IDEA gearing up for Bosnia and Herzegovina Youth Leadership Program

On March 26th, eighteen students and three teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina will arrive in Salem, Oregon for the Bosnia and Herzegovina Youth Leadership Program. When the participants depart on April 20th, they will leave with a more complete understanding of civic participation and the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. Applicants for this program are currently being reviewed, and participants will be announced on February 15th.

Hosted by IDEA, Willamette University, and the U.S. Department of State, the program explores the meaning behind democratic citizenship through the three-week Civic Education and Leadership Institute at Willamette University, local community service projects, and visits to local high-schools. In addition, site-seeing will also be a part of the curriculum with trips to local museums and attractions, and a visit to the national capital in Washington, DC!

During their stay, participants will actively engage with the community of Salem. They will reside with local host families throughout the program, which are now in the selection process. Students and teachers will attend classes and workshops during the institute at Willamette University, which is located just across the street from Oregon's capital building and near state, county, and local civic centers. IDEA is also in the process of working with local non-profit agencies to organize service projects for the participants, as well as collaborating with local high-schools where participants will engage in debate events and visit with other high-school students.

For more information on the Bosnia and Herzegovina Youth Leadership Program, visit the program's website.