Ask a student who has attended a Global Youth Forum (GYF) in the past about an aspect they most enjoyed and many will mention the International Student Panel (ISP). Students who serve on the ISP come from all parts of the world. If you are interested in being a part of the ISP, contact Sarah Houston at youthdirector@ptpi.org.
A special session during the GYF gives all of the delegates the chance to hear about daily life in other countries, to hear unique insights on world events, to ask questions, and to gain a better understanding of the similarities that tie all of us together, regardless of nationality.
Full and partial-tuition scholarships for the Global Youth Forum are available. Applicants should submit their applications no later than July 5, 2011.
Saiyuri Pillay of South Africa served on the ISP at the 2009 GYF in Washington, DC. Read about her experience:
Saiyuri with Mary Jean Eisenhower at PTPI's 2009 Global Youth Forum
GYF 2009 was the best experience of my life. I made so many new family members that it broke my heart to leave them, but it’s thanks to PTPI that I met them in the first place!
PTPI and GYF changed me as a person – for the better. In November, in Washington, I learnt the value of humanity, of diverse human culture, and I learnt that despite our different countries and our different continents, all the inhabitants of our earth are in essence the same – we’re all human, and we need to treat each other as such. I came to GYF with preconceived notions about certain countries and the types of people that lived there – and I left with my heart full of love and understanding about the depths of humanity and the similarities we all share. I’ve learnt that physical language is a tiny barrier – the human language is universal.
I learnt a tremendous amount about the value of appreciating each individual for who they are. The people I met at GYF all had similar stories to share – GYF is the one place that youth with a common vision to spread Peace through Understanding throughout the world. It’s where we can meet, relate, develop, love and care. GYF is so much more than just a conference for youth – it’s a life-changing, perspective-altering, mind-blowing gathering of amazing people that are out to change the world.
After just five days with the amazing GYF leaders and staff, and the fabulous and enthusiastic GYFers, I knew my life would never be the same again. Thanks to PTPI, I’ve developed a passion for humanity. I remember thinking on the last day, as I had to say goodbye to the new members of my heart, amidst tears, sobs and desperate last hugs, that this was an experience that left me speechless. GYF is an amazing opportunity that I would encourage any young person to go on – and I can guarantee that they will not return home the same person.
-Saiyuri Pillay
You can contribute to the development of empowered, global-thinking future leaders by financially supporting the Global Youth Forum. Your donation will allow more students to attend this important conference. Your donation is an investment in the future. Donate today at www.ptpi.org. Please note that your donation is for the GYF.
To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org