Date of Event: Friday, November 16, 2007

Time: 10AM – 12:00PM

Synopsis: November 16 is the International Day for Tolerance. A two-hour videoconference is planned with the United Nations to interact with high school students internationally on the topic of Children and Armed Conflict. Program will originate from the Daq Hammarskjold Library Auditorium at United Nations Headquarters.

Participating Organizations: Global Education Motivators (GEM) An educational NGO at the UN MAGPI (Mid Atlantic Giga-PoP in Philadelphia for Internet 2) United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia United Nations Office of the Special Representative of Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict

Facilitator: Michael Majok Kuch, Bor, Sudan Cultural Clash in Sudanese Affairs: Historically, Sudanese people were known as some of the most hospitable and kind people one can come upon in Africa. This is because of the rich culture that they embraced. Sudanese people treat strangers as if they knew them, a gesture of their tradition and norms. One visitor was struck by how friendly the Sudanese were when they stopped him to shake hands and welcomed him.

Ironically, Sudan's independent history has been dominated by chronic, exceptionally cruel warfare that has starkly divided the country on racial, religious, and regional grounds; displaced an estimated four million people (of a total estimated population of thirty-two million); and killed an estimated two million people. It damaged Sudan's economy, thus leading to food shortages, resulting in starvation and malnutrition. Hence the lack of investment during this time, particularly in the south, meant a generation lost access to basic health services, education, and jobs.

As a result of instability in the country….just like any other place where there is turmoil, culture has taken a different route, and a new culture of violence has taken place (e.g tribal clash in South Sudan, Eastern Sudan and Darfur). For today’s International Day for Tolerance, it is important that we examine the effect culltural intolerance has on human society.

Format: Highlighting Sudan, a UN based presentation, discussion and student interaction is planned. Via alive, interactive videoconference and webcast, students will participate from various parts of the world. It will involve young people who have been directly involved with the situation in Sudan.

Curriculum Areas Supported: Humanities, Geography, World Cultures, History, Global Studies

Expected Outcomes: Better understanding of the effect of intolerance on children Empowerment of young people to help effect positive change Awareness of role of UN in helping children effected by conflicts

For more information contact: Global Education Motivators (GEM), 215-248-1150 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it