George Mitchell

I had the opportunity to meet George Mitchell the other day after he heard about NewView on a local news station. I was struck by his humble nature, genuine brilliance, and absolute honesty. It was such an honor, and an unforgettable experience.

NewView Recognized by U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree

NewView is recognized by U.S. Senator Susan Collins

After presenting about NewView at the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SEDTA) in Washington D.C., I had the opportunity to meet Senator Susan Collins to talk about the accomplishments and future plans of this program.

Saudi Arabia

Just got word, we have seven students from Saudi Arabia joining us...the world is getting smaller!

A New Beginning

As the school year is underway, NewView is about to begin again! This year not only will the Pilot group (30 Iraqi/30 Yarmouth Participants) continue, but we are adding a whole new crowd!

So far this includes:
          • 4-5 new schools in Maine
          • students from Saudi Arabia
          • students from Israel
          • MORE students from Iraq
          • potentially a classroom from Pakistan

I am so anxious to get started, and am excited for another fabulous year!

Vision

I have a friend from Kurdistan, the Northern part of Iraq, named Razhan Ali. I met him this summer, and I was immediately impressed by his contagiously calm and respective demeanor. We shared incredible conversations, and I had the opportunity to learn about his passion. This guy is incredible. He created a non-profit organization called Vision. The mission statement for his project reads as follows:

"Vision is a non-profit organization devoted to help attain a brighter future through renovating education and awareness. It is composed of young people in this new generation who see the task of helping their society as a dutiful responsibility of theirs. This organization is formed for the purpose of improving education and raising awareness of communal needs and social concerns in our community, country, and the world around us."

I have added the link to the website below. Recently, he has expressed an interest in taking on NewView as a project for Vision. He lives in Sulimany, Iraq, part of Kurdistan which is the Northern section of Iraq. I have learned how diverse the culture is between Northern and Southern Iraq, so this opportunity will give American participants a completey different perspective.

I am so excited for this to work out.

http://futuresvision.org/#/about-us/4554591865

Enthusiasm is Inspiring

Upon returning from Global Youth Village (GYV) it almost feels like I never left. Even throughout this past week, I have been in close contact with many of the participants. While the Iraqis are enjoying their home-stays in D.C., Pittsburgh, Kansas City, and Little Rock, Arkansas...the Indonesians have finally made it home safely. And the American participants? Well, we are back to our usual routines. But I know we would all agree that we will carry those two weeks with us wherever we go.


In the past few days, I have been contacted by a large number of GYV participants who wish to expand NewView to their friends, schools, and communities. The motivation is contagious. The hope is incredible. And the enthusiasm is inspiring. Thank you to all.