Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning

Learn how Associate Professor of Religion Kevin Minister incorporates Soliya within his Shenandoah University classroom with comments from Soliya's Director of Dialogue Programs Nahid Ahmed. Soliya's Connect Program is a virtual exchange program for young people to connect with their global peers and engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange. Students develop greater global awareness through facilitated discussions on a wide range of topics, such as current events, religion, gender, social culture, new technologies, health, media and the environment, and build critical 21st century skills and attitudes, including cross-cultural communication, leadership, empathy, collaborative problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Soliya offers different modules of the Connect Program, based on theme and exchange duration. In each module, students are placed in small, diverse groups for the duration of the program. Students begin by identifying what they believe are the most pressing global issues and build a list of topics they will explore together. Each session begins with a skill building activity that leads into a discussion on a selected topic. Students share their perspectives and life experiences, explore others’ views, and practice engaging with differences constructively. Students who successfully complete the Connect Program receive the Connect Program Certificate of Participation, attesting to the skills and experiences gained through their participation. As program alumni, students gain access to continued engagement opportunities offered to Soliya’s global network of 27,000 alumni, including training programs, skill-building workshops, internships, etc.