GTAZ hosts leaders in Social Work from South Korea

GTAZ concluded the month with a project featuring 5 IVLP Korean Delegates focused on the theme of "Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault." The delegation met with 9 members of the team at Southwest Family Advocacy Center (SWFAC) in Goodyear, with representation from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckeye Arizona Police Department, the Goodyear Police Department, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, the Sojourner Center, and Honor Health. The meeting highlighted SWFAC’s multi-disciplinary approach to reduce trauma and increase child protection and victim advocacy in cases of child sexual assault and abuse.

The delegates then virtually traveled to Flagstaff to meet with the Victim Witness Services of Coconino County team, including representation from the Coconino County Attorney's Office, the Flagstaff Police Department and a survivor of sexual assault. Here, delegates learned about the legal, free and confidential services that are offered to victims of sexual assault to help them heal and ultimately identify as survivors.At the end of August, GTAZ welcomed a group of 5 IVLP Korean Leaders on a virtual project: Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault.

The IVLP Delegation ended their program in Phoenix with a LIVE tour of the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. The garden was constructed as a collaboration between Phoenix and its sister city, Himeji, Japan; The Japanese name for the garden is Rohō-en.

Ms. Shayna Price, cultural programs and events coordinator of the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, was the home hospitality host. In the 60 minute virtual event, Shayna walked the group through the garden, which spans 3.5 acres of land and includes a tea garden and tea house. Ms. Shayna and the IVLP Delegates then engaged in conversations around the importance of nature in healing, in deepening cross-cultural understanding and relationships, and in promoting safe and healthy environments across the globe.

A huge shoutout to MCID Washington, the U.S. Department of State, our IVLP Delegates, our interpreters and of course our guest speakers for making these meetings possible & these spaces accessible.