TOGETHER WE STAND: Students and educators took part in educational and cultural tours of Washington DC throughout the week. The conference culminated with a Day of Service, where students and teachers participated in service-learning projects throughout the DC community.
Qatar Foundation International gathers US and International Students for National
Service Learning Conference and community service in Washington DC
Qatar Foundation International (QFI) partnered with the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) to bring together 30 students from Qatar, Brazil, and the United States to participate in the 26th annual National Service Learning Conference (NSLC): More Powerful Together!, which took place in Washington DC earlier this month.
QFI students and educators participated in NSLC’s weeklong leadership and service-learning programme. Students took part in workshops led by staff at NYLC and Management Systems International (MSI) to learn how to design, prepare and launch a community service project on their own and also participated in an interactive workshop on conflict and peacebuilding hosted by the Global Peacebuilding Center at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).
During the conference, students attended workshops to hear about service-learning projects across the globe and six QFI students were selected to lead their own workshops on various service-learning projects. In addition, the educators accompanying the students participated in training sessions about mentoring and supporting youth in their journey of service to the community.
The students and educators also took part in educational and cultural tours of DC throughout the week.
The conference culminated with a Day of Service, sponsored by QFI, where students and teachers participated in service-learning projects throughout the DC community. This event gave back to the DC community by providing direct service, connecting community members and attendees to nonprofits in the area, and by providing the opportunity to hear from community leaders.
“We are very proud of QFI’s participants and their commitment to addressing global issues through service-learning,” said Maggie Mitchell Salem, Executive Director of QFI. “This conference helped QFI students and educators alike to learn and face new challenges far beyond the classroom, developing leaders in the process. Participating in this year’s conference was a valuable opportunity for the American and Qatari students to learn from one another, to share experiences, and to build strong friendships.”
The National Service Learning Conference, organised by the National Youth Leadership Council, brings together thousands of voices to make positive, lasting change in the world. This year’s event gathered more than 1,500 youth and adults from across the country and around the world for three days of learning, inspiration, and connection, creating an atmosphere of energy and passion while focusing on current and emerging issues, best practices, and the challenges facing us today.
The conference provides more than workshops and keynote addresses; it is an extension of the classroom, allowing for the youth and adult attendees to be part of something bigger.
