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Delaware Chapter Events
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On the Scene: Nepal - Edge of Seven
April 13, 2011
On Wednesday April 13th. Erin Guttenplan, founder of Edge of Seven, spoke to an intimate audience of PTPDE members and the general public regarding her organizations ongoing development work in Nepal. In 2010, Edge of Seven sent 36 volunteers and $40K in funds to support infrastructure projects in rural Nepal. They are currently building a boarding house where there are currently no housing options for young women wishing to attend the University in Nepal. The dorm will house 40 girls who come from rural areas where higher education is not accessible.
Erin Guttenplan founded Edge of Seven for two reasons. 1) To provide financial and volunteer support to projects that would empower girls in
developing countries. And 2) To encourage Americans to get out and see the world, and realize that they were capable of effecting change within it. People to People Delaware was enthusiastic about hosting this program. Our mission to bridge international barriers and promote peace is certainly mirrored in the work of groups such as Edge of Seven.
>> Photos of the Event
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Families of the World: Kenya
April 8, 2011
Sixty Girl Scouts enjoyed learning about Kenya on April 8th at the Chesapeake Bay Girl Scouts Headquarters. TanzAmer Productions came and taught a great song and dance that the girls loved! The girls learned about the woman in Kenya who make Kazuri beads to earn extra money. Then, they made bead necklaces to take home and wear.
>> Photos of the Event
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Multicultural Performances and Murals Exhibit
April 3, 2011
The Delaware Chapter of People To People International held its 4th annual Multi cultural Event at Cokesbury Village on Sunday, April 3,2011. It featured student Irish Dancers from the McAleer school of Irish dancing under the supervision of Veronica McAleer. The young dancers performed 9 very colorful and energetic Irish step dances.
It also featured Middle Eastern Oriental Dancing by Lynne Van Hauter (Amany) who is a native Delawarean dancer and dance teacher. Amany participated in previous similar programs.
Madhavi Ratnagiri did solo a number of great and very colorful Indian classical dances from the South of India after explaining to the audience the meanings of the various gestures in her dances. Madhavi is also a choreographer and teacher of Classical Indian dancing.
The Wilmington Children's Chorus, a project of Cityfest Inc topped the program with several songs in local South African and Ghanian dialects which earned the appreciation of the audience.
The quality of the performances was excellent and if the success of an event like this is measured by the number of attendees, then this year's program was among the best we had as it was attended by more that 200 people.
Again, our thanks go to Cokesbury Village represented by Theresa Duffy who was indispensable to the success of the program.
Fourteen murals were on display from students around the world as part of the People to People International Global Youth Project. Elementary through high school students created representations of Peace. Our exhibit included works from Egypt, Poland, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Croatia, Romania and the United States ((FL, IA, MO and CA).
>> Photos of the Event
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Ambassador Shapiro at Widener Law School
March 3, 2011
PTPDE arranged for the third visit to our community by Ambassador Charles Shapiro, Senior Advisor for Economic Initiatives, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. State Department as part of our effort to familiarize us about foreign policy and international affairs around the world.
The March 3 series of presentations included three classes at Concord High School where 81 students had the chance to learn about the workings of our Embassies and Foreign Policy development as well as the particulars of the Western Hemisphere. Ambassador Shapiro also addressed a combination of staff and students and PTPDE members, a total of 23, at the Widener University Law School on micro and macro economic considerations in the Western Hemisphere with special comments about the booming economies of Latin America, the growing importance of Canadian imports of petroleum products to the United States and the need to include lower economic levels of populations in the financial mechanisms in their countries (borrowing).
>> Photos of the Event
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PTPDE Exhibits Murals at Widener University Law School
February 21 , 2011
Murals from around the world were exhibited at Widener University Law School during its February 21st Diversity Week program. The murals were on loan from PTPI Kansas City who sponsors the Global Youth Murals program annually. Murals will also be available for viewing during the April 3 Multicultural Event at Cokesbury Village. More information is available at http://www.ptpi.org/programs/SchoolClassProjMurals.aspx
>> Photos of the Event
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Families of the World: Guatemala
November 19, 2010
Girl Scouts Newark Resource Center, Newark, DE
On November 19, 2010, PTPDE and Harmony Weavers Guild presented a program for Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay for about 80 people.
The 60 Scouts who participated had an opportunity to try spinning wool, experience the magic of dying with Kool-Aid, and learn how a weaving loom works. They also rolled out their first delicious tortillas, saw them fried, and enjoyed them with various toppings. The program included "Families of Guatemala", a 30-minute video which takes viewers into the lives of a typical urban and rural Guatemalan family.
We heard many positive comments about Harmony Weaver's Guild's textile demonstrations, and we thank Gynnie Moody, Linda Shinn, Karen Scheuler, Karen Evans, Harriet Memenger, Mickey Irr, and Gina Bosworth. Erika Guitierrez spear-headed the tortilla-making activity, including making the dough and frying nearly 100 tortillas, and the Scouts were ably assisted by Jean Raleigh, Mariam Aqueley, Carolyn Raleigh, and Erien Sanchez. Carolyn Raleigh, Ruben Sanchez and Mark Marquisee contributed photography and technical assistance. The program was organized by Georgi Marquisee and Jean Raleigh.
>> Photos of the Event
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Town Meeting: Ireland and Northern Ireland
November 18, 2010
The Pub at Ed Oliver’s Golf Course, Wilmington, DE
Mr. Jason Hackworth, Desk Officer for Ireland and Northern Ireland of the US State Department presented US Foreign Policy in that area followed by a Q and A session that allowed the audience to reach a wide spectrum of issues including: the status of the Northern Ireland peace process and extension to other world areas, the troubled Ireland economy, neighborhood schools, immigration and Unionism vs Nationalism. Mr. Hackworth reviewed the longstanding relationships and cooperation between the United States and Ireland and the high Irish content in the American population.
In addition to the community presentation in the evening, Mr. Hackworth delivered comments to students at Concord High School and to students and faculty of the Widener University School of Law.
>> Photos of the Event
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PTPDE Cultural Insights: Afghanistan and Pakistan
September 16, 2010
Cokesbury Village
Our four panelists,* moderated by Allan Loudell, covered a wide range of social customs and behaviors of the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan and answered an equally broad range of questions from a very interested audience. Topics covered included: tribal societies in the border self-governed region, the concepts of Hospitality, Asylum guarantees, Justice and Revenge, Dignity/Honor/Face Saving, and Honor for Women. With excerpts from Sadika’s Way, further items included preference for sons, high cost of dowry, arranged marriages, ease and convenience of the veil and Hijab, and segregation of the sexes. Social changes are underway as a result of modern communication.
Questions raised from the audience included the future role of women, unification of tribal elements, development of durable civil infrastructure, justice systems in the region, and schooling options including Madrasahs.
