Title
To recognize AFS High School Exchange Students now studying in the United States for their participation in a Government Education Program on March 17, 2008 with the Sate of Ohio and the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, AFS (formerly the American Field Service) is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world through independent, nonprofit AFS Organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board; and
WHEREAS, AFS has been exchanging students throughout the world for six decades with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators, in keeping with its mission of working toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership; and
WHEREAS, AFS-USA sends more than 1,500 students to more than 40 countries each year, awards more than $1.5 million in financial aid and scholarships annually, places more than 2,800 students from abroad U.S. families, and is supported by approximately 5,000 AFS Volunteers in the U.S. and 30,000 volunteers around the world; and
WHEREAS, A number of AFS exchange students have been in Columbus today, taking a Statehouse tour and meeting with Ohio and Columbus officials to learn about the workings of state and local government in the United States; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the Columbus City Council does hereby honor the AFS exchange students for their courage and initiative in living and studying abroad for a year, and for their diligence in learning about our government.