Young Saudis, Americans exchange views

Young Saudis, Americans exchange views Walaa Hawari | Arab News

AN OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW EACH OTHER: American and Saudi young students exchange viewpoints at "Ambassador" project in Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo)   RIYADH: Young Saudi and American students exchanged viewpoints and discussed their experiences on Monday in a cross-cultural meeting at the King Abdullah National Dialogue Center (KANDC). The "Ambassador" project makes every single boy and girl an ambassador of his or her generation, gender and culture to the other. "It is an interesting chance to meet and communicate with other girls of the same age and learn about their culture," said Nesma Galal, a high school student at the American International School (AIS). Nesma further said that although she had been in the Kingdom for four years, she has not had an opportunity to mix with Saudi girls of her age and learn about their ambitions, hopes and dreams. Nesma was surprised by the Saudi girls' openness and confidence in communicating with her and her colleagues during the meetings. Lina Diaz from Columbia also found it interesting to be exposed to Saudi culture through young Saudis. Lina came to the Kingdom four years ago and hoped to make friends with some of the Saudi girls, as she sees beyond all the differences of belief and priorities and realizes that they have many things in common. "There are stereotypes on both sides but often the stereotypes are wrong; therefore projects such as KANDC's 'Ambassador' is a wonderful program and fantastic opportunity for students from both countries to get to know one another," said the American Embassy's public diplomacy officer, Catherine Schweitzer. It is an amazing first step to bridge the gaps between the two cultures and nations, she believes, indicating that the young are better equipped. "The young ladies will take their experiences and pass them on to their friends, and their friends will talk to other friends and so on, and both sides will be able to relate to each other on personal levels as they discover common interests and concerns. This is the best way to bridge gaps." "Nine boys, 12 American girls, one Canadian girl and one Columbian girl joined the project as soon as the application was presented," said Jenifer Ciervo, English teacher at the AIS. Ciervo found the meeting enlightening since she has only recently moved to the Kingdom. "My family and I are enjoying this culture which brings families together and strengthens community ties," the English teacher said. The "Ambassador" project consists of international schools' cross-cultural meetings, youth delegation meetings, scholarship training projects as well as expatriate meetings for cross-cultural dialogues. It aims at promoting cultural dialogue in order to achieve coexistence and respect between nations, and to strengthen common human relations while maintaining cultural and religious beliefs. Students discuss common world issues, topics and work toward incorporating common noble human values such as justice, forgiveness and respect among world cultures, in accordance with the vision statement of the Madrid interfaith Conference.