*Nasim Hassan, Hina Haq, Saleem Khan, and Nazir Nisar
>> Photos of the Event
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Delaware Chapter Student Ambassador Welcome Home Picnic
August 15 , 2010
Lum's Pond
The annual Welcome Back Picnic for students traveling on the 2010 Student Ambassador travel program was held at Lum's Pond State Park on Sunday August 15. About 85 students, family members, teacher/leaders, and Delaware Chapter members were present. The never ending rain did not dampen the fun-loving students in our covered pavilion. (See photos)
All together, 120 students from Delaware and nearby states went on this summer’s program, which ranks Delaware among the leaders in student travel participation. Already students and parents are beginning to ask about next year’s programs.
The 2011 travel program will start with introductory meetings by Mr. Paul Chapin, our geographical regional coordinator on October 4 and 6, 2010 in Dover and continue on October 7 and 9 at Arsht Hall, part of the University of Delaware, in Wilmington. Following these meetings, interviews will be held with prospective students who are considering traveling in the summer of 2011 by teacher/leaders in various to be determined locations in Dover and Wilmington.
The Delaware Chapter assists with information about the program, helps with student interviews, provides a scholarship to a deserving student and hosts the annual welcome home picnic.
>> Photos of the Event
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University Hosting Reception
July 28, 2010
Timothy's at the Wilmington Riverfront was the scene for a University Hosting reception for students from many countries (Rwanda, South Africa, East Timor, Mauritania, Haiti, Angola and Venezuela) who are attending the English Language Institute of the University of Delaware. They are part of a language and leadership program sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Following a casual dinner, the students shared their impressions of their first visit to the United States. Overall they enjoyed our country and our state very much. Some had some difficulties with our food, but they were getting adjusted. They appreciated our friendliness and hospitality. They selected books from the Chapter’s Books for Overseas Youth program for use with young students of English in their home countries. They also had a chance to celebrate birthdays in a variety of languages.
>> Photos of the Event
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Chapter Annual Meeting and Program:
Meeting People and Cultures through Travel and Photography
June 10, 2010
Hilton Christiana Hotel
The Chapter's Annual Meeting including elections focused on the election of Directors of the Board and Review of the 2009-2010 program year. Three members, Henry Beckler, Georgi Marquisee and Jean Raleigh, received a PTPI Certificate of Appreciation Award from Karen Hoch. Karen, the Director of PTPI’s Americas Region, is based in Kansas City and presented the Awards signed by PTPI’s President Mary Jean Eisenhower. Annual elections focused on reelecting a number of Board members as well as electing six new members to the Board.
Following the Annual Meeting, four members of the Delaware Photographic Society gave an outstanding presentation about the people and the cultures that they met while traveling in China, Ethiopia, India and Turkey through their photographic work and accompanying vignettes.
>> Photos of the Event
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University Hosting Reception
June 1, 2010
Timothy's at the Wilmington Riverfront was the scene for a University
Hosting reception for students from many countries (Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar,
Rwanda, Dominican Republic, Venezuela) who are attending the English
Language Institute of the University of Delaware. They are part of a
language and leadership program sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
Following a casual dinner, the students shared their impressions of their
first visit to the United States. Overall they enjoyed our country and our
state very much. Some had some difficulties with our food, but they were
getting adjusted. They appreciated our friendliness and hospitality, our
courtesy and our attention to time schedules. Most commented how they liked
the educational system where students and faculty can interact very freely.
>> Photos of the Event
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PTPDE People Helping People Award Event
May 13, 2010
Delaware National Country Club
The Annual People Helping People Award was given to Joyce Tannian, founder of Water Is Life- Kenya. She gave a slide representation showing the people and the communities that are benefiting from her project’s work to bring fresh and safe water to several small communities and schools through wells, storage, rainwater collection and pipelines.
The keynote address was given by Christopher MacCormac, Resident Director General of the Asian Development Bank. Chris explained the role of the United States in forming and sustaining the organization. An important part of the ADB plan is to assist Asian developing countries to improve sustainable water and waste management projects.
It was interesting to see the common benefits of the WILK and ADB projects in the form of the health and economic well being of target communities.
>> Photos of the Event
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PTPDE University Hosting & Reception
May 4, 2010
About thirty people, all together, participated in an informal dinner reception for fifteen international students who are studying English and Leadership at the University of Delaware’s English Language Institute. The fifteen students, from seven countries, came as part of a US State Department program, and the Delaware Chapter had the pleasure to meet them and learn about their visit experiences. All were impressed with the kindness and the hospitality that people from our local area and other cities showed them during their stay. And we were impressed with their language skills and the interest that they showed in America.
>> Photos of the Event
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Families of the World: Egypt
April 23, 2010
This interactive program was held at the Chesapeake Bay Girl Scouts Headquarters in Newark on April 23rd. Dr. Maged Fawzi, Gail Pennington, Odette and Aref Aref, Georgi Marquisee, and Jean Raleigh created a fun event for about 45 Girl Scouts, parents, leaders, and other family members.
The PTPI poster from an Egyptian student was displayed and mentioned; the children had their names written in Arabic; masks, necklaces and headbands like ancient Egyptians were created and the girls learned dances from upper Egypt lead by Gail Pennington. Everyone enjoyed the food and lemonade that Egyptians still eat throughout their country.
>> Photos of the Event
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Governor Markell meets Delaware Student Ambassadors
April 22, 2010
After passing through security we were directed upstairs and waited to go in and see the Governor.
The Governor came out of his office to welcome us. He ushered us in and asked questions of the delegates about their schools, their previous travels and other topics. He then shared his own personal experiences of having traveled to Australia and many of the places that we were going to be going,
He then entertained questions and the delegates stepped up to the plate with a round of questions for him. For example; what is the best part of his job and what is the worst part? We also presented him with a People to People Leader shirt. (Our delegation received theirs early because of this visit and I gave him mine)
After about 20 minutes his next appointment had arrived and we had to leave. We then went in to the House chambers where we watched a resolution pass conveying sympathies to the people of Poland from the residents of Delaware on the loss of their President.
All in all in was brief but very educational. I will be sending a formal invitation to the scheduling secretary for the August picnic. I did extend a verbal invitation and he seemed interested in the possibility of attending.
Gary Duren, Teacher Leader
>> Photos of the Event
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Chinese Classical Music Concert: Silk & Bamboo
March 19, 2010
PTPDE Chapter members hosted several overnight musician guests as part of
the Chapter's support for the Hanlin Chinese Cultural Arts presentation of
Silk and Bamboo with performers from Taiwan's Chai Found Music Workshop.
