Nonprofit Cultural Exchange Programs Receive New Respect
In a down economy, organizations and institutions
are particularly drawn to Friendship Ambassadors
Foundation
in order to prepare and facilitate:
- International conferences and other global
gatherings for delegates of all ages;
- Concert tours and festival appearances for all
arts-based and cultural organizations -
young or old, large or small;
- Voluntourism and service-based travel around the
world; and
- FAF's own, youth leadership training workshops in
support of the
U.N.'s Millennium Development Goals.
- Recently, the Foundation has become the sole U.S.
representative for the
exciting new Abraham Path Initiative, an exclusive
hiking and cultural exchange trail throughout the
Middle East ... on the very same roads Abraham once
traveled!
(See below)
A FLIGHT TO QUALITY |
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When every penny counts, it seems that performance
groups, cultural exchange ensembles, volunteer
organizations and global gatherings turn to
FAF.
The Foundation has never been more active than
it
is
today; many group leaders are contacting us for
money-saving ideas, fund-raising tips, and even
'impactful' add-ons to existing tours with for-profit
vendors.
With deep cultural and diplomatic relations throughout
the world, the knowledge to make a good tour a
great
experience, and with no profit motive whatsoever,
we are honoured to be invited into so many
international travel programmes this and next
season.
May we assist your ensemble or group to make
the most out of your travel experience in 2010-2011?
Group Leaders: To Do List
- Read the quotes throughout the newsletter
- Choose your destination with care
- Let FAF bring you there and back, safely and with the
best itinerary for your needs
- And remember: the Foundation creates as well as
facilitates programming, development and special
event efforts - so be sure to include FAF in the idea
phase as well as the planning sessions!
And don't forget about our new free service that has
been connecting hundreds of travelers going abroad
to all corners of the world: The Global
Consortium.
The Consortium idea encourages all pre-formed,
mission-based travel groups,
of all kinds, to list their names, project, location, dates,
regions,
and proposed outcomes at the online intranet address
we have
provided at: www.faf.org. The
Consortium site enables NGOs to learn about each
other's
work in the same regions they will travel to, thus
increasing
each one's ability to work together and seek additional
media
and sponsorship attention. This also enables the US
State
Department to recognize the vast
importance of these cultural and service-based tours,
and for
the media themselves to know more about the depth
and
breadth of these projects around the world.
TELL YOUR STORY: if you would like to submit a case
study
on how your work abroad has shaped your art,
academic, or
community relations over years, we would like to hear
these
and post them on our Global Consortium site. And
who knows: soon international emissaries
may be
turning to our informed travel community for advice!
We hope you will decide to sign on soon, no matter how
or with whom you're traveling.
Join the 'flight to quality' in 2010-2011 and travel with
Friendship Ambassadors Foundation.
Good Travels!
"I appreciate your time and effort, am grateful
for your
support and am quite overwhelmed with pride to read
the
amount of effort you have made on behalf of our trip.
You
have a true concept of what diplomacy involves and
effect it
repeatedly." - John McIntyre, Tour
Coordinator,
Greenwich Choral Society, June 2008 (Part of FAF's
Sister City
Project between Greenwich, CT and Vienne, France)
"The Movement Laboratory Youth
Ensembles' 'Goodwill
thru Dance Program' has traveled with FAF for over 20
years ...
Thanks FAF for helping ... We will continue to create
illuminate and teach peace." - Judy
Williams
Henry,
Founder and Artistic Director
"If you saw the impact you have on youth (and
young
at
heart), you would have to shade your eyes from the
brightness
of hope." - Paulette Schatz, Project
Manager,
United
Nations Development Programme, Afghanistan
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THE PATH OF THE FRIEND: JOIN US |
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A new relationship for FAF: with the Abraham
Path Initiative (API)
Join Us for FAF's Inaugural API Walks later in
2009:
October 15 - 29, Turkey and Syria
Dec 27 - Jan 7 Israel, Palestine, and Jordan
(Optional: a pre-hike extension to Jerusalem, Dec
23-
26).
Abraham Path dates available upon request
throughout 2010-2011.
Connecting the Human Family Step by Step
Are you interested in the experience of a lifetime?
