in Kibbutz Sdot Yam at last weekend’s LDP retreat. The future leaders of the program were thrilled to be spending a few days away from home playing basketball, attending leadership workshops, participating in Anatomy of Peace workshops and of course staying up late and enjoying each other’s company.

The kids getting interactive during sessions at Wingate University

The kids get interactive during sessions at Wingate College.

The young leaders attended leadership workshops at Wingate University, which were both informative and interactive sessions in Hebrew and Arabic. The LDP participants not only learned about important qualities of leadership but also told their own stories and offered personal input regarding what qualities they believed were essential to be a positive role model. Small mixed groups were formed and everyone discussed and debated these topics constructively. After the workshop, the children also participated in fun games where they worked together for a greater cause. Each member’s religious or racial identify was never an issue, all that could be seen was a group of awesome kids having a blast and learning together while doing so. It was remarkable to see just how far these teenagers have come as both of the workshop leaders mentioned how impressed they were with the intellectual level and positive discussions that were occurring.

LDP junior Malak participating in AOP sessions

Junior LDP-er Malak participates in a creative leadership workshop.

Another highlight of the weekend was the Anatomy of Peace sessions. All of the participants were instructed to define themselves using only 5 words and then display them on their body. Religion, race and athletic interests were the most popular defining characteristics used. The teens really embraced each other’s differences and used non-verbal communication to express themselves and their identity. It was amazing to see just how much common ground there truly was between each and every participant and how compassionate and understanding everyone was to each other.

These sessions and retreats continue to mold the LDP teens to become capable leaders in their own communities and grant them the ability to teach others the valuable lessons they have learned as a result of PPI’s Leadership Development Program. As always, they will take the skills and lessons learned from this retreat with them as they continue to grow as individuals and teach others along the way.

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