WiSci 2015: A Journey of Self Discovery

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An Intel trainer reviews programming language with the WiSci campers.

By Emily Adcock, WiSci STEAM Camp participant Today is our last day in Rwanda, and a few of us got up to watch the sunrise for the last time. As I was reflecting on the past three weeks, I whimsically connected my experience to the sunrise before me. A sunrise universally symbolizes a new beginning. To me, this sunrise was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. In this chapter, my self-concept and global outlook have developed in so many ways, some of which I have yet to realize. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you don’t...

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BAPG 2015: Uniting Leaders and Strengthening U.S.-U.K. Relationships

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Representative Adam Schiff with Chris Matheson and Christina Rees MPs in California

Founded in 1977, the British American Parliamentary Group (BAPG) Project is an annual 10-day program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the British Parliament and Meridian International Center that introduces newly elected British Members of Parliament to the American political and party system. Bound together by a unique shared history, the U.S. and U.K. have established a deeply-rooted “Special Relationship” since the mid-twentieth century that reflects an unparalleled level of cooperation between world powers today. Through numerous military and political conflicts, U.S.-U.K. relations have remained defined by a strong alliance in political, economic and foreign affairs. Due to...

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Mural Arts Recap: Community Engagement through Art

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Mural arts exchange participants in Tegucigalpa take a group photo with American artist Michelle Angela Ortiz.
21 de Febrero
Honduran artist Walter teaches local youth how to prime the mural wall in 21 de Febrero, Tegucigalpa.

In 2013, Meridian partnered with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to send mural artists abroad for the Community Engagement through the Mural Arts exchange program. While away, these artists were able to collaborate with local groups and artists in various community- based mural arts projects. Their goal: to create tangible pieces of artwork, while simultaneously fostering community engagement with the various populations of each country.

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Access for All: Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

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IVLP Participants in the “Access for All: Enhancing the Lives of People with Disabilities” IVLP Participants posing with Judy Heumann, Special Advisor for Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C., July 14, 2015

Sunday, July 26th marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which for 25 years has provided greater independence and protection from discrimination for millions of Americans. The law has not only helped to make buildings, schools and streets more accessible, but also  guarantees citizens living with disabilities equal opportunity for employment and communication aids, promoting a more inclusive America.

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“#SheBelieves”: Sports Diplomacy’s Ability to Empower Women Athletes Worldwide

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From The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State Website

American soccer fans cheered loudly Sunday night as the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Japan in a 5 – 2 win, bringing the FIFA World Cup trophy home for the first time in 16 years. More than 20 million viewers tuned in to watch the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup championship match, shattering TV rating records for soccer in the process. In light of the work done here at Meridian International Center, this victory is also an opportunity to bring attention to the mission and goals of sports diplomacy: a way for the universal passion for sports to bring people of different linguistic and sociocultural backgrounds together. Utilizing sports diplomacy, the U.S. Department of State and its partners have expressed an active commitment to empowering women and girls in sports around the world.

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