Well, the Abraham Path offers such an opportunity
as
one of the most outstanding cultural itineraries in
the
world. Proceeding south from the Silk Road town of
Harran in Southeastern Turkey, the path crosses
one
of the richest historical landscapes on earth, from
the
great Islamic centers of Aleppo and Damascus to
the
old pilgrimage cities of the Holy Land. Along the
way,
the trail winds through the Biblical scenery of the
desert and descends through the olive groves and
wildflowers that dot the landscape. Those who
make
this journey, now being offered in small groups of
approximately 15 to 20 people, will discover a chain
of
Roman ruins, medieval castles and desert
monasteries, and extraordinary sites related to
Abraham.
FAF's Inaugural, Familiarization Trips for Group
Leaders and
Others:
October 15 - 29: Turkey and Syria
Dec 27 - Jan 7: Israel, Palestine, and Jordan
(Including an optional, pre-hike extension to
Jerusalem from Dec 23-26 for those seeking a
Christmastime, Holy Land experience, too).
2010-2011: Path opens for small groups interested
in
the arts, cultural exchange, new routes for hiking,
spiritual experiences, and great learning
opportunities with local API guides who really
know the region, its history, and cultures.
BACKGROUND/FURTHER INFORMATION:
The Abraham Path (Masar Ibrahim al Khalil) is a
route
of cultural tourism which follows the footsteps of
Abraham / Ibrahim through the Middle East. The
story
of Abraham / Ibrahim's journey, which has been
kept
alive for some four thousand years in the landscape
and memory of this region, records the origin of a
spiritual tradition shared by more than three billion
people in the world today.
By retracing this journey, the Abraham Path
provides
people of all
faiths and cultures a
place to meet and connect. It invites us to
remember
our
common origins, to respect our cultural differences,
and to recognize our shared humanity. The path
also
serves as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and
economic development; a platform for the energy
and
idealism of young people; and a focus for positive
media highlighting the rich culture and hospitable
people of the Middle East.
Thanks to the generous welcome which has been
extended by host communities along the way, the
first
walking sections of the path are now open to
travelers
- and available exclusively through Friendship
Ambassadors Foundation. Call today for more
details:
1-800-526-2908.
And, if you haven't seen the FAF site in awhile,
take a visit, whether you are planning group travel in
the near future, contemplating a programme for
yourself or one of your students, or perhaps joining
nearly 1000 young people
and their mentors every year at FAF's very
successful UN Youth
Assembly in New York.
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CONCERT TOURS IN 2010-2011 |
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For over 36 years, Friendship Ambassadors
Foundation
has been a global force bringing millions of people
together through
meaningful cultural exchange programmes.
Where would your ensemble or group like to be
seen
in
2010-2011??
- Asia
- Central or Eastern Europe
- The Baltics
- Latin America
- The Middle East
- Africa
- Or in the USA, with a focus on New York City, New
Orleans, The Gullah Nation (South Carolina), West
Coast, or Hawaii
Now is the very best time to contact FAF for advice, a
plan, and a strategy for your adult or youth group,
ensemble, volunteer group or gathering to make the
most
out of a planned travel experience in the coming year.
Please contact FAF's Artistic Director, Ms. Yin-Chu
Jou
([email protected]) or Executive Director Patrick
Sciarratta ([email protected]) to discuss your plans
before the Fall so you have all the information in
hand when your group meets.
Visit our
site,
email us, or simply call us at 1-800-526-2908. We
look forward to serving your tour in the coming year!
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FAF TRAINS YOUTH LEADERS IN COSTA RICA: JANUARY 2010 |
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THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME
January, 2010
University for Peace
Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica
A FRIENDSHIP AMBASSADORS FOUNDATION
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
INITIATIVE ADVANCING THE MILLENNIUM
DEVELOPMENT GOALS
ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?
The MDLP will provide participants with the skills and
knowledge to start and lead projects related to
achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs):
Ending Hunger and Poverty
Providing Universal Education
Ensuring Gender Equality
Reducing Child Mortality
Improving Maternal Health
Combating HIV / AIDS, malaria, etc
Building Environmental Sustainability
Creating Global Partnerships
This intensive certificate programme will be hosted on
the campus of the UN University for Peace located in
the mountains of Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica.
