How does Youthlinc choose a new site?
IN-COUNTRY COORDINATORS
Youthlinc partners with local NGO’s and Rotary clubs in-country to ensure our work will benefit the overall community in a positive way. Partners are vetted out and have stellar reputations for their work.
SITE VISIT
Before Youthlinc sends a team to a country, we send a staff member to conduct an initial evaluation to ensure safety and a positive, mutually beneficial partnership.
COUNTRY EVALUATIONS
Each year, Youthlinc evaluates the current relationship with the village and In-Country Coordinator to ensure a positive partnership. There is constant communication all year to ensure that we are constantly aligned with what the needs are and how our work progresses so that each year we can build meaningful upon past work.
How does Youthlinc evaluate what projects to do?
IN-COUNTRY COORDINATOR AND VILLAGE
Youthlinc relies on In-Country Coordinators and village leaders to identify the projects and educational lessons that would be most helpful. They are the experts in their areas. We rely on their expertise to best support their on-going projects to ensure all projects are managed correctly.
EDUCATION FOCUS
Youthlinc works to make sure all projects are focused on teaching village members information and skills necessary to positively impact their quality of life, overseen by professionals in their fields, including doctors, nurses, business professionals, and teachers, etc.
WORK ALONGSIDE THE VILLAGER
Youthlinc participants work alongside villagers to complete all projects so they invest their own time and labor. Youthlinc fully funds all projects to be completed by local professional labor or other experts and our volunteers help as is appropriate to the task.
How does Youthlinc do no harm?
EDUCATION FOCUS
Youthlinc works to make sure all projects are focused on teaching village members village members how to complete these projects successfully on their own.
LEARN AND BE SENSITIVE TO CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Youthlinc teaches participants to learn and value from different cultures. The teams are prepped to be culturally sensitive to differences before traveling abroad. We also go with the attitude of reciprocal learning. We know that we will gain as much value of the interactions we have as we are offering in return as guests in their communities.
BRINGING DONATIONS VS BUYING IN-COUNTRY
Youthlinc works to support the local economy by buying supplies and materials in-country, rather than bringing our own materials whenever possible. Chances are if the item isn’t available to purchase locally then it is not a sustainable choice.
International Sustainability and the Youthlinc Model