2020 Highlights from the US Together International Program
2020 marked 50 years since the former Columbus International Program, today known as the International Program of US Together, was started by Ruth Schildhouse. As unusual as this year was for international travel and exchange programs, we are proud to have continued the mission of promoting international understanding through intercultural exchange. Here is a look back at some important moments this year:
Global Perspectives Trip to Rwanda
We started 2020 with a Global Perspectives trip to Rwanda, where our group volunteered with CECYDAR – a local non-profit organization that provides accommodation and programs for homeless children in the capital city of Kigali. CECYDAR also works with the children’s parents to help them find appropriate housing and resources to support their families. As part of CECYDAR’s efforts, our group participants took part in the process of building a house for a family of CECYDAR’s beneficiaries.
Another highlight of this year’s trip to Rwanda was the organization of a teacher’s training for local educators. The training was held by two of your group participants, Brenda Custodio and Kathy Jimenez. Even after the end of our program in Rwanda, Brenda continued to work with the Rwandan educators and recently received funding to train 5,000 Rwandan teachers in the next two years!
Brenda and Kathy leading a group training in Rwanda
Global Perspectives participants help CECYDAR build a house
US Together continues to develop long-term partnerships in Rwanda with the help of our local Project Coordinator, Alexandre (Alex) Marara. Listen to what Alex and Brenda shared during our 46th International Taste of Columbus.
US Together’s Partnerships in Eastern Europe
In February, US Together’s Co-Founder and Director Nadia Kasvin traveled to Slovakia and Bulgaria where she spent two weeks working with Eastern European community leaders and activists. This trip was a reciprocal visit of the Shaping Participatory Democracy Professional Fellows Program which had brought two European fellows to Ohio at the end of 2019: Andrea Kutlíková from Slovakia, and Tsvetelina Petrova from Bulgaria.
Despite the cancellation of our Global Perspectives trip to Bulgaria due to the global pandemic, we are looking forward to future opportunities to work with our partners and friends in Eastern Europe!
Save the J-1 Visa Campaign
On June 22, 2020, the White House issued a proclamation suspending some nonimmigrant visas effective through December 31, 2020, with the possibility of continuation. The proclamation details the J-1 visa suspensions, specifically for intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, and summer work travel programs. This fact sheet outlines everything you need to know about the suspension of the J-1 Program and the #SaveJ1 campaign.
The 46th Annual International Taste of Columbus
Since 1974, the International Taste of Columbus has been hosted each year to promote international understanding through intercultural experiences. This is a cultural and educational event that brings community members closer together and raises funds for charitable causes.
Reynoldsburg City Councilmember Pyakurel holding the 2020 New American Champion Award
This year, our traditional celebration of the rich intercultural diversity of Columbus was held virtually under the theme “Dumplings of the World". Throughout the months of July and August we showcased some of Columbus’s hidden gems – small ethnic stores and immigrant-owned restaurants that offer a variety of dumpling choices from around the world. The campaign culminated with an online event on August 27th where staff, volunteers and special guests celebrated our vibrant and diverse community. We also highlighted the achievements of Bhuwan Pyakurel, the first Bhutanese-American Councilmember in the United States, by honoring him as the “New American Champion” of the year.