The MDLP curriculum focuses on training participants
to
build a business plan for implementing their own
initiatives. The
method of training will include the practical
frameworks and methodologies of case study
analysis. Participants will analyze MDG themed
projects to develop the management skills needed to
effectively establish, pursue, and lead projects.
Experienced professionals and practitioners in the
field with a record of success will conduct and facilitate
certificate program.
The Programme will enable young professionals to
learn, network and build on their capacity. The MDLP
is limited to 40 participants with a demonstrated
interest in international development or relevant work
experience.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
WHAT IS CASE STUDY ANALYSIS? Case
study
analysis is an effective way for professionals to
develop the critical thinking skills needed to effectively
manage organizations and programs.
Unlike lectures or materials presented solely in written
format, case studies present a narrative overview of
the events that have occurred at a particular
organization or project. Details in a case study may
include:
Information about the project (issue and scope of
work, budget, staff)
Objectives and strategies
Challenges encountered
Results and recommendations
Analysis of the steps other leaders have taken to
address specific problems and issues will give you the
opportunity to learn about the challenges the young
professional may
encounter. Problem solving skills will be
cultivated while
engaging in a team-based critique of existing projects.
The case studies utilized in 2010 will relate to the
following issues:
Primary education
Resources and conflict mediation
Advancing global health
Creating economic opportunities for women
During the program, field trips to MDG related projects
in Costa Rica will highlight the efforts of specific
groups, their challenges and creative solutions
devised by project leaders.
CURRICULUM TO INCLUDE
Creating effective and meaningful organizational
business plans
Achieving financial transparency
Managing and sustaining growth
Planning for and replicating success
Structuring and maintaining organizational
governance
Creating beneficial partnerships
Recognizing and avoiding common problems
Publicizing participants' work through the media and
building
social networks
Authentic cultural experience during home stays
with local host families
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SING AND DANCE AT THE UN NEXT SUMMER |
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GREAT, SUMMER CONCERT TOUR OPTION � An
Appearance
in NYC during the annual Youth Assembly at the U.N.
and A Week in NYC at a Glance, FAF Style!
Day 1- Upon arrival in New York City, an FAF
representative will be there to welcome you. Board
your private motor coach for your transfer to your
accommodations in midtown Manhattan. After settling
in and depending on arrival times, enjoy a welcome
dinner at a nearby restaurant or a short FAF
orientation before turning in for the night.
Day 2- Board your private motor coach this morning to
the Empire State Building; tour the Observatory Tower.
After getting to know New York from above, take some
free time to discover 5th Avenue and the Grand
Central Station area. Your motor coach will take you
to your first indoor performance and exchange. Have
dinner together at a restaurant nearby, arranged by
FAF.
Day 3 - Enjoy breakfast then join FAF staff and interns:
explore the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art
(entrance included), one of the world's finest
museums. Have lunch in the museum's cafeteria.
Enjoy some free time in the afternoon for shopping or
individual sightseeing. Tonight: special exchange
opportunities will be tailored for each group.
Day 4- After breakfast, stroll through Rockefeller
Center and the famous Central Park. Visit the Central
Park Zoo, Conservatory Garden, enjoy the Carousel
and Carriage Rides, or do some row boating on the
Lake. In the afternoon, board your motor coach for
your transfer to Greenwich, Connecticut. Meet the
members of the Youth Band for United Nations and
have an indoor joint concert at the Greenwich High
School. Reception and dinner arranged after the
performance.
Day 5 - Depart to Downtown and take a cruise to the
Statue of Liberty. Upon arrival, prepare for your first
outdoor concert at the Statue of Liberty Flagpole area.
After a fun, al fresco performance, take time on your
own to explore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Upon your return to Manhattan, visit Ground Zero.
Explore Chinatown and Little Italy. Tonight: special
exchange opportunities will be tailored for each group.
