Meet our Young Ambassadors
Young Ambassadors is the World Family Children Foundation’s preeminent program for grassroots activism. We are dedicated to helping children and their families all over the world struggling to survive in difficult conditions. Young Ambassadors enables our volunteers to take initiative on their own by starting projects to help vulnerable communities abroad and at home. These projects are independent and student-run: they engage in fundraising, networking, and targeted advocacy to help children in need worldwide.
Experiences and Testimonials
Young Ambassadors projects have donated winter clothes and supplies to orphanages in Ensenada, Mexico, helped repair schools destroyed by Cyclone Amphan in Eastern India, and raised awareness and financial support for people with albinism in Mozambique, among other endeavours. Read about some of their stories below:
My time with the Tibet Project
By Jasmine Zhu
“During my trip to Tibet, I met numerous children who are orphans, some are from broken families, and some are forced to be separated from their parents. Through this memorable journey, I have learned that these children are all eager to learn about the outer world, but since they have been isolated from outside world, they are very sensitive and afraid of being rejected by the others.”
YA’s Tibet project helped me find my inner self
By Jia Jingtong
“I remember a time a sick girl came to me from another classroom, quietly murmuring my name, where I found the feeling of being needed for the first time in my life. Another shy boy gave me a piece candy that was rare to receive in their house after finally learning about the concept of multiplication. From then, I realized how amazing it was to teach and help others.”
On working with Voice of World in India
By Anish Aerrabotu
“Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience during the Voice of World Campaign. I learned a lot about teamwork and organization through the rigorous campaigning. I think that the it was not only a successful fundraiser, but a door to what the Young Ambassadors program can accomplish in the future. I look forward to seeing what comes next, and seeing the program blossom over time.”
FAQs
What is Young Ambassadors’ current project?
Our most recent project, as of May 2023, is called Heroes for Tomorrow, in partnership with the Aarti for Girls foundation in Kadapa, India. You can read about it here!
What’s next for Young Ambassadors?
Young Ambassadors is looking forward to working with Project Numerati, an organization which aims to help children in marginalized communities interact with STEM outside of the classroom. Project Numerati offers all-expenses-paid classes and workshops in prestigious STEM competitions such as AMC, Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, ISEF, FRC, VEX, and FTC. Transportation, registration fees, and top-notch training by their team of experienced teachers are covered to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder a child's path to success. World Family Children Foundation is working tirelessly to promote their cause and help them reach their fundraising goals. Learn more by clicking here!
What are some of Young Ambassadors’ previous projects?
Another notable project we recently closed was Program Mozambique. In partership with an organization called Amor À Vida, we aimed to achieve educational equality for children with albinism in Maputo, Mozambique. Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, or eyes. People with albinism have difficulties with poor vision and a higher risk factor for developing cancer due to their fair skin complexions. In Mozambique, overwhelming amounts of people with albinism are marginalised in educational and social spheres. Children who are able to go to school do not have access to glasses, learning material adjusted for their impaired eyesight, or longer exam times. Often, poverty and a fear of violence prevents some from attending school. Their own communities (including family) are sometimes complicit in bullying, abuse, or trafficking schemes. Our work in Mozambique aimed to tackle the aforementioned issues from a variety of angles including, education, healthcare, social support, and policy reform. Read more here!
How do I sign up?
The link for students to sign up for an existing project here. If you fill out the form properly, we will contact you as quickly as possible. If you are interested in starting your own Young Ambassadors project, please email us at: info@worldfamilychildren.org.
What’s the difference between Young Mentors and Young Ambassadors?
Young Ambassadors is a project-based volunteer program where students choose a worthy international cause and engage in fundraising, grantwriting, networking, and targeted advocacy in support of it. It involves more traditional nonprofit work and higher turnover between projects (typical YA projects can last from 3-6 months), but provides more freedom and flexibility to volunteers. Young Mentors is a program where student volunteers provide tutoring services to low-income students and families. Volunteers are more limited in their activities but have a chance to work face-to-face with students on a regular basis.
How are the projects chosen?
Projects can be started at any point in the year by volunteers who have made existing plans. Our Board of Directors votes on a main Young Ambassadors project as the current project nears its end. This process is meant to be as transparent as possible, and is open to proposals and suggestions from all volunteers.
Is this program COVID-19 safe?
Yes! The Young Ambassadors program has been going strong during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Projects do not necessarily require in-person activity; previous projects have been successful despite only using online fundraising via grantwriting, GoFundMe, or other avenues.
What kind of projects are there?
Young Ambassadors is designed to encourage flexibility, creativity, collaboration. We have had projects that worked closely with establishments on the ground in underserved communities, partnerships with existing nonprofit organizations, and projects that provide direct support to individuals and families. The possibilities are countless!