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U.S. Ambassador and House Speaker Urge Muslim Congressional Interns to Continue Dedication to Leadership and Government

At the July 13 completion ceremony for the "Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders" (CIPYML), U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney and Mindanao State University President Ricardo de Leon gave certificates of completion to the 25 participating Filipino students. The CIPYML Program gives qualified graduates from colleges in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other conflict-affected areas of Mindanao the opportunity to work for four months at the House of Representatives and gain hands-on experience in legislation and policy formulation.
Demonstrating the U.S. and Philippines' commitment to investing in people, democracy, and peace, Ambassador Kenney and Philippine Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose de Venecia hosted a July 13 completion ceremony for students from the "Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders" (CIPYML). The CIPYML Program is managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development and implemented in partnership with the House of Representatives and Mindanao State University (MSU). Pictured are the participating students and representatives of MSU with (seated, left to right) Ricardo de Leon, President, Mindanao State University; Frank Donovan, Acting Mission Director, USAID; Speaker de Venecia; Ambassador Kenney; Bob Barnes, USAID; and Richard Hirsch, Program Management Advisor, USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) program.
Ambassador Kenney talks with some of the students who participated in the "Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders," which gives qualified graduates from colleges in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other conflict-affected areas of Mindanao the opportunity to work for four months at the House of Representatives. "I hope that you all have enjoyed this opportunity to work with your Congress and see how to enact laws that benefit all citizens, and how to work to make government relevant to its citizens," said Ambassador Kenney. "This is your country to shape - to bring into peace and prosperity so that all citizens benefit."
Speaker de Venecia and Ambassador Kenney share a light moment during the completion ceremony for the fifth group of students in the "Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders," which is managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development and implemented in partnership with the House of Representatives and Mindanao State University (MSU). Both Ambassador Kenney and Speaker de Venecia delivered remarks during the ceremony and encouraged the young leaders to continue seeking opportunities to increase their own knowledge of democratic governance, and to share with others what they learned during their internships.
Ambassador Kenney talks with some of the students who participated in the "Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders," which gives qualified graduates from colleges in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other conflict-affected areas of Mindanao the opportunity to work for four months at the House of Representatives. "I've had the pleasure of visiting many of the places you come from, and I know firsthand it's a spectacularly beautiful place filled with promise," she said. "I feel particularly close to today's program because I was an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives when I was in college. It actually is what made me think of a career in foreign affairs. I hope that you all have enjoyed this opportunity to work with your Congress and see how to enact laws that benefit all citizens, and how to work to make government relevant to its citizens."
Students from the "Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders" (CIPYML) enjoy a laugh with Ambassador Kenney during the July 13 completion ceremony for the 25 Filipino students who recently finished a four-month internship at the House of Representatives. The CIPYML Program is co-sponsored by the U.S. Government, which is proud to help open doors so these young leaders from Mindanao can expand their knowledge of and experience in government and leadership. The internship program not only helps these young leaders learn more about democratic governance, but brings their unique perspectives and experiences to the halls of Congress.
Student intern Selahuddin Y. Hashim, who is from Maguindanao, gave remarks on behalf of the 25 students who just finished a four-month intership at the House of Representatives co-sponsored by the U.S. Government. "This program is a rare chance, a precious opportunity," he said. "We all share a common goal: to make a positive difference in our community and to develop and advance Mindanao. We are here to assert that the future is not bleak. In fact, it is full of promise."
At the July 13 completion ceremony for the "Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders" (CIPYML), Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney and Mindanao State University President Ricardo de Leon gave certificates of completion to the 25 participating Filipino students. The CIPYML Program gives qualified graduates from colleges in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other conflict-affected areas of Mindanao the opportunity to work for four months at the House of Representatives and gain hands-on experience in legislation and policy formulation. The program is managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development and implemented in partnership with the House of Representatives and Mindanao State University.

Last Update :: 07/15/2006

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