During the month of April, the PCP wishes to acknowledge and congratulate the efforts of a wonderful group of Christians in Pakistan who took under their vision to create the first ever chapter of People to People International in the country of Pakistan. Congratulations to Mr. Eugien John and Mr. Shamim Mahmood Masih who worked tirelessly many months during 2002/03 with Mr. Brooks Herman, PtoP Director, African, Middle East, Asian Operations, to organize a group of students and adults who would begin to promote peace, friendships and understanding among the peoples of Pakistan through various projects of this chapter. The first project undertaken by the group was to have a celebration and project for World Youth Service Day during April 2003 to clean up a local garden and plant more trees through out the city of Gurjanwala. Other programs during 2003 included 1) gift distributions to students who were blind and physically or mentally challenged; 2) several peace walks through out the city; and 3) a four day seminar in cooperation with the CSC RWP. This last seminar involved persons from some 40 other diverse organizations and the PtoP chapter members provided coverage for food and evening entertainment outside the formal daytime workshops. Efforts are now underway to set up regular correspondence between Pakistani youth here in the USA and the student chapter members in Gurjanwala. It is hoped that by youth in Pakistan hearing about the accomplishments (and struggles) of their peer group in the USA this will be an encouragement for them to continue their efforts towards peace and especially to forward their education and understanding of many people and cultures through out the world via this People to People chapter. Below is information and background on the People to People movement. You can find complete details on upcoming events, or how to contact or form a chapter anywhere around the world at ptpi.org. People to People International is a voluntary effort of private citizens promoting international understanding through direct people-to-people contacts. PTPI is a private sector, not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri USA. Our Mission: The purpose of People to People International is to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different countries and diverse cultures. It will cooperate with any and all other organizations which are of similar nature and purpose. People to People International is dedicated to enhancing cross-cultural communication within each community, and across communities and nations. Tolerance and mutual understanding are central themes. While not a partisan or political institution, PTPI supports the basic values and goals of its founder, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The contact for others interested in setting up chapters in other cities of Pakistan is: Brooks Herman, Director, African, Middle East, Asian Operations: Email: brooksherman@ptpi.org Fax: 858.720.8395