During the March 19, 2010 presentation of musical pieces, director Mr. Lin
Hui-Kuan explained the origin of the classical instruments. Chai Found made
its second appearance in Wilmington, having been here two years ago. This
year it performed at the Cab Calloway School of the Arts, and the school's
faculty and students complemented the evening program with various art and
dance activities during the day and evening.
>> Photos of the Event
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PTPI Global Youth Murals on Tour
April 8, 2010
April 8 marked the opening exhibit of a collection of student works of art
from PTPI's Global Mural Youth project which was held at Widener
University's School of Law. Additional exhibits with varying numbers of
murals will be at the Cab Calloway School of the Arts and Cokesbury Village.
The initial reception was sponsored by Widener's Student Bar association and
the exhibit showed a wide range of murals from students in Russia,
Lithuania, Malta and Mexico to name a few. The threads in common were the
the participation of youths from all over the world and the theme on Peace
through Understanding in one way or another.
>> Photos of the Event
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Multicultural Performance and Art Program
April 11, 2010
The third annual Multicultural Event took place in the auditorium of Cokesbury Village with about 135 attendees enjoying a broad spectrum of the
cultures that our Community has with skills, arts and music. Dancing
performances were Middle East Belly dancing performed by Almaaza and Amany
and Indian Bollywood dancing performed by students of Nisha Punjabi. Ikebana
flower arranging was explained and exhibited by the Philadelphia Chapter of
Ikebana International. Origami paper folding was demonstrated by Raatul
Gupta. And the Klezmer band of Temple Beth El in Newark played a range of
ethnic music selections.
Following the performances, attendees and performers had a chance to
interact and further explore backgrounds and enjoy some light refreshments.
>> Photos of the Event
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On the Scene - Haiti - Delaware's Participation
March
18, 2010
In an
inspirational but sometimes
sobering evening with Delaware
personnel who traveled to Jocmel,
Haiti to assist in medical
efforts to the Haitian people,
all who attended were inspired
by the words of Rose Valmond,
Beth Miller, Jean-Gerald
Delinois, Susan Kaye, and Ingrid
Agard. All participated in
unique ways to the Haitian
people after the earthquake in
January, 2010. We are deeply
indebted to them for their
volunteer service to humanity.
About 75 people
attended the program entitled,
On the Scene: Haiti, Delaware's
Participation, at Cokesbury
Village in Hockessin on March
18, 2010. A member of PTP
Delaware Chapter Advisory Board,
Dr. Saleem Khan, read a poem,
The Big Earthquake Hits Haiti,
which he wrote for the evening's
dedicated audience.
>> Photos of the Event
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State Department: Town Meeting on South Africa
February 25, 2010
Press Release
Ms. Margaret B.
Diop, Senior South Africa Desk
Officer, Bureau of African
Affairs, U. S. Department of
State, spoke at three venues on
February 25, 2010 at the request
of the Delaware Chapter of PTPI
and the World Trade Center
Delaware.
First, she spoke
to two senior classes at Concord
High School (19 and 25 attended
each class), a luncheon group at
Widener University School of Law
(25 attended), and then to the
community at Cokesbury Village
(50 attended). All attendees
were highly complimentary of her
addresses.
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Families of the World: CHINA
Friday, November 13, 2009
7:00 – 8:30 pm.
at
Chesapeake Bay Girl Scouts, Newark
Resource Center
501 South College Ave, Newark, DE
>> Photos of the Event
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TOWN MEETING /U.S. FOREIGN POLICY
FORUM
Co-Sponsored by
People to People International
(Delaware Chapter)
World Trade Center Delaware
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 7:00pm
Ambassador Charles Shapiro spoke to
several groups in Wilmington on
November 10 at the request of People
to People International, Delaware
Chapter and the World Trade Center
Delaware. His topics raised very
high interest from the students of
Brandywine and Concord High Schools.
One student, following his
presentation, contained the
following in a note to him " the
work you do is of great service to
our wonderful country and it will
inspire many future ambassadors."
In addition to these high schools,
Ambassador Shapiro spoke at the
Widener University School of Law and
to an evening gathering. About 180
persons attended these events.
Our organizations believe that
hosting such State Department
speakers inspires, as well as
educates, our general community on
people of different cultures and
countries.
Charles
Shapiro is the Senior Advisor for
Economic Initiatives, Bureau of
Western Hemisphere Affairs, US
Department of State
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Reception
and Dinner for the Benefit Of
Power Up Gambia
and
PTPDE 25th Anniversary Gala
Saturday, October 17, 2009
6:00 pm
Wilmington Country Club
letter of
Appreciation from the Gambian
Ambassador
The
October 17, 2009 Delaware Chapter’s
25th Anniversary
Celebration featured a salute to the
Chapter’s Charter members and
recognized the organization Power Up
Gambia (PUG) for its service to a
community in The Gambia. About 125
attendees enjoyed a reception
preceding Welcoming Comments by Anna
White, event Co-Chair. Chapter
President Ed Tucker followed with
congratulations to early members of
the Chapter’s origin for their
vision in moving forward with People
to People International in our area.
After
dinner, Kathryn Cunningham Hall was
presented with the Chapter’s
International Community Award for
founding PUG and following through
beyond expectations with the
completion of a solar
electrification object for the
Junkung Sulayman General Hospital in
The Gambia. Carla Stone, event
Co-Chair, gave the introductory
comments and made the Award. Kathryn
Hall presented a slide show to
demonstrate the project and its
effects on the community. She also
dipped into the future with plans
for an additional project. Mr.
Badgie, Executive Director of the
Hospital, attested to the
outstanding work and thanked the PUG
and our community for its assistance
in helping the hospital provide
vital services to his community.
Proceeds from the dinner will be
given to PUG to help with future
projects.
Ambassador Susan Waffa-Ogoo,
representing The Gambia in the
United Nations, gave the Keynote
Address and provided a wonderful
opportunity to learn more about her
people and country. She was
presented with a flag of the State
of Delaware.
Additionally, around the room were
artifacts from The Gambia, a replica
of the hospital that had been
constructed by students for the
Sanford School and a book-signing
table for Homa Tavangar’s “Growing
Up Global” with proceeds going to
PUG. During the evening a collage of
recent Chapter event photos was
displayed by digital projection
showing the myriad of activities in
which the chapter is engaged.
The
event was the culmination of many
months of hard work by the Chapter
in planning and carrying out the
event through the many stages of
developing, inviting, publicizing,
decorating, tracking and on and on.
All those who helped in conducting
the event in so many ways are to be
congratulated for a job very well
done. Thanks are also extended to
the members of Power Up Gambia and
other supporters in the community
who helped to attract the attendees.
>> Photos of the Event
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Circle Of International
Understanding - Pakistan
Discussion With Hina Haq (Author
Of Sadika's Way)
Sunday
October 18, 2009 5:00 pm.
