Below are testimonials from visitors and local professional resources regarding their experiences with our program.

"We really want to express our gratitude to the New Orleans Citizen Diplomacy Council for giving us the ability to observe and feel the situations of pre and post-Katrina. I also want to salute the might of the people of New Orleans in their unending struggle and their determined spirit to rebuild the city from ashes."

A. Chakraborti, India
Television Broadcasting Program
September 2007

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"I learned more about the importance of having a disaster plan in place. The dedication of the staff of WWL-TV is inspiring. Imagine, they continued working to deliver the news during Hurricane Katrina even when they themselves and their families lost their homes. WWL-TV was on air during hurricane Katrina because they were prepared and this was a true public service!"

L. Alviz, Philippines
Television Broadcasting Program
September 2007

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"I think that North African people have the wrong idea about the USA and its people. This trip has positively changed my own ideas. I was touched by what I saw and I hope that more young Tunisians will visit New Orleans to learn how a disaster can make people stronger, giving them force and perseverance."

R. Bakar, Tunisia
Rule of Law Program
September 2007

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Regarding a meeting with Vicki Weeks, Belle Reve:

"Should have spent more time here. Beautiful lunch and an inspirational, charismatic woman and speaker! Totally engaging and informative - she touched my soul!"

T. McNicholas, New Zealand
Citizen Participation Program
August 2007

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"Our French students were absolutely captivated by Dr. Nejjar.  The one-hour session went by quickly.  She spoke only in French and they had any number of questions to ask her in French – about life in Morocco , about young people and how they live.  Our students were really interested in learning more about Morocco as they had been introduced to the country earlier in the year. Dr. Nejjar is obviously very bright, knowledgeable, and personable.  She impressed the students in every way and at the end, they asked if we could have more persons like her visit the school.  Many thanks to you, Dr. Nejjar, and her interpreter, Madame Mampoullon, who also made a hit with faculty and students.  We are indebted to you for providing this opportunity to our school."  

Lena Lucietto
Foreign Language Chair
Isidore Newman School
Morocco- Literary Culture
May 2007

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“The courage of trying to get back to their lives, with little support from government or bigger institutions. Volunteers can make a difference if properly planned or organized.” ( in reference to a meeting with Sakura Kone, Common Ground)

M. Louis, Namibia
Non Profit Management
January 2007

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“Personally, I have learned a new way of building trust with the neighborhood from Elizabeth , the administer. I'll take back her ideas and the schools ideas to our school in Guinea .” ( in reference to meeting with Claudia Barker, NO Outreach and Charter School)

R. Koundouno, Sierra Leone
Non Profit Management
January 2007

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“The most interesting thing from me was how a small number of librarians managed to rehabilitate this large library which was completely ruined by wind, water, and mold and make it stand up again. I wonder if the Iraqi librarians could do the same and not let the civil war affect them.” ( in reference to a meeting with Linda Hill, NO Public Library)

an Iraqi Participant
American Libraries
November 2006

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“Two different but equally interesting views on the current status of African Americans in the US were presented by Edgar Chase of Dillard University and Raphael Cassimere of the University of New Orleans . This struck a fundamental chord with the visitors as it hit at the crux of one of the overriding questions of their program interests…”

and...

“They were particularly pleased to pull off the highway in the Atchafalaya Basin to see the swamp at sunset but were somewhat disappointed not to see any of the oft- mentioned alligators, having brought along some fried chicken to feed them!”

Mr. Gilbert Martin (English Language Officer for a group of French visitors)
Pluralism and Democracy
November 2006