Invitation to Apply to the 2010/11 Connecting Culture Journeys

MBI Al Jaber Foundation partner Connecting Cultures is currently inviting applications from young men and women for upcoming journeys in 2010/2011.  

* Please apply to Connecting Cultures directly with the application form below, and please direct all queries to Connecting Cultures. 

Established in London in 2004, Connecting Cultures is recognised by the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations as one of the worlds leading innovative civic society projects addressing the issue of intercultural dialogue between young people. Endorsed by UNESCO in Paris and Doha, and working in close partnership with the Ministry of Education in Oman, Connecting Cultures takes groups of young people from the western and Arab world on intensive, five day journeys into the desert of Oman.  The aim of Connecting Cultures is to promote face to face intercultural dialogue between young people from the western and Arab world; to breakdown cultural stereotypes and misunderstanding.  In an environment where mobile phones do not work, the young people are able to engage in undisturbed face to face dialogue, identifying shared values and exploring cultural differences.  

The next Connecting Cultures journey will take place in Oman in December 14th-18th 2010.   

A team of 18 young women from Euro-Arab nations, complete strangers, will come together for 5 days roughing it in the beautiful Oman desert. Exciting, educational, enriching. Discussions on cultural differences, similarities, values and aspirations. Trekking by foot and camel, freezing nights, sweltering days, real adventure and real dialogue, and the world benefits the most; these women go home enriched, with a new perspective of themselves, the world and the future they’ll create.   

Schools globally can become engaged in the journey and desert debates by following their preparations and journey via the education section of the website. Teachers can engage their classes in global citizenship issues using the on-line lesson plans and resources, soon to be available on the website in both English and Arabic.   

A second trip for young men is being scheduled for 2011.
 
Connecting Cultures is currently seeking representatives from the Arab region and from the Euro zone. 

The ideal applicant will be someone who: 

• Is able to speak good English or Arabic - communication is the cornerstone of Connecting Cultures
• Is aged between 17-25 in December 2010
• Would be a good ambassador for their country
• Is physically fit, and mentally determined
• Has an interest in current/international affairs
• Shows leadership potential and is likely to lead others in the future; is a potential future opinion former.

* Please find the application form below.  The deadline to receive applications from young women is August 23rd 2010, and for young men the end of September.  Please apply to Connecting Cultures directly, and please refer all queries to the email as below. 

If you would like more information, please visit the website at www.connectingcultures.co.uk or contact Founder Mark Evans via email at info@connectingcultures.co.uk.       

The MBI Al Jaber Foundation is the main sponsor of Connecting Cultures.