By Josh Wizman, Intern, Generations for Peace
Working as a Generations For Peace intern over the past month, I was constantly reminded of Advance Training: “Oh wait till the Advanced Training”, or “You’ll see at Advanced Training”. Last Saturday these words began to resonate in a different tune. The work of GFP began to happen right in front of my eyes: teamwork, peace building, cooperation, and innovation.
My name is Josh Wizman and I am a senior at the University of California, Davis majoring in Middle East and South Asian Studies. I am currently studying in Amman at Princess Sumaiya University for Technology, advancing my Arabic skills and working as an intern at the Generations For Peace Institute. While my Arabic skills have vastly improved, the real highlight of my time in Jordan has been my varied experience at GFP with transcriptions, a promotional video, interviews, laughter, and several birthday cakes.
Last Saturday as 33 Generations For Peace Pioneers representing 11 different countries arrived at the headquarters in Amman to learn and share with each other, I felt that my understanding of who and what GFP stands for was made concrete. Hearing stories of how GFP Pioneers overcame violence and inequality, through tools that included sport and art was inspiring.
In addition to hearing their stories during sessions, I was able to get to know the attendees through several short interviews that expanded more on where they came from and where they are going. To see some of the interesting facts I discovered through these interviews, check out the previous Advanced Training blog posts.
The smiles and laughter that resonated through the sports hall during the sports sessions were certainly some of the most memorable moments for me during my time at the Advanced Training. It was a reminder of how cooperation can be manifested in so many ways, and that conflict can be reduced through teamwork and acknowledgement of one’s team members. Everyone in the team was regarded equally regardless of his or her ethnicity, class, or gender; it was understood that without the help of every individual in the team the whole process broke down.
As the Advanced Training and my time here at GFP come to a close I am thankful to have been surrounded by so many people who are committed to alleviating issues surrounding violence and inequality within their own communities in such creative ways. Prior to my arrival to GFP I thought I was going to be the typical intern making coffee and pushing papers, not knowing that I would discover a family that has provided me with many useful tools for the future. I will truly miss GFP, and I wish Pioneers, Delegates, and future volunteers success in their future endeavors.
