Building a Culture of Peace For The Children Of The World (WASHINGTON DC USA) '-- This article was contributed by Sarika Jain

In 2005, Andrew embarked on a transformative journey from Canada's Montreal to the heart of Washington, D.C. alongside fellow scholars of the prestigious Jeanne Sauvé Scholars Foundation at McGill University. This voyage wasn't just a mere trip; it was a pivotal chapter in the illustrious narrative of his intellectual journey.

As part of the coveted Sauvé Scholars Program, Andrew found himself amidst the halls of power and diplomacy, where history is made and destinies are shaped. From the corridors of the United States Institute for Peace to the esteemed chambers or House of the Senate, every moment was memorable and significance and promise.

Yet amidst the grandeur and gravitas, one program shone brighter than the rest – the Peace Program. For Andrew, this wasn't merely an opportunity; it was the culmination of a decade-long dedication to fostering harmony and understanding in a world often plagued by discord, violence and war. It was a chance to delve deeper into his passion, to glean insights from the foremost minds in peacemaking, and to chart a course for a future defined by cooperation and compassion.

In that moment, with his wealth of ideas, aspirations, and activism, Andrew stood poised at the intersection of past achievements and future endeavors. His journey from Montreal to D.C. wasn't just a physical passage; it was a spiritual awakening, a reaffirmation of his commitment to forging a world where peace reigns supreme. And as he gazed out upon the horizon, he knew that this was only the beginning – the dawn of a new era, where the power of one man's conviction could change the course of history.

Building a Culture of Peace For The Children Of The World '-- This article was contributed by Sarika Jain,WBIFP'
Reintegrating Children of War

On March 7th, 2005, Mohini Bhatia and I attended an exhibition titled Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World?, sponsored by HDCNY, where we met Andrew Benson Greene, the founder of IEARN Sierra Leone. We were struck not only by his youth, but his dogged determination to provide a positive outlet for young victims in Sierra Leone who are recovering from the traumatic ravages of war, through his organization. Andrew knows only too well the stories of the children he helps reintegrate, for he has been there himself. He tells us, Amidst Sierra Leone's stunning natural beauty, youth were ravaged through battle-fields and wars as child soldiers. Re-integrating them is a major challenge... offers youth a chance to build communications and technology skills to compete in today's infotechnology world. Technology helps to connect war affected youth of Sierra Leone with peers around the world as they strive to elicit the human rights violations that face war affected children. Through this unique sharing experience, trust and life skills are gained which enable our youth to become global citizens". We were moved and felt compelled to share Andrew's story and the story of the children he works so tirelessly for, with our fellow youth at the Bank.
by Sarika Jain,WBIFP'

Extra information
http://www.un.org/events/UNART/culturepeacegallery/index.html

United Nations Annual Exhibit, "Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" Mr. Andrew Greene was featured in this UN exhibit in 2004 and was privileged to view it in 2005.

This exhibit illustrates the importance of building a culture of peace at all levels and across geographical lines. The exhibit highlights the work of a dozen people famous for their role in conflict resolution, while showcasing the essays and artwork of children who are destined to inherit this task. Click here to see the entire 2005

In DC Andrew also had the chance to visit several places with colleague scholars such as the United States Institute of Peace, Lincoln Memorial Hall, and House of Senate amongst others.

In a twist of fate, Andrew's trip to D.C. was made extra special by his friend Leigh Anne, who traveled all the way from California to meet him for the first time. Their reunion marked the end of nearly two decades of exchanging letters that began with a BBC program called "A Jolly Good Show."

Their friendship, born through sending letters back and forth, grew stronger over time. They went from writing letters to emailing each other, sharing their experiences and understanding without ever meeting in person. Even during the tough times at Fourah Bay College, Leigh Anne's words were a source of comfort, and Andrew's creative writing explaining about the war helped in shedding light about these challenges and helping them navigate through challenges with stories of hope and resilience.

Now, standing face to face, their meeting wasn't just about two people finally meeting in person; it was a celebration of the enduring power of friendship that can withstand any distance or time apart. In Washington, D.C., they found comfort in each other's company, their connection echoing through the years and they were happy to meet and share their stories to others.

As the scholars gathered, they couldn't help but be captivated by Andrew and Leigh Anne's story. It was a reminder of the strength of human connection and the impact of simple acts of kindness. Their tale became a beacon of hope, inspiring everyone to cherish the bonds of friendship that enrich our lives in ways we may not always realize.