The Amala Foundation will host its eighth annual Global Youth Peace Summit on August 9-15, 2014, at John Knox Ranch in Wimberley, Texas.
The Global Youth Peace Summit will unite 75 youths (ages 14-18) from 28 different countries for a week-long summit devoted to personal growth, healing, cultural exchange, community-building and leadership development. Participants will include refugee, immigrant and at-risk adolescents, as well as youth who were born and raised in Austin.
In the seven years since its inception, the Global Youth Peace Summit has served over 500 youths from 34 different countries, including the following: Pakistan, Burma, the Congo, Nigeria, Iran, Kenya, Bhutan, Nicaragua, Mexico, India, Iraq, Somalia, United States, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Israel, El Salvador, Jordan, Uganda, the Ivory Coast, Syria, Sudan, Colombia and more. While most of the young people who will attend–including refugees and immigrants–now live in Austin, there will be five delegates traveling from Kenya, Pakistan, Palestine, Ecuador and Israel to participate in this year’s summit.
Activities and discussions at the summit lead to increased self-esteem and provide the youth with tools for conflict-resolution, healthy communication, compassionate response and peace-focused leadership. Activities include team-building exercises, talking circles, environmental stewardship workshops, facilitated art projects and cultural exchange opportunities including the sharing of music, dance, songs and prayers from around the world.
