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 NEWS - INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK IN MEXICO CITY
Alternative Spring Break is a week-long experience in Mexico during which time students engage in service work in one of the largest world capitals, Mexico City, and its surrounding areas. Northern Kentucky University holds a unique relationship with the YMCA of Mexico City that establishes opportunities to visit regional YMCA community development centers (CDCs) in this bustling metropolis and to complete several different volunteer projects. Since 1999, the NKU groups have helped in community development centers doing maintenance work, assisting with the kindergarten program, and preparing for a fund-raising festival. The program is an opportunity for a maximum of 13 NKU students to experience the United States' southern neighbor, while performing valuable volunteer work and establishing international friendships. Students and faculty live with host families and learn about Mexican culture and society firsthand. The Alternative Spring Break program helps to break down barriers and stereotypes held both by our citizens and the people of Mexico.

One academic credit hour is offered to students who successfully complete the program and all subsequent work. All students in good standing are eligible to apply. Dates for the program are March 3-11, 2007. Additional meetings - pre and post trip - are required, including presenting at Celebrations: The NKU Creativity and Research Fair, April 10-12, 2007.

More information about the Alternative Spring Break can be found on the following website. www.nku.edu/~wilkinson/asb/2004/index.html

YMCA HELPS KIDS UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE WORLD LAUNCHES "LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD" PROGRAM
This July, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati International Committee launched its summer "Learn about the World" outreach program. The purpose of the program was to provide school age children attending summer day camps at YMCA branches with exposure to people from different countries.

International students from the University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, and Xavier University visited YMCA branches and talked to the children participating in day camps. Two branches that took part in the program were the Melrose and Powel Crosley, Jr YMCA's. The children learned about life in such countries as India, China, Ghana, Indonesia and South Korea. They also learned basic language concepts (how to say "Hello" or how to write their names), and how to play games typical of these countries.

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati has been dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities for nearly 150 years. With 21 locations in the Tri-State area, the YMCA offers over 300 programs to members and nonmembers alike. The "Learn About the World" outreach program is only one of many programs responsible for helping to improve the lives of local children.

YMCA HELPS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS
This December, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati International Committee sponsored evenings of fellowship and holiday cheer for international students attending the University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University and Xavier University by coordinating the International Fellowship Dinner.

225 students, who were thousands of miles away from family and friends during the holidays, enjoyed a traditional holiday dinner at the University Branch YMCA. After dinner they got to know each other and YMCA staff and volunteers. The evening culminated at the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights where the students enjoyed the animals and the zoo decorated for the holidays.

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati has been dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities for nearly 150 years. With 21 locations in the Tri-State area, the YMCA offers over 300 programs to members and nonmembers alike. This special holiday event is only one of many programs responsible for helping to improve the lives of those in our community.