The Center for Southeast Asian Studies and the International Training Office at Northern Illinois University are happy to announce their fifth year of federal funding (2007-08) from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, for the ACCESS (Access to Community and Civic Enrichment for Students) Philippines Youth Leadership project. The ACCESS Philippines project will bring 25-30 Muslim, Christian and non-Muslim activists from Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi in the southern Philippines to Northern Illinois University for a training institute in April-May 2008 designed to promote inter-ethnic dialogue and conflict resolution.  (For an announcement and application, click on the "2008 Program" link at the above left side of this screen.)

Titled "Bridging the Gap: Engaging a New Generation in the Southern Philippines in Inter-Ethnic Dialogue and Conflict Resolution," the Northern Illinois University training institute aims to teach conflict resolution skills, examine the important role of volunteerism in civil society and introduce participants to American institutions that promote tolerance and religious diversity.  The overarching goals are to develop a sense of civic responsibility and commitment to community development among Muslim and non-Muslim youth; to develop a cadre of community activists who will share their knowledge and skills with their peers through positive action; to foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, religious and national groups; and to promote mutual understanding between the United States and the people of other countries.  Participants are expected to implement projects cooperatively after returning home.  In the first four years of the project, a total of 95 youth and 34 adults participated.

The ACCESS Philippines Program is a project of the Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. It is directed by Dr. Susan Russell, Professor of Anthropology and faculty associate of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies and Dr. Lina Davide-Ong, Director, International Training Office at Northern Illinois University. The in-country coordinator is Dr. Nagasura Madale, Vice President for Research and Extension, Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Other participating partner organizations include the International Visitors Program-Philippines Alumni Foundation and the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

A federally funded National Resource Center since 1997, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies provides leadership, focus, and coordination for Southeast Asian studies at the university.  cseas@niu.edu