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On July 4th Global Lithuanian Leaders together with the Kazickas Family Foundation announced at the Center for Civil Education the start of a new program for Lithuanian diaspora youth offering internships while exploring modern Lithuania.

 

„If we want young people living all around the world to become Lithuania's ambassadors, we have to offer them opportunity to learn more about modern Lithuania. They learn its history and hear stories how beautiful it is from their grandparents and parents. That is extremely important, but to be able to feel the pulse, to show interest we must invite them here and show them the best we have to establish the link. It is exciting to start such program when restored Lithuania celebrates 100 years," shares Kotryna Stankute-Jascemskiene, director of "Global Lithuanian Leaders", global Lithuanian network.

 

„We Connect Lithuania“ is an internship program also offering a unique opportunity to explore modern day Lithuania. Youth program "We Connect Lithuania" offers immersive professional and volunteering experience in Lithuanian-based companies, leading startups, public sector and social enterprises.

 

"We seek to create a unique educational trip to Lithuania that would become an integral part of every young Lithuanian's life. We'd love every global Lithuanian to have an opportunity to get some authentic flavor of modern-day Lithuania while gaining experience and knowledge through an internship opportunity", shares program's coordinator Kamile Naraite.

 

This summer 20 motivated, active global Lithuanians from Australia, United States and Canada arrived to Lithuania. According to their studies, program's participants got internship offers at „CGTrader“, „CSD engineers“, „Droplet Genomics“, the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania, „Nasdaq“, „Girteka“, „Versli Lietuva“, architecture studio „Plazma“, the European Committee Representation in Lithuania, Baltic Environmental Forum, „Eastern European Studies Center“, the Ministry of Health of Lithuania, „Suicide Prevention Bureau", „Spectro Finance“, „Swedbank“.

 

One of program's initiators is the Kazickas family. The Kazickas Family Foundation supports educational, social and cultural projects. "We believe that it is important for young people to visit the land of their ancestors, have an opportunity to interact with those of their own age, and most importantly, engage in worthwhile programs that expand their knowledge and experience," says the president of the foundation, Jurate Kazickas. The Lithuanian Foundation based in Chicago also believes in this project and supports it.

 

Participants will not only gain professional experience at the progressive companies and organizations, but also during six program's weeks will have an opportunity to explore modern Lithuania by traveling, meeting distinguished Lithuanian leaders from business, technology, politics and philanthropic organizations, examining Lithuanian identity and personal roots, and will have a chance to apply their knowledge and experience in further improving Lithuania for even brighter country's future.