Iraqi students left their mark in Austin this summer in the form of a mural and the many relationships they formed with community members and UT students and staff. Participating in a 4-week institute hosted by the UT International Office, 25 students in the Iraqi Young Leader Exchange Program (IYLEP) learned about law, civil liberties, and social justice in the United States, as well as leadership and the American spirit of volunteerism.
They studied creative activism with local muralist Raul Valdez and created a painting which reflected their hopes and dreams for unity, education, and peace for Iraq and the world. The painting was donated to the AISD Allan Center for Early Childhood and STEM Development, a partner of the program.
Follow the blog for stories from IYLEP participants as they pursue the goals they set in Austin now they have returned home to Iraq.
