Atlanta was one of three cities selected nationally by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to host nine high school students and two teachers from Serbia on April 10-27. The group visited the United States on a unique program, titled Access to Community and Civic Enrichment for Students (ACCESS), designed to foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups, and promote understanding between the people of the United States and Serbia. The Georgia Council for International Visitors (GCIV) arranged the visit in Atlanta.

Though still faced with social and political problems inherited from the former regime, Serbia's current government has introduced significant reforms, including the stabilization of democratic institutions and the rule of law; reforms of the police, military, and judicial systems; respect for human rights and the enhancement of ethnic relations; an increased role for NGOs and trade union organizations; and a freer media. However, due to years of political and economic upheaval, government corruption, lack of funds, and an influx of internally displaced persons and refugees, Serbian schools are still lacking the infrastructure, learning materials, and equipment that American schools have. In addition, there is no tradition of civic participation in school management and little tradition of community involvement.

The nine students and two teachers were home-hosted by North Atlanta High School students and teachers. In addition to attending classes and after-school activities at North Atlanta High School, they engaged in intensive workshops focusing on leadership, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding. The visitors also participated in community service activities. There were opportunities to explore American culture through visits to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, CNN Center, the World of Coca Cola, and a weekend field trip to Americus and Plains, Georgia. On the final day of their program, participants learned how to build a Web site during a workshop provided by Atlanta's Macquarium Intelligent Communications. You can get to know the participants by visiting their new Web site at http://gciv.macquarium.com

Special thanks are due to all our community partners who helped make this program a great success:

North Atlanta High School Students and Staff
Atlanta Community Food Bank
Ray Fisher, State Legislative Candidate
Georgia Conservancy
Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta
Joe Beasley, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition
W. Deen Mohammed High School
Macquarium Intelligent Communications