Printable Version
Tell a friend
Summer 2008 Program
The Youth Peace Makers 2008 summer program
brought together a diverse group of 30 youth
who challenged themselves and each other to
learn new skills and create a truly
multicultural community service
team. These extraordinary 14-18
year-olds took advantage of Mayor Fenty's Youth
Summer Employment Program, which paid them a
minimum wage to participate. Among their
accomplishments were:
Daily team
building activities and ice breakers helped the
students get to know one another while enjoying
the beautiful DC landmark, Meridian Hill
(Malcolm X) Park, in Ward 1.
Lively
discussions of local, national, and
international news kept the students
knowledgeable about current issues and helped
them identify ways to improve their
communities.
Letter writing to
legislators and other elected officials served
to put to practice the knowledge gained
researching democracy and the American system
of government. The students wrote to their DC
city council member on topics important to
them, and visited City Hall where they sat in
on a council hearing. A few students
participated in Council Chair Vincent Gray's
Youth Summit.
Field trips, such as the
one to meet DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes
Norton, reinforced academic learning.
PeaceMakers observed a Senate hearing and
were coached on the importance of attending
college and furthering their skills.
The group also attended the
Federal Career Fair in downtown DC where their
resume writing and interview skills were put to
the test. They gathered extensive
information on many possible opportunities for
employment, including the armed services and
in-school government jobs.
The
PeaceMakers also researched other cultures and
countries from around the world, expanding
their knowledge base and their horizons by
giving presentations on a previously unfamiliar
culture and sampling delicious native foods.
Art projects such as collages and
goal boxes, along with weekly arts, music and
visual arts classes at the DC Sitar Arts Center
showcased the talent and vision of the youth
who are ready to return to their high schools
this fall with leadership skills, new-found
respect for others and a sense of belonging to
a community that will serve them well.