>> Photos Of the Event
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Student Ambassador Picnic
Sunday,
August 23, 2009
2:00pm
Lums Pond State Park
Bear, Delaware
The annual Welcome Home
picnic for Delaware Students who traveled during the
2009 summer on the People to People International's
Student Ambassador Program was held on August 23, 2009
at Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware. About 37 of
the 107 Delaware students who participated in the
program attended this fun-filled event. Total attendance
was about 140 including parents, friends, family,
members of the Delaware Chapter Board of Directors, and
delegation leaders who accompanied the students.
Many interesting and humorous stories were told by
students and delegation leaders of their summer's
travels. Seven student groups traveled to China,
Australia, Northern Europe, and Central/Eastern Europe
on this program.
Preparations are underway for the introduction of the
2010 travel program. In late September introductory
presentations will be held in Wilmington and Dover for
interested students and parents. These assemblies will
be followed by individual student interviews by local
delegation leaders. Members of the Delaware Chapter will
assist in these student interviews whenever possible.
» Photos of the Event
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Meet The
Royal Thai Scholors From Thailand
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
6:30pm
Timothy's Restaurant at the
Riverfront
930 Justinson St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
PTPDE
offered a casual dinner reception at
Timothy’s at the Riverfront to 22
Royal Thai Scholars. They have been
selected by their government for
this program which gives them their
scholarship with the understanding
that they must return to work for a
period of time in their chosen
fields. The students are temporarily
studying at the English Language
Institute at the University of
Delaware before heading off to our
top U.S. universities to obtain
their masters and/or PhDs in
Astronomy, Atmosphere, Business,
Engineering, Law, Medicine, Computer
Graphics, Biochemistry, Education,
Food Science, etc. They are going to
UNC, UVA, Johns Hopkins, Penn State,
U. PA, Rutgers, Amherst, Columbia,
etc. etc.
They have been joined by 23 Delaware
Chapter members and friends.
Table discussions included sharing
information on expectation, studies,
home life etc. Also addresses were
shared to try to stay in contact.
They are all delightful, bright, and
very happy to be in the USA and many
are pretty fluent in English but
some have a heavy Thai accent.
Happy Birthday songs in several
languages treated those that
celebrated birthdays in July and
August
PTPDE wished them good luck.
» Photos of the Event
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Circles of Understanding: Mexico
Hockessin Library, 1023 Valley
Road
Hockessin, Delaware
Meet with People To People to casually
discuss education, arts, music, languages, history, literature, manners,
rituals, religions, foods, crops, imports, exports, entertainment, and
politics.
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PTP DE Meet the Muskie Fellows
Timothy’s at the Riverfront
Wilmington, Delaware
About a dozen graduate students from Eurasia visiting
the United States under the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate
Fellowship Program joined an equal number of Delaware
Chapter members at a casual dinner reception on July 14
at Timothy’s at the Riverfront. The students are
temporarily studying at the English Language Institute
at the University of Delaware before heading off to
various schools across our country from Alabama to
Wyoming. They themselves come from across their region
including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Table
discussions included sharing information on expectation,
studies, home life etc. Also addresses were shared to
try to stay in contact. Happy Birthday songs in several
languages treated those that celebrated birthdays in
July and August. Joe Przywara was thoughtful in
providing the students with road maps to help them find
their way to their respective destinations. We wished
them good luck as they pursue advanced degrees in such
subjects as Public Administration, Education, Public
Health, Business and International Affairs.
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Photos of the Event
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2009 Annual Meeting &
Program
The Hilton Christiana
Newark, Delaware
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The Annual Meeting was held on June 30th at The
Christiana Hilton Hotel. The evening began with a dinner
attended by Board members, Pacesetters, members and
guests. Following dinner, a brief Chapter business
meeting was held to present/confirm the nominating slate
for new and returning Board of Directors, to elect
Officers for the coming year including a President
Elect, Secretary and Treasurer and to announce the
formation of an Advisory Board. Co-presidents Jean
Raleigh and Georgi Marquisee gave a graphic Power Point presentation with the
year’s many highlights and accomplishments.
This year's “People Helping
People” Award was presented to Mr. Allen Loudell,
a News Anchor / Interviewer host on 1150 AM WDEL.
Mr. Loudell is being recognized for his efforts to bring
international news and insights to the Delaware
community through his nationally acclaimed reporting and
volunteer services as a panel moderator.
Certificates of
Appreciation were presented to the immediate past
presidents
Georgi Marquisee and Jean Raleigh for their
outstanding leadership and contributions to the Delaware
Chapter, as well as for their support of People to People International .
The People To People International's Best Chapter
Website Award was presented to webhosts Carolyn
Raleigh and Joost van Boekhold, and another
award for Chapter Membership for over 50 members
was presented to Bahareh Z. van Boekhold.
This year's Student Ambassador Scholarship grant of
$4,000 was awarded to Tyler Justice, a senior at
Sussex Technical High School. Unfortunately Tyler
could not attend the meeting, simply because he already
travelled abroad with many other students from Delaware.
Our First State is also first, with the largest contengy
from the United States that travels abroad to Europe,
China, and Australia.
The Annual Program featured Ms. Rana Abtar,
Congressional Correspondent with Alhurra Television.
Ms. Abtar’s reporting has been a cornerstone of
Alhurra’s coverage of Washington and explaining U.S.
foreign policy in the Middle East. As Alhurra’s
Congressional Correspondent, Ms. Abtar covers all
Congressional activities and events, and provides daily
live updates for newscast on three networks: Alhurra,
Alhurra-Iraq, and Alhurra-Europe. Her lively
presentation and the active Q and A that followed
rounded out the program very nicely.
»
PROGRAM
»
2009 ANNUAL REPORT |
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Music & Dance:
A Multi-Cultural Program
Cokesbury Village
Hockessin, Delaware
|
On Sunday afternoon, April 26, 2009, more than 175
people enjoyed performances from four countries in a
Multicultural Program conducted by the Delaware Chapter
of People to People International. Attendees included
residents of the Cokesbury Village living group,
performers and their family members, PTP Delaware
Chapter members and the community at large. The atrium
stage area of the Chapter’s partner Cokesbury Village in
Hockessin was the venue for the second such program.
Last year’s event featured China, Kenya and the
Philippines.
This year’s program included vocals and drums from
Korea, accordion music from Belgium and France, still
pan drums musical arrangements from Trinidad and Tobago
and dancing from different segments of Indonesia.
The program provided a great opportunity for the local
community to share their cultural heritages with each
other through the enjoyment of music and dance and
informal discussions and international refreshments
immediately following the program. The objective of this
program is to offer an international program that can be
shared by a wide range of age level for and by members
of our general community.
