Experience

Outward Bound schools are operated by local citizens who tailor programs to the specific needs of the country in which they work, as well expanding their reach to regions and issues demanding Outward Bound expertise in experiential education and leadership development. Outward Bound has historically and is increasingly delivering programs that bring people together across borders and societal fracture lines.

The following are examples of Outward Bound programs that have included peacebuilding components. As the Outward Bound Center for Peacebuilding is being developed, it is inspired by the success of these programs:

The Palestinian-Israeli Unity Program, run by North Carolina Outward Bound, brought Jewish and Arab youth from Israel to the Appalachian Mountains for a 15-day expedition where students embarked upon a progression of physical, mental and emotional challenges designed to break down stereotypes and create teamwork and trust. The program ran successfully for two consecutive summers in 2005 and 2006 and is now based in a new Outward Bound school in Israel. Outward Bound Israel is actively expanding its operations to reach more students in Israel, with plans to include citizens of other countries in the Middle East.

Outward Bound Indonesia has provided programs to members of youth gangs in Jakarta, Indonesia that have resulted in a significant decrease in inter-gang violence in that city.

Outward Bound South Africa has worked with youth from conflicting factions in the East Rand Township of Johannesburg and contributed to the de-escalation of violence between them.

Outward Bound Bulgaria, Outward Bound New Zealand and other schools have also implemented programs with the aim of bridging social divides and bringing people together in a spirit of cooperation and service.

Outward Bound Malaysia Sabah conducted a 12-day program called the International Muhibbah (Goodwill) Challenge Course in 2002. The main aim of the program was to promote goodwill and to foster understanding amongst members of the international community. It was followed by a second Goodwill program in 2005, organized by Outward Bound Bermuda.

In 2006, the Outward Bound Global Leaders Program led fourteen emerging global leaders on a cross-cultural leadership development and climbing expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Participants came from nations including Afghanistan, Canada, India, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States. The Global Leaders Program is an experiential expeditionary program with a leadership curriculum aimed at creating a network of international leaders who possess an appreciation of human diversity and a sense of responsibility to all world citizens.

Copyright 2008.