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From preservation issues on Easter Island to non-violence in the Tibetan struggle, the World Peace Scholars share their expertise in I-House programs. See the Calendar on the back page for more information and check the website for program updates

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House Welcomes
Rotary World Peace Scholars

International House welcomed the first class of ten Rotary World Peace Scholars to study at Berkeley and live at International House. The Rotary Scholarship for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution provides support for two years of graduate study at one of seven Rotary Centers for International Studies. The Centers are located in England, France, Australia, Japan, Argentina, and two in the US.

Rotary World Peace Scholars release doves at a Celebration of Peace in a remembrance of September 11.

The annual scholarship program, which aids 70 students worldwide, reflects a major commitment by Rotary to educate future world leaders. The scholarships provide opportunities for promising scholars to focus on dealing effectively with the obstacles that impede international cooperation and peace, such as war, famine, poverty, and disease. Through partnerships with universities throughout the world, the Rotary Centers are committed to advancing knowledge on issues of peace and conflict resolution among the next generation of community and world leaders.

Scholars were selected from thousands of applicants worldwide. The ten World Peace Scholars are:

Tenzin Bhuchung, an ethnic Tibetan, was born in India. He is pursuing a master's degree in Asian studies with special interests in the Tibetan community and the concepts and practice of universal human rights.

Alison Bond, from New Zealand, has worked on conflict resolution in Cyprus and on an educational project in South Africa. She is pursuing a master's in political conflict resolution.

Nagarjun Devaraj, from India, has worked as an attorney and junior civil judge, providing free legal assistance to the poor. He is pursuing a master of laws degree at Boalt School of Law.

Patricia Hewitson, from Australia, has served as a civilian peace monitor in Papua New Guinea. She is pursuing a dual masters in law and in arms control. Her interests include humanitarian law and the impact of conflict on women.

Michel Huneault, from Canada, has worked on a communications project in Bolivia and participated in a cultural exchange in Cuba. He will further his studies in cross-cultural communication with a masters in Latin American studies.

Nani Mahanta from India is a lecturer in political science who has researched the impact of conflict on children. He is working on a master's in Asian Studies and plans to build and teach coursework in conflict resolution.

Simona Pinton from Italy has monitored parliamentary elections in Albania and Serbia. She is studying peace and conflict resolution while completing her Ph.D. in international law with a focus on human rights violations.

Sergio Alejo Rapu Haoa is a native of Easter Island, Chile, and the first native islander to serve as its governor. He is studying sustainable development and plans to design programs of sustainable agriculture and cultural tourism.

Ian Wadley, from Australia, is an attorney who has worked for the Red Cross in the Congo, negotiating and implementing programs for the protection of prisoners of war. He is pursuing a Ph.D. with special interest in resource disputes.

Beyene Zewdineh from Ethiopia holds a Ph.D. and works for the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with responsibilities involving human rights and humanitarian affairs. He is working on an early warning system for potential conflicts in Africa.