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Fast Forward

By the end of 2009, IYF had transformed 20 years of success into a blueprint for the future—laying the groundwork to reach even more young people for decades to come.

One example is Youth:Work. IYF accomplishments in the youth employment arena helped to launch this global agreement with USAID that fosters multi-sector partnerships focusing on youth livelihoods. Learn more about Youth:Work programs in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Jordan.

Leadership in Action

Going forward, promoting active citizenship will remain a crucial focus area for IYF—with YouthActionNet® Institutes as the centerpiece. Thanks to Laureate Education, Inc., institutes have already taken root in Turkey, Spain, Mexico and Brazil. IYF has also established similar programs in Australia, Israel and Jordan. read more.

Rebuilding Shattered Lives and Livelihoods

As recent natural disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti have shown, catastrophe can strike in seconds. IYF stands ready to address the longer-term recovery of livelihoods and local economies. Read how our work in the Asian tsunami-affected countries successfully rebuilt lives, long after emergency relief teams went home.

Leveling the Playing Field

IYF will continue to team up with IT companies and new partners to identify and develop new applications of emerging technologies as a tool to address development priorities in the years ahead. Expanding access to IYF programs is crucial as millions more young people seek to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Keeping the Dialogue Alive

Raising issues, sparking debate, questioning assumptions—if systemic change is going to happen, boundaries must be pushed and new paths explored. As an established thought leader in youth employment and citizenship, IYF is committed to keeping youth development top-of-mind for world policymakers. read more about it watch the video

Hopefully the International Youth Foundation / W.K. Kellogg Foundation experience will encourage more individuals and institutions to take risks and give life and sustainability to big ideas. With the daunting challenges facing the world’s young people, the final lesson is that no idea can be too big.”

Russell Mawby
Chairman and CEO
Honorary Member, Board of Trustees
W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The Future Will Be Determined By Young People Themselves

"I am most proud of completing this program successfully and getting a job. It is a great feeling to know that I can support my own needs. It’s unbelievable!"

Emily Wanjiru, 20
Nairobi, Kenya

"Youth are the future of this country and it is highly important to invest in their capacities.”

Ahmed Adel Shafy
Mohamed Ibrahim, 23

Cairo, Egypt

"The greatest challenge for future generations is that the world is drying up and we don’t think about anything, we just live for the moment.”

Heidi Maricel Armas, 20
Picota, Peru

"I am proud to have changed the lives of other youth who have experienced isolation and disempowerment as a result of social prejudice.”

Jack Hegarty, 20
Traralgon, Australia

"I realize I have a responsibility to contribute to sustainable development in a country like Colombia that has suffered the consequences of violence and drug trafficking."

Alejandro Zapata Arango, 29
Medellin, Colombia

"We can all contribute in our own way. It's about creating an engaged citizenry that's actively involved in creating the future we want."

Bernise Ang, 26
Singapore

"My vision is to have youth become economically sustainable so they can create social change."

Audrey Codera, 28
Pasig City, Philippines

"We work to change popular perceptions of youth as simply adults in-waiting."

Cheryl Perera, 21
Richmond Hill, Canada