The Chapter is indebted to the performers: the Delaware
Korean United Methodist Church, Francois Hricak- a
member of the Delaware Accordion Club, C and C Sounds
and the Indonesian Cultural Club of Delaware. |
»
Photos of the Event
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Town Meeting: U.S.
Foreign Policy Forum
Iraq: Looking Forward
Delaware
 Ambassador
David Satterfield visited Wilmington, Delaware
again on March 12 and 13 following his latest assignment
with the State Department in Baghdad where he was second
in command at the embassy as Senior Advisor to the US
Secretary of State and Coordinator for Iraq. He served
in Iraq from 2005 to February, 2009. Ambassador
Satterfield has been a frequent guest of the Delaware
Chapter of People to People International and the World
Trade Center Delaware.
He spoke to four Wilmington audiences, one at Cokesbury
Village, two at Concord High School, and one at The
Widener University School of Law. Total attendance
exceeded 300. His words were encouraging about the
future of Iraq due to the Iraqis' willingness and
capability to govern themselves.
Ambassador Satterfield will be leaving the foreign
service of the State Department in May and moving to
Rome where he will be involved as the director general
of an international peacekeeping organization for Middle
East peace, a subject for which he has devoted most of
his 32 years with the State Department. We wish him the
very best.
Carl Hutter
Program Committee
Delaware Chapter
.................................................................................................................................................................
ON THE SCENE:
Behind my lens… ASIA
Hockessin, Delaware
On November 21, Professional photographer/ecologist
Lloyd Raleigh presented behind-the-scenes views on
environmental, sociological and religious aspects of
countries he visited in his 3-1/2 years journey through
Asia from Hong Kong to Turkey. The talk was co-sponsored
by People to People Delaware Chapter and the Delaware
Nature Society and was held at the Ashland Nature
Center.
»
Photos of the Event
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Town Meeting: U.S.
Foreign Policy Forum
U.S. Policy in Africa: Theory & Practice
Newark, Delaware &
Wilmington, Delaware
People To People Delaware Chapter together with Widner
University, Delaware Technical Community College, and
Concord High School held this Town Meeting. Dr.
Daniel Whitman, Deputy Director for the Office of
Public Diplomacy, and currently assigned to the Bureau
of African Affairs, held question and answer sessions at
Widner and Delaware Tech.
»
Photos of the Event
.................................................................................................................................................................
Families of the World:
Sweden
Newark, Delaware
In November, People To People Delaware Chapter and the
Chesapeake Bay Girl Scouts worked together to bring
another experience of Families of the World: Sweden. The Girl Scouts
also watched a video produced by New Sweden Centre on
the coming of the Swedes to the new world. The
video is available through the Centre, which also offers
presentations to schools.
After the video presentation lanterns were crafted to
use in the Festival of Lights procession
that ended another great educational event.
We thank you for coming and enjoy the photos!
»
Photos of the Event
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Families of the World:
India
Delaware Tech Stanton
Campus
Newark, Delaware
On November 1st we partnered with the IndoAmerican
Association and the
Diversity Club of Delaware Tech to offer a
Families of the World: India experience at the
Delaware Technical and Community College, Stanton
Campus.
The families enjoyed the film, the games, the prizes,
the dances, and the Indian foods.
»
Photos of the Event
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COU: Taiwan
Wilmington, Delaware
"Those who know no culture other than their own
cannot know their own."
This is the theme of the Delaware Chapter's ongoing
series of 'CIRCLES OF
UNDERSTANDING'. Country specific, each
program features native born and educated discussion
leaders with known expertise. Each "Circle" is held in
the intimate setting of a chapter member's home, an
atmosphere conducive to open discussion and
understanding. The Delaware Chapter of People to People
International's October 15 and November 5
"Circles" focused on TAIWAN. Held at the residence of
Chapter Founder Kathleen M. Meyer, the two hour program
featured three discussion leaders: Yumin Fu, Officer,
Counselor Division of Taiwan's mission to Washington
known as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the
United States (TECRO), Taini Hsu, Founder and President
of the Hanlin Chinese Cultural Association, and Juliet
Hsiao, former Chairperson of the Chinese American
Community Center. The evening program featured an
authetic Taiwan Tea Ceremony conducted by Taini Hsu.
Each participant received extensive literature and DVD's
on Taiwan courtesy of TECRO.
»
Photos of the Event
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Teachers from
Korea and Latin American Professionals
Timothy's on the
Riverfront
Wilmington, Delaware
The English Language Institute of the University of
Delaware and People To People, Delaware Chapter partnered
to host 10 teachers of English from Korea and 8
Professionals from Latin America for a pleasant dinner at the
Wilmington's riverfront with 15 PTPDE members/guests.
For photos of the dinner please click links below.
»
Photos of the Event
Hosting the Danes
From September 6 to 9 members of People to People
Delaware Chapter hosted 17 People to People
International members from Denmark. A total of 9
home-stays were offered with our members and together
they visited various touristic sites and cultural events
in the Delaware Valley. The Danes' visit proved to be a
delightful start to renewed Chapter hosting activities.
»
Photos of the Event
Hosting Italian Teachers
Sonja and Marina are two teachers from Italy who spent
ten days this August staying at three different homes in
the Wilmington area and nearby Pennsylvania. This is
PTPDE's first hosting event in recent years in
partnership with PTPI.
»
Photos of the Event
Student Ambassadors’
Welcome Home Picnic
Lums
Pond State Park
Bear, Delaware
A welcome home picnic was held on August 17 at Lums Pond
State Park for the 130 Delaware students and their 16
delegate leaders who traveled abroad this summer on the
annual Student Ambassador Program. About 27 students
attended; 6 leaders also attended. The total turnout was
over 100 persons when families of the students and
Delaware Chapter members are included.
»
Photos of the Event
Teachers of
English from Jordan and Morocco and
Korean Government Officials
Deerfield Golf and
Tennis Club
Newark, Delaware
The English Language Institute of the University of
Delaware and People To People Delaware Chapter partnered
to host teachers of English from Jordan and
Morocco as well as visiting government officials from
Korea on July 29th at the Deerfield Golf and Tennis
Club near Newark.
»
Photos of the Event
Teachers of
English from Egypt
Deerfield Golf and
Tennis Club
Newark, Delaware
The English Language Institute of the University of
Delaware and People To People Delaware Chapter partnered
to host teachers of English and other professionals from
Egypt on July 9th at the Deerfield Golf and Tennis
Club near Newark.
»
Photos of the Event
Annual Meeting &
Program
Newark, Delaware
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The Annual Meeting was held on June 19th at The
Christiana Hilton Hotel. The evening began with a dinner
attended by 44 Board members, Pacesetters, members and
guests. Following dinner, a brief Chapter business
meeting was held to present/confirm the nominating slate
for new and returning Board of Directors, to elect
Officers for the coming year including a President
Elect, Secretary and Treasurer and to announce the
formation of an Advisory Board. Co-president Jean
Raleigh gave a graphic Power Point presentation with the
year’s many highlights and accomplishments.
