Small World Peace Project Supporting Sudan Kicks Off

The Salam Project: Youth Supporting Peace in Sudan gathered about 40 avatars and 50 viewers to a video simulcast featuring peace activist Nisrin Elamin and two youth leaders in the virtual space of SmallWorlds Feb. 12. Sponsored by NYLC and produced by Global Kids, the event kicked off a month-long focus on service-learning projects that support the peace process in Sudan. This effort will culminate with a live event March 25 at the National Service-Learning Conference in San Jose, Calif., where two of the “Lost Boys" of Sudan will address conference participants.

At the kickoff, Elamin and the teen leaders introduced the virtual audience to the history and current status of the conflicts, and to the peace process. They talked about the work of activists in Africa and around the world and suggested a range of service projects — from holding fundraisers to screening educational videos, and closed with a virtual mixer for question-posing and idea-sharing.

To participate in the Salam Project, visit sudanpeace.ning.com, where you will also find the following online resources:

• A social network and a youth-friendly virtual world to get young people inspired, sharing information and results.
• A 3D virtual service center for more information about Sudan, the peace process, and service-learning opportunities.
• A service-learning curriculum and workshops for teachers and youth facilitators.
• The live virtual video simulcast on March 25 of the talk by Benjamin Ajak and Benson Deng, two of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan.