VolunteerMatch

The Center for Cultural Interchange is calling on families of all backgrounds to host a FLEX exchange student this fall. As a host family FLEX local coordinator Barbara Bancel would match your family with a student that shares your interests.

The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) was established in 1992 as the centerpiece of the NIS Secondary School Initiative with FREEDOM Support Act funding from the State Department and USAID. Its goal is to provide an opportunity for high school students from the countries of the former Soviet Union to experience life in a democratic society in order to promote democratic values and institutions in Eurasia.

How are FLEX students different from other exchange students?

The purpose of the Future Leaders Exchange program is to foster democracy building. FLEX students participate in "enhancement activities" scheduled throughout the academic year, such as visits to state and local governments, participation in community service activities, and leadership seminars. These activities are designed to teach students civic responsibility and provide the knowledge and skills they will need -- as future leaders -- to bring about positive changes in their home countries.

Call Barbara today at 808-521-3554 or email her at ihc@iolani.org to learn more about the FLEX program and students like these:

Rashid from Russia: Rashid is a very active young boy from a small town near in Ural Mountains of Russia. He is very active in soccer, playing the guitar, dancing, and weight lifting. Rashid is also a member of the student council in his school. His favorite subjects are English, math and physics. Rashid is looking forward to learning more about life and culture in the US, and spending time with his host family.

Viktoriya from Ukraine: Viktoriya is a very studious and vibrant young girl. Her favorite subjects are English and biology. She also enjoys dancing, reading, watching TV, riding her bike, and writing. Viktoriya is looking forward to meeting her host family and learning more about life in the US.

Call Barbara Bancel today at 808-521-3554 or email her at ihc@iolani.org if you are interested in hosting or know someone who is.