Prior to the start of the program, the “People Helping
People” Award was presented to Dr. John Levinson,
a Delawarean who was highly involved in bringing medical
innovations to Asia, taught surgery and worked in small
jungle hospitals in Vietnam and established the group
“Volunteer Physicians for Vietnam.” Certificates of
Appreciation were presented to PTP Board members
Rebecca Faber and Anna White for their
tireless support of People to People International and
contributions to the Delaware Chapter. Other
Awards/Certificates were presented to Student Ambassador
Scholarship winners – Michael A. Golt, Jr. and
Carolyn Hart.
This was followed by “Delaware Nurses Go Global for
Children” featuring
Ms. Dawn R. Culp, RN, a volunteer with
Operation Smile working in the pre-op and post-op
setting with children from around the world. Among the
countries she served are Cambodia, India, Kenya,
Philippines, Bangladesh, Honduras and Russia. She shared
on-the-scene
photos and the joys of the children and the
families that she and other volunteers of Operation
Smile have helped through vital operations to correct
facial deformities that are often the result of endemic
malnutrition that is prevalent in many third-world
countries. Dawn is one of ten Delawareans who provide
the medical support that brings new life and
opportunities to so many young patients.
»
PROGRAM
»
2008 ANNUAL REPORT |
»
Photos of the Event
COU: The Netherlands
Landenberg, Pennsylvania
On May 25, another Circles of Understanding was held,
this time at the club house of The Estates of
Harrogate. This particular program on the
Netherlands was hosted by Joost van Boekhold, who
answered a variety of questions ranging from the Dutch
multi-party political system to student life, as well as
medical insurance and taxes. Also, current
national affairs about immigration and environmental
sustainability were among many of the topics discussed.
The objective of this program and People to People is to
offer the opportunity to better understand people of
other countries, and thereby promoting peace through
understanding.
»
Photos of the Event
Town Meeting:
U.S. Foreign Policy
Western Hemisphere
Wilmington, Delaware
The Town Meeting held on May 15 at the Ed Oliver House
featured the Western Hemisphere. Guest speaker was
Ambassador Charles Shapiro. The event was
co-sponsored by The World Trade Center Delaware.
»
Photos of the Event
Town Meeting: U.S. Foreign Policy
Central and South Asia
Wilmington, Delaware
This first Town Meeting in the Spring 2008 series on
U.S. Foreign Policy organized by People to People
Delaware Chapter and The World Trade Center Delaware
features was held at the Ed Oliver House (formerly The
Terrace at Greenhill). At this program Neil
Kromash discussed Central and South Asia with a focus on
Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Issues.
»
Photos of the Event
COU: Israel
Wilmington, Delaware
On April 13, SyouSyou and Ed Tucker hosted at their home
a discussion group, Circles of Understanding, part of a
series that the People to People International Delaware
Chapter has been conducting to allow participants to get
a deeper understanding of the culture of a focus
country. This session was on Israel, and the discussion
was led by Anat Shteinberg, the sheliach
(emissary) from Israel working with the Jewish
Federation of Delaware. A dozen Chapter members joined
the group. The questions raised were often provocative
touching areas such as concern for equitable
distribution of water rights, population growth
including both immigration and emigration, US aid to
Israel, a two-state solution and respect for residency
of both Jews and non-Jews and media bias and misleading
story lines. Anat was able to provide background on the
many issues and helped the group discuss the different
aspects of each. In addition to the discussion, the
participants enjoyed a delicious meal. These programs
are very much in keeping with the objectives of People
of People International whose motto is Peace through
Understanding.
»
Photos of the Event
Music & Dance:
A Multi-Cultural Program
Cokesbury Village
Hockessin, Delaware
People To People Delaware Chapter in partnership with
Cokesbury Village brought to the community three
unique performing groups, all located in the Delaware
Valley. About 200 attendees virtually surrounded the
performance area and even viewed from the upper balcony
of the Cokesbury Village atrium as performers from China
(JASMINE DANCE TROUPE), the Philippines
(PILIPINO-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE) and East
Africa (ANGAZA SHARON SDA CHOIR), mainly Kenya, provided
a stunning display of colorful ethnic dances and gospel
singing. The effect on the mutigenerational audience was
wonderful, and guests and performers mingled following
the performances to enjoy conversation and a variety of
refreshments hosted by Cokesbury and the Philippine
group. The atrium offered a nice warm and bright setting
for the performances despite the cool and bleak weather
outside on this particular Sunday, April 6, 2008. Come back soon for video clips
taken at the program!
»
Photos of the Event
Families of the World:
VIVA
Mexico
Newark Resource Center
Newark, Delaware
On April 5, People To People Delaware Chapter and the
Chesapeake Bay Girl Scouts worked together to bring
another experience of Families of the World: Viva
Mexico. The Girl Scouts played games,
sampled delicious foods, and learned about the lives of
their young counterparts. We had over 50 girls and their
leaders plus a group of Mexican dancers from ages 4 up!
We thank you for coming and enjoy the photos!
»
Photos of the Event
Chai
Found Music Workshop from Taiwan
A MERGER OF TRADITION AND MODERNISM
Archmere Academy
Auditorium
Wilmington, Delaware
People To People Delaware with Hanlin Chinese Culture
Association presented a Chinese Chamber music concert
performed by world class musicians from Taiwan on their
first American East Coast tour. Everybody enjoyed excellent
traditional and contemporary Sizhu music (Chinese
chamber music) performed with six Chinese music
instruments — Erhu, Di, Pipa, Guzheng, Yanqin, and
Ruanxian. This event is proved to be a huge success with
approximately 500 visitors.
»
Photos of the Event
Enhancing Global Understanding
The Ed Oliver House
(formerly The Terrace at Greenhill)
Wilmington, Delaware
On February 7, People To People Delaware Chapter with
World Trade Center invited Carol Cunningham, President
of Cunningham Consulting, to present an interactive
program to learn about about different cultures.
She discussed values, expectations, work ethics, and
communication styles of people from varying cultural and
linguistic backgrounds. When diverse people of
different cultures work together, the differences can
lead to
misunderstandings - some humorous, some dismal, often
reducing understanding.
About 35 people attended this event at the Ed Oliver
House.
»
Photos of the Event
Families of the World:
India
Newark Resource Center
Newark, Delaware
On November 17, People To People Delaware Chapter, the Chesapeake Bay Girl
Scouts and
the Bengali Association of Delaware Valley
offered the experience of Families of the World: India.
