Social Welfare Program: GIP
Our Program
The Global Identity Program
Program for Children in Care Homes
The Global Identity Program (GIP) bridges the gap between children in care homes and wider society through structured service-learning engagement. Guided by university students and young adult mentors, these children engage in meaningful volunteer experiences and collaborative project-building to make a real societal contribution.
Program Flow
â‘ Camp Program
Students participate in a 1–2 day immersive program where they explore a global issue through an organization that aims to combat it on a local scale. They learn about the work the organization does and get involved by directly volunteering and supporting its initiatives. After volunteering and engaging with the organization's work firsthand, they continue the GIP by creating a project that they will develop and put into action through the next stage of the program.
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â‘¡ Extension Program
After engaging in the volunteering experience, students participate in a four-month program with weekly sessions where they bring their project ideas to life. This is made possible through the support and mentorship of our mentors and volunteers, who serve as facilitators and guides, empowering students to take ownership of their projects while providing the encouragement and resources needed to succeed.
â‘¢ Camp Program
Students from different care homes come together to present their projects, share their learning journeys, and reflect on the impact of their work. Following the showcase, students participate in fun group activities to celebrate their growth, collaboration, and contributions throughout the program cycle
Our Approach & Tools
Introduction
Our approach for the GIP follows utilizing two main tools, which are the five life skills that are promoted in all of our programs and the learning cycle, which is an important part of the project-based learning the children go through.
Life Skills
Social Skills
​The lifeskills of the GIP aim to be addressed throughout the whole 12-year program. All programs and classes are designed to foster the lifeskills that we aim to instill in the children we impact. These are skills that are not only addressed and reflected upon during our weekly classes, but also during the discovery day and spring/summer programs.
Thinking Skills
Improve critical thinking by learning how to evaluate information carefully and make well-informed decisions, as well as reflect on experiences and learn from them to build a balanced and insightful perspective.
Social Skills
Learn how to communicate clearly and work effectively in a team, handle conflicts gently, and build strong cooperation skills that help you get along well with others in both personal and professional settings.
Inquiry Skills
Develop the ability to conduct detailed investigations, ask the right questions, and explore a wide range of topics in order to gain a deeper understanding and extend knowledge across various fields of interest.
Self Management
Strengthening the ability to manage time effectively, organize tasks, set realistic goals, and maintain a healthy balance in life, which is crucial for personal and professional success.
Self-Management
Self Management
Emotional Skills
Enhancing emotional intelligence by developing empathy and compassion, learning to understand and care about others' feelings. Commit to making a positive impact and being open to new perspectives and cultures.
Program Learning Cycle
The GIP learning cycle is designed as a guidance for the projects the children come up with during our programs. The learning cycle is a key tool that allows the children to come up with fantastic projects, while undertsanding the necessary preparations to a project possible.
Investigation
Students embark on a journey to understand the chosen topic by engaging in thorough research and inquiry. This phase involves gathering information and asking questions to build a solid foundation of knowledge.
Voice of Volunteers
Mei Kanada│Volunteer for 1+ Year
I started my journey with YFF by joining the curriculum development team but soon became curious as to how the lessons operate in person. Once I began volunteering, it helped me gain a better understanding of the students that we design our curriculum for. I look forward to volunteering at the orphanage every week. I think it’s truly an irreplaceable experience that allows volunteers to not only teach students skills like global citizenship and digital literacy, but volunteers also get to learn alongside the students, forming genuine connections in diverse environments.
As a volunteer and curriculum designer, I strive to foster an environment where mistakes are embraced as part of the learning process and pivoting is encouraged. These students have so much passion and curiosity; it’s truly a joy to see them grow throughout the lessons.
Ryuta Wijers│Volunteer for 2+ Year
I believe that Youth For Future provides the children with experiences and opportunities that they wouldn’t ordinarily be exposed to. I believe Youth For Future’s impact goes past just international exposure, however. It is wonderful to see the kids growing comfortable opening up to people from different cultures and ethnicities. I believe the close bond we are able to create with the kids is a testament to our work.
