GLOBAL CITIZEN YEAR
THE IDEA
A bridge year experience to launch emerging young leaders in the fight against global poverty
Abigail Falik
Abby Falik grew up in a leafy, comfortable California suburb. When she was 16, she spent a summer living in a poor rural community in Nicaragua and the experience transformed her view of the world. Since then she has worked to ensure that many – and more diverse – young Americans can have similar transformative experiences. The idea Global Citizen Year grew out of her ten years working at the intersection of education and international development.
Less than 1% of Americans ever meet any of the 2.6 billion people who survive on less than $2 per day. We have to change this.
Less than 1% of Americans will ever meet any of the 2.6 billion people around the world who struggle to survive on less than $2 per day. This isolates Americans and distorts their view of the world and much of the talent that might create poverty solutions goes elsewhere. Abby Falik, through Global Citizen Year, intends to change that. Partnering with high schools and colleges in the US, and NGOs around the world, Global Citizen Year (GCY) gives talented kids the chance to work as apprentices in Asia, Africa and Latin America. By getting the right (talented and diverse) kids, providing intensive training and a useful role in a good organization, GCY sets up a transformative experience for a group with a huge potential contribution. After they return, GCY keeps them engaged and connected through focused activities and social media, building the momentum from their gap year. With leading experts in social enterprise, global development, and education on board, GCY is ready to send a first cohort of students off to an experience that will change their lives.
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