United States Institute of Peace

2004-05 Senior Fellowship- 12-15 fellowships are awarded annually to scholars and practitioners from a variety of professions, including college and university faculty, journalists, diplomats, writers, educators, military officers, international negotiators, NGO professionals, and lawyers. The Institute funds projects related to preventive diplomacy, settlements, democratization and the rule of law, cross-cultural negotiations, nonviolent social movements, US foreign policy in the 21st century, and related topics. This year the Institute is especially interested in topics addressing problems of the Muslim world, post-war reconstruction and reconciliation, and responses to terrorism and political violence. Projects which demonstrate relevance to current policy debates will be highly competitive. Fellows reside at the Institute in Washington, DC, for a period of up to 10 months to conduct research on their projects, consult with staff, and contribute to the ongoing work of the Institute. Books and reports resulting from fellowships may be published by the USIP Press. The fellowship award includes a stipend of up to $80,000, travel to Washington for the fellow and dependents, health insurance, an office with computer and voicemail, and a half-time research assistant. The competition is open to citizens of all nations. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. Application deadline: September 15, 2003.

2004-05 Peace Scholar Dissertation Fellowship – The Peace Scholar program supports doctoral dissertations that explore the sources and nature of international conflict, and strategies to prevent or end conflict and to sustain peace. Dissertations from a broad range of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields are eligible. Peace Scholars work at their universities or appropriate field research sites. Priority will be given to projects that contribute knowledge relevant to the formulation of policy on international peace and conflict issues. Citizens of all countries are eligible, but Peace Scholars must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants must have completed all requirements for the degree except the dissertation by the commencement of the award (September 1, 2004). The dissertation fellowship award is $17,000 for one year and may be used to support writing or field research. Application deadline: January 9, 2004.

For information, to apply and download an application for the both of the above, contact: Jennings Randolph Program, US Institute of Peace, 1200 17th St., NW, Ste. 200 Washington DC 20036-3011, USA (202 429 3886; fax: 202 429-6063; jrprogram@usip.org; www.usip.org)

Fellowships in the Social Sciences and Humanities

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars announces the opening of its 2004-2005 Fellowships competition. The Center awards academic year residential fellowships to men and women from any country with outstanding project proposals on national and/or international issues. Projects should have relevance to the world of public policy or provide the historical and/or cultural framework to illumine policy issues of contemporary importance.

Fellows are provided offices, access to the Library of Congress, Windows-based personal computers, and research assistants.

The application deadline is October 1, 2003. For eligibility requirements and application guidelines, please contact the Center. If you wish to download the application, please visit our Web site at http:///www.wilsoncenter.org.

Scholar Selection and Services Office

One Woodrow Wilson Plaza

1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20004-3027

E-mail: fellowships@wwic.si.edu

Tel: 202-691-4170

Fax: 202-691-4001

Seminar Reschedule  

The Aligarh chapter has rescheduled the proposed seminar on “Qazi Mujahidul Islam Qasmi: Life and Works” which will now be held on December 7, 2003

Inspiring, Exemplary  

The Pune division topper in the March 2003 SSC exam, Wajeda Mohammad Ismail Karigar, did not attend any fancy coaching class. Nor did she have the luxury of studying in peace. A resident of the Lohiyanagar slum in Ganj Peth, Wajeda lives with her parents and two brothers in a one-room hutment, where loudspeakers blare music day in and day out. Yet, she secured 95.20% marks to emerge at the top from among 1.81 lakh students in Pune division.

Wajeda’s father is a peon in the moledina high school, while her mother Suleha is a home-maker. One brother works as a tailor and another is a turner, “Wajeda is the only educated child in our family and she has brought us glory,” remarks brother Mushtaq.

“We have a hand-to-mouth existence, but we will ensure that she achieves her dream of being a doctor,” he says. Wajeda put in 16 hours of study everyday for the SSC exams.

“Loudspeakers are blaring constantly in our slum, plus there is a lot of noise and quarrels, so I could not study at home much. Most of my time was spent in my school (Anglo Urdu Girls High School),” she stated.

Wajeda’s focus was on learning the lessons and notes by heart. Attending the golden Jubilee class in the school helped master the examination technique. “I used to get up at 4.30 a.m. and study till 11.30 p.m.,” she adds.

Wajeda states that sheer hard work and blessings from her parents and teachers have helped her achieve success. A cricket lover, she found time to watch the World Cup cricket final between India and Australia. She feels that all girls living in the Lohiyanagar slum must be given an opportunity to study in school.