Program Philosophy

GYV offers life-defining experiences for young people, enabling them to discover the possibility of change through courageous action, personal example and selfless leadership.  At GYV, we believe in the balanced development of the whole person so your days are filled with discussions, thought work, action planning, physical recreation and the arts.

GYV prepares students for university and encourages you to:

  • Ask challenging questions.
  • Learn how to learn.
  • Develop a strong sense of your own identity and culture.
  • Develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.

Morning workshops offer in-depth exploration for participants.  We like to show the inter-connectedness of topics so there will be days when workshops are taught together so that the knowledge needed to address problems can be conveyed comprehensively. 

These are offered as a way to gain exposure to other interest areas. There are a wide variety of electives such as: yoga, basketball, swimming, public speaking, dance, etc. 

Recognized as the most ancient form of cultural expression and a force for stimulating dialogue and new ideas, GYV provides many avenues for the arts to be included in your day – creative writing, drawing, theater, song, and dance. 

Session A:   June 28 to July 9   ”I Speak Change”

To be the change you want to see in the world you must first learn how to assess needs, use creative thinking, communication skills, listen and dialogue with others, and collaborate on solutions.  All of the steps involved in leadership, require dialogue and action planning skills.  I Speak Change is an intensive 12- day immersion offering skill building in these areas.

“I have accomplished the goal of being able to speak in a large group. I learned about dialogue and conflict resolution. Now I can go back home and resolve conflicts whether they are personal, family, or community conflicts. I can start to make change.” Phillip Kane, Northern Ireland

Session B: July 13 to 28 – “I Talk Future”

A 17-day program, I Talk Future explores current global issues and builds the future.  Workshops start with the premise that access to education, health care, food and security are human rights.  You can investigate how to keep preventable diseases from taking lives; gain inspiration from social innovators using technology to educate remote villages, and explore ways post-conflict areas can heal and move forward.  Workshops help you develop critical inquiry and thinking skills, which are essential when approaching dynamic issues.  Join teens from around the world and start building the future now.

TRAVEL PROGRAM

“The U.S.A. : Inside Story” – July 28 to 31 SESSION OPEN

This 4-day program takes an inside look at U.S. culture, society and politics.  This program will include service projects, meeting local leaders, and visiting U.S. Congress.  This component is designed to highlight lessons learned in Session B workshops in real and practical ways.

Contact Innocentia Afa if you have questions. We want every international participant to feel at home away from home here, no matter where they live in the world. 

 


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