Student Global Ambassador trips to Africa
Stay tuned for future GYPA African Immersion programs!
See below for a recap of 2007 GYPA Immersion programs:
Cameroon: Youth, Development & the MDGs (June)
Uganda: Youth, Development & Peace-Building (July)
Uganda: Youth, Development & Health (August)
The Student Global Ambassadors program (SGA) engages American college students as active members in a growing international network of young leaders. GYPA provides a unique forum for American and African youth to come together to gain cross-cultural insight, build lasting friendships, hone leadership, advocacy, and diplomacy skills, and share their own views of their world. Student participants have the opportunity to meet with government representatives, humanitarian aid practitioners, academic experts, and local leaders to learn about issues such as public health, peace-building, development, trade, and education in Africa. The cornerstone of the SGA program is to provide young American leaders with the opportunity to obtain a unique and in-depth perspective on the realities facing Africa by engaging in dialogue, cultural exchange, and direct service with local communities.
Participants leave the experience with a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes present in Africa, and eager to remain engaged in efforts to support its development.
Click on the links provided to learn more about past and future SGA programs in Africa.
African Immersion
Youth Summit/Global Kimeeza
What Happens Afterward?
African Immersions
GYPA's Immersion programs take groups of qualified, passionate students to Africa for three weeks over the summer. The purpose of the program is to allow students to obtain a hands-on perspective on the issues facing Africa through direct interaction with local communities. Since 2005, GYPA has run four Immersion trips and brought nearly 100 students to Uganda.
In the summer of 2007, GYPA will bring three trips to Africa: one to Cameroon and two to Uganda. Each will focus on the role of youth in Development while addressing other issues such as peace-building and public health. Click on the links below to learn more about the trips and to obtain the official program descriptions and application.
GYPA Announces Summer 2007 African Immersions: Uganda & Cameroon!
Cameroon: Youth, Development & the MDGs (June)
Uganda: Youth, Development & Peace-Building (July)
Uganda: Youth, Development & Health (August)
Contact GYPA (info@gypafrica.org) for more information.
Youth Summit/Global Kimeeza
GYPA's Youth Summit and Global Kimeeza programs provide the opportunity for American students to spend two weeks in Africa during January. These programs operate under a slightly more formal schedule than the Immersions and include a week-long Summit between promising young American and African leaders.
Since January 2006, GYPA has run two Global Kimeeza programs in Uganda and one Youth Summit in Sierra Leone, each focusing on the role of youth in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. Click on the links below to read more about our past trips.
Global Kimeeza I (Uganda, 2006)
Global Kimeeza II (Uganda, 2007)
Youth Summit (Sierra Leone, 2007)
What Happens Afterward?
The students, community leaders, and local organizations with whom GYPA works in Africa form a cadre of young leaders singled out for their unique visions and approaches to confronting the many challenges facing the continent. The unique relationships formed through GYPA? network of "social entrepreneurs" create a platform for the exchange of innovative, pragmatic ideas and long-term collaborative efforts. This truly global network also serves as a resource for continued dialogue, volunteer and internship opportunities, career advice, and lasting friendships.
American alumni who are empowered by the experience often feel a deep commitment to serving as advocates for Africa long after they return home. GYPA encourages these individuals take the initiative to build upon their experiences and spearhead innovative projects in the US and Africa. Many students return to home and write articles for their local newspapers, host fundraising events on their college campuses, and find various other ways to support communities on the ground in Africa.
GYPA Alumni have initiated some incredible programs over the years that demonstrate the long-term effects of GYPA? work in Africa. Here are just a few of the various projects and connections born from GYPA:
- Girls Kick It!
- Sending books to Attiak, Uganda
- Sierra Leone Scholarship Fund
- Sending toiletries to Sierra Leone
- Jaime Alvis, Search for Common Ground
- Rebekah Heacock, Children Aid International
- Check out our Alumni section to learn more