MYCP - Monroe Youth Challenge Program

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MYCP District Prevention Coordinator Sutter Certifies 100 in International Humanitarian Law

UPPER KEYS (468 words) – According to the American Red Cross (ARC), International Humanitarian Law is everyone’s concern. “In a world where warfare and civil strife are a daily reality for millions, International Humanitarian Law provides a framework for protection for civilians and combatants alike,” say ARC officials. That’s what 97 students and three teachers from the Upper Keys recently learned in a six-hour introductory session to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) earning them an IHL certification from the American Red Cross. The class was taught by Monroe Youth Challenge Program (MYCP) District Prevention Coordinator and ARC Trainer Michele Sutter as a community-based partnership between MYCP and the ARC.

Photo Credit: MYCP
Part of the 100 recently certified by Monroe Youth Challenge Program District Prevention Coordinator Michele Sutter in International Humanitarian Law are these Island Christian School students and their teacher John Beeler. From left to right (back row), Teacher John Beeler, Andy Hertel, Anthony White, Donnie Benbow, Anthony Dellinger, Jennifer Subic, Mike Shinella, Cody Hogue, Trevor Gordon, Philip Izaguirre; (center row) Nick DeMarco, Mary Ellen Petraska; (front row) Danielle Pabon, Jessica Lankford, Danielle Price, and Lorenzo Arce.

The learning objectives that guide the instruction of IHL and were taught to students are:

Recognizing your rights and the rights of others
Respect for human dignity
Encouraging widespread understanding
Promoting respect for the law
Advocating the fundamenmtal principles of humanitarian action
Promoting personal responsibility
Communicating with and representing government leadership locally, nationally, and internationally

“Anyone who learns about IHL can make a difference. Respect for human dignity begins at home.” Sutter adds, “The course is designed to encourage students to apply these principles to their lives. Teaching this course gives me the opportunity to promote the values of the Red Cross which are in keeping with the mission of MYCP.”

The 100 recent certifications included Island Christian School Teacher John Beeler and 15 students in October, Coral Shores High School Teacher Lauren Pestikas and two of her classes with a total of 57 students in November, and CSHS Cheryl Cook Teacher with 25 students who finished and received their certificates last week.

Sutter said, “The needs with IHL are ever growing. Students are first made aware of IHL, and then encouraged to participate in global projects such as the ARC Measles Initiative, a project reaching out to children in third world countries with measles vaccines.” The class at Island Christian was so moved by the training they teamed up with Key Club and raised $195 for the Measles Initiative which can save 195 lives.

The Red Cross worldwide is involved in efforts to increase public understanding of IHL because it is more effective when it is understood. By being informed, Americans can contribute to the chance for peaceful resolution of conflicts. Sutter added, “By understanding the difference IHL makes to millions of people around the world and close to home, they help strengthen the humanitarian rules and principles.”

Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information call Michele Sutter at (305) 852-1664 or go to www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp. For more information about IHL or to contact the local Red Cross on how to get involved visit http://www.redcross.org/services/intl.