Twenty Youth Ambassadors Return from the United States

August 30, 2012

Youth Ambassadors with U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Pamela White

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is proud to announce that twenty Haitian students (females and males aged 15 to 18 years old) and two adults mentors, participated in the 2012 Youth Ambassador program.  The Youth Ambassadors hailed from Jacmel, Cap Haitian, Jeremie, Cayes, Port-au-Prince and Camp Perrin.  This three week cultural exchange and leadership program allowed the students to visit New York; Ridgetown, NJ; and Washington, DC from August 2-23, 2012. The Haitian participants enjoyed new international opportunities and experiences that broadened their knowledge of U.S. culture, society, and education.  The program focused on youth citizen diplomacy, service, and volunteerism; and increased mutual understanding among peoples of the Americas, preparing them for a lifetime of leadership and community service.  In addition, the Youth Ambassadors shared their culture with American audiences.  

During their visit to the U.S., the participants met Cheryl Mills, the Counselor and Chief of Staff to Secretary Clinton; Paul Altidor, the Haitian Ambassador to the United States, and other US officials. In New York, they also visited the United Nations, and the Haitian Consulate; and participated in a resume writing workshop at the YMCA. In New Jersey, they visited the Intrepid Museum, Museum of Natural History, and attended a Leadership class at Ramapo College.  Lastly, in Washington, DC, they visited the Peace Institute, the Newseum, the Attorney General’s office, and the Haitian Embassy.

On Monday, August 27, upon their return, the Youth Ambassadors met U.S. Ambassador Pamela A. White and briefed her about their myriad experiences in the U.S.

This is the second edition of the Youth Ambassador program in Haiti, an initiative of the United States Embassy, together with the YMCA Haiti.  This program allows the participants to form strong, lifelong friendships, improve their English skills, and discover new ways to do social and community work.

The Youth Ambassadors Program brings together high school students and adult mentors from 25 countries across the Americas to develop leadership skills, and prepare youth to make a difference in their communities. More than 400 Youth Ambassadors participate in the program each year.

For more informaton on the Youth Ambassadors’ trip, please visit their Facebook page.