"We strive to create global youth friendship and establish peace and justice for future generations"
Upcoming Events
"We are a leadership program that provides urban youth with the assets to guide them into positive pathways and productive citizenship, and equips them with skills to build strong families and communities--locally and globally.”
Our Mission
Meet The Team
Omowale Luthuli-Allen
Linda Superville
Sandra Lovelady
Cassie Brandley
Serena Bryant, 2013 Ambassador
I was blessed to be able to attend both the trip to South Africa and to the Netherlands. As a young African American woman, I cannot express how empowering it was to be surrounded by a group of elders and peers who had nothing but my best interest in mind. I was tasked with collecting information on HIV-AIDS and information on the plight of the homeless in Houston. I presented my findings to a group of South African youth. We had similar community problems and our groups worked together to design solutions that would work in our respective communities. It did wonders for my self-esteem, to be able to connect to people who looked like me and had a similar mindset. This program really helped me to realize that I had a voice that others would listen to. My time with IYFDP was an important part of my life and I encourage all young people to give this organization a try.
Firemo Ndayizigiye, 2013 Ambassador
My name is Firemo and this is my testimony, I grew up in Tanzania, in a poor household where I had to do everything and anything in order to survive. When I was asked to join IY, I learned that the people we would be helping had gone through the same experiences as me and I felt that it was my turn to help those who needed our help. When we traveled with IY, we went to South Africa where we spent time with people in need and we helped distribute school supplies to those in need. I can still remember the smiles on the kids’ faces and it reminded me of how we sometimes take things for granted. The reason I joined IY is to impact those in need as well as be aware of other people’s struggles. I believe that we all go through hardships and the purpose in life is to help each other in times of need. I am BLESSED to have been part of IY and the memories I made.
Ashura Bayyan, 2013 Ambassador
Testimonials
My experience with the IYFDP was transformational. Prior to the trip to Brazil, I had never traveled with intention. The experience of being on an international mission and traveling with a team of curious people really expanded my understanding of the global community and my position in it. I don’t think I can ever go back to the mindset I had before. Years later I am a global citizen and I have friendships with wonderful people across multiple continents. I feel a responsibility to understand and address the issues of the world. That responsibility and sense of citizenship was born from my efforts and travels with the International Youth Program.