Day 6 - In the early afternoon, meet for lunch at the
hotel and then transfer to United Nations headquarters
in New York City for a visit and your concert. Upon
arrival, enjoy a guided tour of this vital peacemaking
institution. Visit the gift shop for your souvenirs. Mail
them with special stamps available only from the UN!
In the early evening, join other international
performers for the annual U.C. Peace Arts Festival
related to the annual Youth Assembly at the United
Nations. This is also an award
ceremony for UN officials involved with cultural
activities.
Day 7 - After breakfast, enjoy a 2-hour, semi-circle
cruise around Manhattan, which will be a breathtaking
experience and allow you to get to know some of the
history of Manhattan, New Jersey and Brooklyn. In the
afternoon, enjoy some free time at Times Square. After
an early dinner at Times Square, enjoy an included,
evening performance on Broadway tonight!
And: all at a very inviting price that is tax-deductible to
the fullest extent of the law through FAF. Make an
impact at a fraction of the cost of high rate, for-profit
tour operators (Actually, even tour operators use FAF
these days to increase the impact of their tours and
lower costs overall. With no profit motive whatsoever,
the foundation is happy to oblige.)
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UNIVERSITY COURSE OFFERINGS: A NEW FAF SUCCESS |
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FAF has prepared successful, university level
courses
for your
review. These courses offer students and continuing
students
the opportunity to earn course credit while having
the
opportunity to have beautiful cities around the globe
as their
classrooms! These courses can be tailored to your
needs and
destinations as well as to any academic discipline.
Here a few offerings to consider in 2010:
� Nuts and Bolts: Examining the administration
and
management of cultural nonprofit organizations.
Held at
your university or on site at influential NGOs in New
York and
elsewhere.
� Cultural Leadership in the Age of Private
Citizen
Diplomacy: A Positive Role for Non-State Actors.
� Central European Cultural Immersion Course
in
the Czech
Republic,
Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary: our most
impressive
success to date. This inviting
three week
course can be offered by a variety of departments
with
confidence: International Relations, Liberal Arts,
Continuing
Education among them.
Take a moment
and
scan
Professor Devon
MacNamara's email, below. It
captures the
highlights of this intensive course which FAF
developed
for her students at West Virginia Wesleyan College
last Spring:
"RE: WVWC Central European experience --
brava,
bravo!
Great trip, wonderful guide, Michala couldn't be
more
helpful,
accommodations excellent, the program unfolding
harmoniously, and the kids very happy and amazed.
Good flights, although a REAL sprint in Paris to
change
planes. Thank you for all the work you have done
on
this
experience, Yin-Chu.
What a wonderful time for our students, and for us,
in
east
central Europe his May! Thank you for all your
preparations,
each of which resulted in harmonious connections,
well
planned excursions, enlightening programs, real
fun,
fine food,
excellent cultural exchanges, some happy surprises,
like
meeting with young gymnasium students in
Prague,
There were valuable challenges too, like going to
see
the play
in Budapest which was extraordinarily intense. The
writer/actor
H. Gabor was incredible and his young student,
Zoltan
Tar,
talented and expressive. It was not a theatre event
our
students get to see every day so it was right on
target
for what
we hoped for them and provided an opportunity for
our
students to talk with the actors, as well as students
learning
English in the audience. The concert in Prague in
the
Klementinum, the truly spectacular dancing at The
Magic
Lantern, classical ballet at The National Theatre in
Bratislava,
all were genuinely thrilling, and the
historical/political
talk
with the indefatigable Dagmar was excellent -- on
that "Botel!"
The writers that Dagmar and Peter managed to find
for
us were
exceptional choices, being of a generation that
knew
the war
and were blessed with long memories, and able to
share
intense accounts, modestly given, of what they had
lived
through with a depth of dignity today's young
people,
especially Americans who have not suffered, don't
always
encounter. Attila Melegh was perfect - in fact, the
students
couldn't get enough of him, and went trooping off to
find his
book after the lecture. He was gracious and
energetic
and
funny and they were all very inspired to see the
world
with
more informed eyes as a result of our time with him.
We hadn't
had a predominantly economic explanation of
twentieth-
century events up to that point so it was valuable.
He
was au
courant about contemporary political trends and
how
to spot
evidence in conversation and on posters around the
city.