The Girl Scouts learned through a young person’s eyes about what it is like to live daily in this interesting
country. There dances, foods, crafts, yoga, and
Arden Media's DVD for about 70 people. Sorry Girls
it took so long for photos to be posted. There are
still more to come, enjoy!
»
Photos of the Event
Teachers of
English from Korea
Deerfield Golf and
Tennis Club
Newark, Delaware
The English Language Institute of the University of
Delaware and People To People Delaware Chapter partnered
to host teachers of English and other professionals from
Korea on November 15th at the Deerfield Golf and Tennis
Club near Newark.
»
Photos of the Event
Human Rights for Persons
with Disabilities in the Global
Arena:
Steven M. Eidelman
Woodlawn Library
Wilmington, Delaware
On October 23, Steven Eidelman was invited to lecture at
the Woodlawn Library were he addressed the issues of
human rights for persons with disabilities in the global
arena.
Romanian Musical Prodigies
First Unitarian Church
Wilmington, Delaware
The concert on October 14th was one of a series of
public international cultural opportunities sponsored by
People to People in collaboration with local
educational, religious and arts organizations. Featured
was a solo by Sinziana Mircea on piano and a duet by
Raluca Stratulat (violin) and Adriana Tocasen
(piano). The recital numbers included pieces by Mozart,
Schubert, Brahms and Bartok.
Click on links below to view
video clips
from the concert!
Circles of International Understanding:
Iran
The Raleigh's Home
Wilmington, Delaware
On September 9th, we featured Iran for our Circles of
International Understanding. This small-group discussion
added greatly to our knowledge about Iran's fascinating
culture and its peoples. Look on our website for more
Circles of International Understanding.
»
Photos of the Event
Welcome Home Reception
Student Ambassadors 2007
Lums Pond State Park
Bear, Delaware
The Delaware Chapter of People to People International
celebrated the many visits by the Delaware students who
traveled this summer by the arrangement of People to
People Ambassador Programs with a picnic in a state
park, Lums Pond located in Bear, Delaware on Sunday
August 12, 2007. A send off was held on June 14,
2007 to celebrate the 138 who were to participate
in visits to either Europe or Canada.
About 35 students and families which totaled more than
110 attended the picnic in Lums Pond on a clear, warm
afternoon. Some very interesting and inspiring
stories were told by the students and parents of this
involvement in "Peace through Understanding". Some
students visited six countries in Europe, others visited
two. Grade school students visited western Canada.
Each family brought some food to share and the Chapter
provided the drinks, desserts, and the necessary
accruements for picnicking.
Recollections, stories, and events will be sent to us by
some of the students and these will be published in our
quarterly newsletter and printed on our web site.
»
Photos of the Event
»
Interviews
with Student Ambassadors
English Teachers from
Morocco and Egypt
DELCASTLE
Wilmington, Delaware
On August 1st over twenty teachers of English from
Morocco and Egypt enjoyed a festive
evening with lively music, great conversations and lots
of photographs!
Members of People to People International, Delaware
Chapter and our new
friends who are studying at the University of Delaware
will have
wonderful memories of a fun evening together advancing
the cause of
international understanding on a person-to person basis.
»
Photos of the Event
English Teachers from Jordan and Syria
DELCASTLE
Wilmington, Delaware
On July 11th PTPDE and the University of Delaware's
Partnership for Teaching English as
a Foreign Language Teacher Training
Program held a joint program and dinner for
teachers from Jordan and Syria. We all had a wonderful
time sharing information about the two countries and
making new friends. This program for the teachers of
English is funded by a grant from the Department of
State administered by the English Language Institute at
the University of Delaware under the leadership of the
Program Manager Baerbel Schumacher. About thirty people
participated in this special evening.
»
Photos of the Event
Fulbright
Scholars from Argentina
visit Winterthur
Winterthur Museum &
Country Estate
Winterthur, Delaware
People to People International, Delaware Chapter
welcomed over twenty Fulbright Scholars from Argentina
who are currently at the Center for International
Studies at the University of Delaware. Sean Michael Cox,
the Associate Director for Special Projects, thanked
PTPDE for hosting this event on the 17th of June at
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. The group took a
tram ride through the garden area, enjoyed a special
tour of the Museum, and then feasted on foods served in
Winterthur's restaurant. The group members were very
well educated and committed to making Argentina a great
country!
This event was sponsored by People to People
International, Delaware Chapter, The University of
Delaware Center for International Studies, and
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
»
Photos of the Event
Avian Influenza Biosecurity
for the Romanian Commercial Poultry
Industry
Winterthur Museum &
Country Estate
Winterthur, Delaware
On March 25, representatives of the Romanian poultry
industry visited Winterthur
for an elegant entertainment tour followed by a
reception at the visitors center. This event was
sponsored by the University of Delaware and the Delaware
Chapter of People to People.
»
Photos of the Event
Families
of the World
The U.K.
Delaware Tech Stanton Campus
Newark, Delaware
On March 24,
PTP Delaware and the Diversity Club of Delaware
Technical and Community College invited families with
children between 5 and 12 years old to experience
another
Families of the World: The United Kingdom.
»
Photos of the Event
Circles of International
Understanding
Turkey
The Home of Jean & Ed Raleigh
Wilmington, Delaware
On Wednesday, March 21, a small group met at the home of
Jean & Ed Raleigh
to discuss many aspects of Turkish life, the education
system, customs, textiles,
history, religion, politics, etc, with Dr. Tom Goodrich
and Sarah Goodrich,
who have lived for many years in Turkey.
»
Photos of the Event
U.S. Foreign Policy
Forum
Objectives in Africa
The Terrace at Greenhill
Wilmington, Delaware
On Thursday, March 1, 2007 at the Terrace at Greenhill,
Robert L. Dance,
Deputy Director of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
at the Bureau of African Affairs
at the U.S. Department of State discussed U.S. foreign
policy objectives in Africa,
focusing on five specific objectives, with explanations
of how each is being implemented.
His very informative talk was followed by a lively
discussion period.
»
Photos of the Event
U.S. Foreign Policy Forum
U.S. Foreign Policy in Iraq
The Terrace at Greenhill
Wilmington, Delaware
On
February 15, Dr. Barbara Stephenson,
Deputy Senior Advisor
to the Secretary and
Deputy Coordinator for Iraq U.S. Department of State
gave a 30-minute address followed by a question and
answer period. She
replaced David Satterfield who was originally scheduled
for the program.
»
Photos of the Event
Egyptomania
A Family Day
Winterthur Museum &
Country Estate
Winterthur, Delaware
An exciting program on
February 11 drew over 300 children and their families.
The program included a talk by staff member Lynn Calder
and a film
"A Day in the Life of Two Egyptian Children"
produced by Arden Media.
