Rotary peace studies program accepting applications

Newton - The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is currently accepting applications for the first two sessions of its new short-term Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program housed at the newly established Rotary Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, the country’s oldest university. Offered in the English language, the new short-term certificate program is aimed at mid- to upper-level professionals in governments, non-governmental organizations, and private corporations. Beginning July 2006, the intensive three-month course will offer studies in peace, conflict resolution and mediation training and will accept 30 program participants per session for two sessions per year. The Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program hosts a universal group of experts encompassing seasoned faculty members from Chulalongkorn University and visiting lecturers from University of Bradford, Bradford UK; University of Uppsala, Sweden; Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; the Royal Thai Government National Security Council; and the United Nations. The first half of the session involves academic learning, whereas the second half consists of practical field training application components. Each program participant’s employer is expected to cover the $5,000 cost of the three-month session, including tuition, room-and-board, educational materials, insurance, and other expenses. The Rotary Foundation will provide funding for round-trip travel for program participants living outside of Bangkok, as well as a limited number of full and partial fellowships to allow students from low-income countries to participate. As part of the Rotary Foundation’s mission to encourage world peace and understanding, the Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program, was established to provide managerial-level professionals from around the world the opportunity to gain knowledge in conflict resolution and mediation training to better equip themselves with the tools needed to help prevent and resolve conflict, as well as foster policies and create a setting that ensures peace. Applicants who live in Rotary District 7470 (Sussex, Warren, Morris, Essex Counties, and Bernardsville) should submit their applications by Nov. 30. For more information, call 973-383-5817, or go online to rotary.org/foundation/educational/rpcsp/index.html. Rotary is a non-political, non-religious international volunteer service organization with more than 32,000 clubs in over 165 countries, with a total membership of more than 1.2 million men and women who are leaders in their professions and their communities.