Demi Cox (Year 13) is participating in a Rotary Club of Belfast exchange project with a Rotary Club in Chicago which aims to create a better mutual understanding between different communities by studying Conflict Resolution.
The competition involved schools throughout Northern Ireland and 17 candidates attended interview. Demi was one of the 6 selected to visit Chicago in March 2010.
Here are some details of the scheme.
TABU is a Rotary Club of Belfast exchange project with the Highland Park Rotary Club in Chicago which aims to create a better mutual understanding between different communities by studying Conflict Resolution. This includes finding ways to break down barriers among people, particularly young people, and learning how to reconcile differences.
Demi Cox Year 13 applied to take part in this exchange programme planned for March 2010.
The process of selection involved completing a written application form stating reasons why the candidate should be selected and a personal statement which should address the benefit to the applicant and what they could then share with other people and groups.
Having been chosen from this written supposition Demi attended an individual interview, at the beginning of which she was asked to give a 5 minute presentation introducing relevant personal background and your ideas on conflict resolution (no slides or other material required). The criteria for selection included
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A demonstrated interest in current affairs and conflict resolution in particular
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Ability to make a personal presentation and express opinions and views
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Scope to personally benefit from exchange and exposure to different cultures
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Ability to participate in and contribute to a group/team environment
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Ability and desire to influence peers and share benefits on return
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Cross community interests
The competition involved schools throughout Northern Ireland and 17 candidates attended interview. Demi was one of the 6 selected to take part.