Rotary helps foster peace, understanding through education

A decade after 9/11, humanitarian service organization continues to train new generations of peace builders

EVANSTON, Ill., USA (Sept. 6, 2011) – This September marks the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, tragic events that changed the world and add even more relevance to the United Nations’ annual International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. The occasion also highlights the importance of the peace-building work carried out by humanitarian groups like Rotary International.

Rotary clubs always have embraced this call for peace at the grass-roots level by addressing the underlying causes of conflict and violence through thousands of community-based service projects around the world. “Since 1905, Rotary clubs have worked locally and internationally to make the world a better and more peaceful place one person, one family, one community at a time,” said William B. Boyd, chair of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Rotary also takes a direct approach to world understanding by providing future leaders with the tools they need to “wage peace” on the global stage with its innovative Rotary Peace Centers program. Launched in 2002, Rotary awards up to 110 full scholarships each year for master’s-level degrees or a professional certificate in peace and conflict studies at seven Rotary Peace Centers located at:

• Uppsala University, Sweden
• University of Bradford, UK
• University of Queensland, Australia
• International Christian University, Japan
• Universidad del Salvador, Argentina
• Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
• Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, (an intensive, three-month course for mid-level professionals in governments, non-governmental organizations, and international industry)

“As more than 20 major conflicts are currently being waged this year alone, the world needs more peace makers skilled in the arts of conflict resolution,” said Boyd. “We now have 608 Rotary Peace fellow alumni who already are making a difference in key decision-making positions in governments and organizations around the world.”

Those interested in the program can apply through local Rotary clubs.  Applications for the 2013-14 class will be available for download from the Rotary website in January 2012, and are due to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July 2012. Qualified applicants must possess an undergraduate degree, have a minimum of three years of professional experience at international agencies, government and non-governmental organizations, businesses or academic institutions; and demonstrate a commitment to peace and international understanding through their volunteer, academic, and professional achievements.

Margaret Soo of Malaysia, who studied at the Rotary Center at International Christian University in Japan (2002-04), is now the chief operating officer of the University Foundation Office and group vice president of the Group Corporate Affairs office at UCSI University in Malaysia.  “Many people have good intentions, but they do not have the specialized training needed to make a difference,” said Soo. “I think it is important to have professional training in this field. You should be able to say ‘I’m a peacekeeper’ the way you say ‘I’m a doctor’.”

Other Rotary Peace Fellow alumni of note:

• Joseph DeVoir, USA, earned his master’s degree at the Rotary Peace Center at University of Queensland, 2009-2011.  DeVoir is based in Palestine, working with the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute where he researches international aid trends and impacts.

• Myint Myint Shwe, Myanmar, earned his professional development certificate from Chulalongkorn University in July 2008.  She is a program coordinator of the Non-Formal Education Program of the Yangon Office at Save the Children UK in Yangon, Myanmar.

• Mahamoud Ahmed, Somalia, earned his master’s degree at the Rotary Peace Center at the University of Bradford in 2008-10.  He works for Action Aid International as program support coordinator for development in Hargeisa, Somalia.  He also teaches several classes at the University of Hargeisa and the University of Admas.

• Jan Nemecek, Czech Republic, earned his master’s degree at the Rotary Peace Center at Universidad del Salvador in 2002-04.  He is a coordination officer for the United Nations Country Team in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

• Gohar Gyulumyan, Armenia, earned her master’s degree at the Rotary Peace Center at Duke University in 2007-09. She is the task team leader for the World Bank's Tax Project in Armenia and for its Statistical Capacity Building Project in Turkmenistan.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world.  There are 1.2 million Rotary members in 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.  Rotary clubs have been serving communities worldwide for more than a century.

The Rotary Foundation, under its new Future Vision plan, seeks to forge strategic partnerships with established organizations with expertise in any of Rotary’s six areas of focus: peace and conflict prevention/resolution; disease prevention and treatment; water and sanitation; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and economic and community development. The foundation grants support major international projects with sustainable, high impact outcomes.

For more information, visit www.rotary.org.  For visual materials go to: http://rotary.org/mediacenter