Sarolta couldn't have been more helpful,
informative,
motherly, practical, and caring, and we all got very
fond of
her. She has depths and depths and a deep love
of
her
country, and Bill and I imagined for next time maybe
a
kind of
panel with her and Attila on it presenting their
different
takes
on Central European society twenty years after the
fall
of we-all-
know-what. The final dinner at the Hotel Corvin,
and
the folk
dancers afterward, was happy and charming and
very
stirring
really - the singing! Oh my. And the dancers, as
Sarolta
explained, had regular jobs too, which made their
presentation
more brilliant and heartfelt. Again, for next time, as
in
Ireland,
more dancing for all of us! It was a fitting finale as
well as an
invitation to return for more as soon as possible.
And that's really our only true complaint, too little
time,
and how and when can we return?
And the music! Oh my! From Dvorak and Smetana
(of
course)
to Ligeti (an hommage, so he was in the audience)
and of
course much baroque brass, and all the gorgeous
pianos in
Vienna - truly magnificent, everywhere we went,
from
the
streets to the churches to the concert halls.
Brilliant.
Sorry this is so long. Many thanks once again. If
I've
left
anything out you or your contacts would particularly
like
feedback on please let me know.
Can't we stay another month?
Cheers,
Devon"
Would you like to review our University Course in
Central
Europe for 2010? Have an idea for another course
and need
help with the itinerary and planning? Give us a call
or
send an email
and we will be happy to forward the Central
European
course plan to you -- or work on a customized, credit
bearing or noncredit course offering with your
academic needs in mind!
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FAF - Contact |
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GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS
299 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, Connecticut USA
06830
www.faf.org [email protected]
USA: 001-203-542-
0652; -0661(f)
Travel Groups, Only: 1-800-526-2908
Also, Travel Groups and Delegates: Ask about your
private, online information service (OTIS) that is
password protected and ready for ready, 24/7!
Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, Inc. is a
501c3 not-for-profit, tax-exempt
organization, with international
affiliations, including the United Nations
Department of Public Information, UNESCO, ACDA,
Greenwich Arts Council, and other
associations with academic, cultural, and
diplomatic institutions worldwide. (FAF's
U.S. Headquarters, in Greenwich, CT, is
pictured above.)
The goals of the foundation include the
creation and facilitation of cultural
exchange programmes that encourage mutual
understanding and global cooperation, the
promotion of youth leadership events, and
support for sustainable development through
cultural tourism in emerging regions worldwide.
"The Grosse Pointe South choir's trip to
NYC was
well
organized and very exciting. We so enjoyed
the UN
and the opportunity to sing for the UN
(International)
school ... (T)he workshop with Gavin Creel -
and then
watching him in Hair - was an experience our
students will never forget. I have traveled
with FAF
since 1976 and each trip has been a new and
exciting
experience. By the way, our rooms ... were
amazing.
We were only a half of a block off Times
Square and I
could lie in my bed and watch Time's square
ball turn
from red, to blue, to green. What memories
we will all
have. Thank you." - Ellen J. Bowen,
Director of
Choral
Activities, Grosse Pointe South High
School � March
2009
"On behalf of the Huntington Middle School
Advanced
Orchestra, we would like to express our grateful
appreciation to
FAF for organizing and coordinating our field trip to
New York
City and Carnegie Hall on April 8-12, 2009. Our
students had a
wonderful time and gained invaluable experience
from this
trip. The itinerary you planned was excellent, as was
your
assistance throughout our stay in New York. We are
especially
thankful to you for arranging the tour and concert at
the
Julliard School, which was an inspiration to our
students. We
certainly look forward to using your services again in
the
future."
- Rob Folsom, Orchestra Director and Vanessa Koo,
Orchestra
Club Chair, June 2, 2009
"It is a great pleasure to greet the participants in the
2009 Youth Assembly at the
United Nations. I thank the Permanent Mission of
Hungary, the Friendship Ambassadors
Foundation ... and all others involved in
making this event possible. The world needs you to
make the most of this gathering.",
Ban Ki-Moon
United Nations Secretary General
August 2009
"I just wanted to extend a sincere word of thanks for
organizing the UN Youth Assembly. It was my first time
attending the conference and I was utterly impressed
by the depth and breadth of topics as well as the
passion of the panelists and my fellow delegates. As a
Project Manager at the Clinton Foundation and the
Co-Founder of Canopy (a non-profit organization in
Tanzania focused on bridging the education
achievement gap for orphans) the conference was not
only personally fulfilling, but professionally rewarding.