Activities for children included demonstrations on
making Egyptian headdresses,
writing in hieroglyphics, and carving a pyramid.
Many children proudly walked
around Winterthur in Egyptian headdresses that they had
made from
aluminum foil, markers, and squares of white cloth.
»
Photos of the Event
Wilmington First Night - Global New
Year
Wilmington, Delaware
“Kids Countdown to the New Year 2007 with "Families of
the World” -
Adults and kids of all ages were invited on a video
journey to five countries as the New Year was falling in their
part of the globe. To complement First Night's
global theme, People to People Delaware transported
families to India, Egypt, Sweden, Ghana, and Mexico.
The programs in Nemours Theater N started each hour with a
video on a country where New Year was falling at that
time and included entertainment, food, door prizes and
gifts unique to each country.
»
Photos of the Event
Delaware Chapter’s Student
Ambassador Program - 2007
...London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, the Black
Forest (Germany), Switzerland...
We are in the final arrangements and planning for the
large group of Delaware students who have signed up for
this summer's Student Ambassador visits abroad. To date,
138 students from all three counties of Delaware will be
traveling. From southern Delaware, 23 high school
students and 15 middle school students have been
accepted; from New Castle County, 54 high school
students, 28 middle school students, and 18 grade school
students have been signed and accepted to travel.
The grade school students... (Read
more...)
Families of the World: Mexico
On November 11, 2006, Delaware Technical & Community
College partnered with People to People
International-Delaware in our on-going Saturday morning
series for children and their families which celebrates
the countries of the world. Del Tech's Diversity
Club organized the program "Families of Mexico" which
began with a video introducing two families from Mexico.
The children played a trivia game based on the video,
then played a lively game of musical chairs which is
popular at Mexican parties. Everyone tried
Horchata, a sweet rice drink, and a pastry,
Churros, and each child left with a big sombrero and
a smile.
Join us on March 24, 2007 for "Families
of the United Kingdom"!
»
Photos of the Event
The Blossoming of the Ukraine
Two visitors from the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, DC, Viktor Nikitiuk, the Deputy Chief of Mission and Volodymyr
Khomanets, the First Secretary, visited Wilmington on October 25, 2006. After a brief city tour, they spoke at the World Trade Center Delaware’s monthly luncheon about the economic progress Ukraine is making this year in comparison to the past. Their present business is 20% with the countries of Europe vs. only 16% with the CIS (Community of Independent States), still more commonly called “Russia.” A private Elegant Entertaining tour at Winterthur was more than our guests expected. A photo shows them standing at the base of the famous Montmorency Staircase. In the Special Collections Room of the Widener Law School Library, at a meeting arranged by Professor Patrick Kelly, Viktor and Volodymyr answered questions posed to them by International
Law students, some surprisingly from Turkey, India, and Uzbekistan. After a hurried dinner at The Terrace at Greenhill, the diplomats gave a report on the constantly improving economic conditions in Ukraine, answered questions, some heated, from the audience, and left on friendly terms with bags of cookies for their return train ride to DC.
»
Photos of the Event
Operation
Iraqi Children
School Kits On Their Way to Iraq -- Well Done!
About 150 participants, including several from
the Washington DC PTPI chapter and the PTPI New
Jersey chapters in Secaucus and Trenton
organized and built more than 5000 school
packets filled with assorted school supplies
such as filler paper, composition books,
pencils, sharpeners and erasers and sent them on
their way to Iraqi on Saturday September 16 at
the Chase Center at the Wilmington Riverfront.
About 30 of the participants were Student
Ambassadors from the PTPI summer aboard program.
Several came from PTPI in Kansas City, including
Mary Jean Eisenhower, the President and CEO of
PTPI and Troy Nash, the newly elected Chair of
the Board of trustees of PTPI.
Beginning with the early bird movement of
materials at 7 AM into the eight assembly
stations, and following introductory comments by
Mary Jean Eisenhower at 10 AM, the main
volunteer participants and supervisors took
command and reformed the 16,000 pounds of bulk
supplies into school bags adorned with seals
from PTPI and OIC (Operation Iraqi Children).
Bags and boxes were moving in the right
directions. The job was done in two hours flat.
Following lunch and a few additional comments
from the podium, we all learned that the boxes
had been stacked into a 40-foot overseas
container for transshipment to Kuwait en route
to Iraq for distribution with the help of US
Armed Forces serving there.
It was a fantastic effort, and all of the
participants who managed and conducted the flow
of materials are to be commended for their
commitment, enthusiasm and effectiveness. We
also need to thank the staff of PTPI Kansas City
for their great planning, organizing and
implementation. Delaware Chapter members
contributed to the core logistics and
supervision that morning. They did a wonderful
job. Dr. Saleem Khan, a board member of our
chapter, prepared and read this
poem to
commemorate the activity.
»
Photos of the Event
PTPI's 50th Anniversary: A Day
to Remember!
May 4, 2006 was a full day for
the Delaware Chapter of People to People. Mary Jean
Eisenhower, President and CEO of PTPI, helped us to
celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the
founding of People to People International. Chris
Gnanakone, Chief Development Officer of the One Sri
Lanka Foundation, showed photos and a video on the
efforts in Sri Lanka to recover from both landmines and
the Tsunami.
The
day started out with a visit to the International
Women’s Club of Delaware where a very warm reception
kept our speakers engaged for more than an hour with
Club members inquiring about the partnership between the
two organizations in training and staffing teams to
demine farm and school areas in Sri Lanka. Mary also
shared thoughts on the founding and motivation for
People to People going back to 1956 when her grandfather
President Dwight D. Eisenhower inspired the concept of
people being more effective than governments.
At
noontime, several Chapter Board members and community
leaders had a chance to gain further insight into the
partnership between the two organizations. This was
followed by taped interviews of our two speakers by WHYY
TV12, segments of which appeared on that evening’s
Delaware Tonight broadcast.
But
the main activity was yet to come when about 150 people
welcomed Mary and Chris in the main auditorium of
Cokesbury Village. They were not disappointed as they
heard from Mary her thoughts, in a personal letter
format, that she has about how the PTPI organization’s
efforts would satisfy her grandfather despite all the
world difficulties that we face. Mary and Chris recently
returned from a visit to Sri Lanka and brought fresh
views of how that strife-torn country is reclaiming land
from mime fields and recovering from the December 2004
Tsunami. They have helped restart schools and provide
supplies.
At
the conclusion of the evening, the Chapter presented
Awards to both Mary and Chris for their outstanding
contributions toward humanitarian efforts. An Honoraria
were given in their names to both PTPI’s International
Friendship Fund and the One Sri Lanka Foundation. Others
in our community may want to recognize their efforts as
well. More information can be found about their
respective organizations at
www.ptpi.org and
www.onesrilanka.org.
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