For more information contact sppnews@gmu.edu.
The Program on Peacekeeping Policy at the School of Public Policy is offering a two week training course for humanitarian workers preparing for the rehabilitation effort in Afghanistan. Scheduled for May 28 through June 7, the course will feature faculty and lecturers who are experts in the fields of humanitarian aid, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, military operations and Islamic and Afghani cultures.
"This course is unique in that it is designed to prepare civilians to go in and work in Afghanistan," said Professor David Davis, the director of the peacekeeping program. "We are targeting civilian representatives of non-governmental organizations, federal agencies and the United Nations, and focusing on the critical skills needed for civilians who want to live and work in Afghanistan."
The International Training Programme for Conflict Management at the Scuola Superiore Sant Anna in Pisa, Italy offered a similar training program in March, and had 250 applications for 35 slots. The Italian school is co-hosting this course with George Mason.
Ambassador Francesc Vendrell, special advisor on Afghanistan to the president of the European Union, is the keynote speaker and Dr. Amr Abdalla, an expert in Islamic-focused conflict analysis and resolution, is the course director. The curriculum has been shaped to include interaction and experience sharing among both participants and instructors. It will offer opportunities for interactive learning and hands-on involvement with experts in the field.
Hear Professor Davis talk about the program. (Requires Real Audio)