I hope to be back at next year's UN Youth
Assembly."
- Justin Pang (YA Participant, 2009)
"It was a wonderful, wonderful trip. We're
all home,
safe & sound now with glorious echoes &
scenes in
our heads & hearts. Thank you for your
patience & persistence & attention to detail
all the way along the line to liftoff , And
all went well in country too - The drivers
were excellent & the students were speechless
& happy. So, yes, I've appreciated how solid
& consistent & thoughtful you've been, &
flexible, & imaginative! All the best. You
certainly ARE the best!
Many, many thanks."
- Devon McNamara, (Leader, West Virginia
Wesleyan), 6/06 ... NOTE: Take a look at the latest
West Virginia Weselyan College course in Central
Europe arranged by FAF, in May 2009 - view their
recent, post tour email, left!
"I am writing you to formally express the lead
endorsement by this Mission of the proposed
Lasallian Student Convocation at United nations
Headquarters for April 2010. In endorsing this
proposed Convocation, it is our understanding that
Friendship Ambassadors Foundation will be the
primary contact for the logistical organization at the
United nations. May I take this opportunity to thank
you for your assistance to the Christian Brothers for
their efforts to promote in commemoration of the
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) the
special care and assistance to which each and every
child is entitled by virtue of his inherent dignity." -
Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Apolostolic Nuncio,
Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the
United Nations, June 2009
"On the wonderful work that Friendship
Ambassadors
is accomplishing, I commend you for your
leadership in promoting cultural exchange
between people both
young and old around the world. Hillary joins
me in
sending her best wishes."
- Former President Bill Clinton
"I commend FAF's efforts to work with
young people to
help them find possible means and ways to
peace and reconciliation. I would also wish
to stress the importance of generous support
for this project."
- President Martti Ahtisaari, (former)
President of Finland, 2008 Nobel Peace Prize
Winner
"Thanks again for everything you did for
our experience, Yin-Chu. It was certainly a
first-class
operation, and you were friendly, charming,
professional, and organized."
- Dr Christopher J . Nicholas, Coe College
Bands Soloist; Associate Director of Bands
The University of
Wyoming Department of Music; August 2008
"The Alliance Francaise of Greenwich would
like to
thank you and your Artistic Director Yin-Chu
Jou for
your efforts in including [us] in the
Greenwich Choral
Society trip to France honoring the
Greenwich/Vienne
Sister City 2008 initiative... The trip was
seamless, due in no small part to your
advance planning ... We thank you and your
team for making this historic trip so
memorable."
- Renee Ketcham, President, Alliance
Francaise of Greenwich, July 2008
"First of all, let me tell you that the
tour was Wonderful!
We couldn't have asked for better more receptive
audiences. Secondly . Secondly, whatever you
do ...
keep [FAF Artistic Director] Yin-Chu Jou. I
couldn't
have asked for a more gracious, "johnny on
the spot," kind, loving, helpful person to
travel with! And I know very well that it
takes a team to make something like this come
to fruition. So THANK YOU ALL, FAF!"
- Kim Clayton, Founder and Director Clayton
Productions August 2008
"We strongly support FAF's mission to create
international cultural opportunities . . .
please, do your best to help them in their
nonprofit efforts."
- Andr�s T�r�k, author, former Secretary of
State for Culture, Hungary
"I know of few projects today that succeed
more in
helping our young musicians do what they do best:
sharing the magic & glory of music with their
love of
people & their zest for new adventures."
- Alice Tully
"What you are doing couldn't be closer to
my heart. I urge you to keep opening new
doors of friendship wherever you travel and
perform. Godspeed!"
- Leonard Bernstein
"God love you for the
love you give
through the joy you
spread." - Mother Teresa
Find out more....
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