Pitt camp aiming to instill diplomatic skills in students
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A local nonprofit kicked off an eight-day program on Monday aimed at teaching students about diplomacy.
The program, "I Want to be an Ambassador," will include hands-on activities and workshops to build negotiation, analysis and communication skills. Nineteen students entering grades 8 through 12 will learn about topics ranging from foreign languages to cultural etiquette to religion-based conflicts.
The camp was organized by the University of Pittsburgh Honors College and Luminari, an organization founded by philanthropist Hilda Pang Fu to create programs for young people. It began on Monday at Pitt's Cathedral of Learning and will end next week with a two-day trip to Washington, D.C., where students will meet with diplomats to learn about being ambassadors.
Ms. Fu said the purpose of the program isn't to train students to become diplomats, but to teach them diplomatic skills they can use in their daily lives.
She said she hopes the program can inspire the students to learn new languages, surround themselves with friends from diverse backgrounds and learn about other cultures' perspectives on issues.
"And if we find these young people actually doing that ... I would be very excited and say we have accomplished our mission," Ms. Fu said.
The students come from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds and areas in the Pittsburgh region, such as Braddock, McKees Rocks and Mt. Lebanon, Ms. Fu said. She hopes to expand the program next year.
The program costs $895 for students who registered before June 1, and scholarships were available through foundations. The organization is currently accepting pre-registration for next summer's program by e-mail, available on its website, luminari.org.
First Published June 22, 2010 12:00 am
