11th World Educational Tour 2014
5 Continents, 9 Countries/Regions, 46,272 Miles

Youth for Human Rights 11th World Educational Tour 2014, circled the globe 46,272 miles in weather ranging from below freezing 6°F (-4°C) to high humidity in 88°F (31°C). Countries included Dominica, Nigeria, Mexico, Mongolia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, UK and the USA in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace.

Mary Shuttleworth, Ed.D., President of YHRI, has led the annual global outreach project literally circling the globe eleven times since 2004, visiting dozens of countries and meeting with youth, educators, community leaders, and legislators as well as various dignitaries, including kings, heads of government and officials of the United Nations and Commonwealth of Nations to promote the implementation of Human Rights Education.

United States of America

Congressman Adam Schiff of California, welcomed participants to the launch celebration held at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Human Rights Hero awards and Presidential Volunteer Service Awards were presented to individuals from Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, Texas and Washington D.C. for outstanding contributions to promoting human rights in their respective communities. Senator Dianne Feinstein sponsored the flag of the USA flown over Capitol Hill in honor of Youth for Human Rights Day 2014.

Mexico

The Commission of Human Rights of the Federal District welcomed the tour. Meetings were held with groups raising awareness about human trafficking and working on legislation regarding this global issue. A tour through the Museum of Memory and Tolerance was a stark reminder of the genocides past and present. Students from the Americas, Asia, Africa and more participated in the AIESEC, “international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential,” conference highlighting the role of corporate responsibility in improving human rights.

Dominica

In the capital city, Roseau, government officials, the National Youth Council and NGOs welcomed the team to discuss the YHRI program and possible collaborations. Site visits were made with local organizations for knowledge sharing. Dominica State College participated in workshops with lively debate and discussions about human rights education. Staff, faculty and students gathered in the auditorium to participate in an orientation highlighting the Youth for Human Rights videos and educational materials.

United Kingdom

Members, distinguished guests and students packed the room at the House of Lords, Parliament Square, London. Youth delegates from areas such as East Grinstead and Manchester also as far away as India shared what they have been doing in their local communities to teach human rights. A workshop was held to share information about how to start and maintain youth groups, use of the Internet to expand teams and best practices used by teachers and mentors.

Nigeria

The International Gathering for Peace and Human Rights in Africa brought participants from countries as far as France, South Africa, Pakistan, and the USA with the prelude event held in the capital city of Abuja followed by the main events in Owerri, Imo State. Meetings were also held with the YHR-Nigeria team and new collaborations formed with both NGOs and government departments. Dignitaries such as the Governor of Kano State and the Traditional Chief of Ehime Mbano honored them with receptions.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone TV and radio announced the tour. Meetings were held in Freetown and Bo and the team traveled to Pujehun where the Traditional Chief, the Honorable Chief Gbonda, welcomed them. Students from five different schools, some traveling 3 hours, participated in the event held in the Pujehun District Council Hall. Students from Bo Government Secondary School and guests gathered in the hall where the workshop was followed by a lively Q&A session and discussions about the way to promote human rights education in the local community.

Sri Lanka

Colombo was home to the 3-day South Asia Summit on Youth and Human Rights co-hosted by Road to Rights, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The opening ceremony was held at the prestigious Nelum Pokuna theatre. Panel discussions and workshops followed at the Sports Ministry where actress Sheena Chohan released the new song “Yuva Hai Hum” (We Are Youth) written by Fraser Key Scott. The press conference promoted the news to millions.

Mongolia

Students and faculty from 5 universities packed the conference room at the Bishrelt Plaza Hotel, Independence Square in Ulaanbaatar hosted by the National Human Rights Commission. Students presented the work they were doing to promote human rights education among their peers and their communities. The media shared the news nationwide. The event was followed by workshops in both private and public schools. A brief meeting with monks at a Buddhist Temple was followed by a trip to the famous Genghis (Chinggis) Khaan museum in honor of his legacy.

Taiwan

 
 

Twenty-three delegates from countries and regions of Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Nepal, UK and USA joined Taiwanese university, high, and junior school students at the elegant Le Midi Hotel in Chitou near Taichung City for the 4-day 2nd YHRI Asia Summit under the instruction of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of China (Taiwan), Nantou County Government. Distinguished personalities as well as more than 100 schoolteachers and principals were in attendance. TV and news media promoted the news to Asia and around the world.