What makes us different?

7 things that make us different

• Disadvantaged young people in developing countries are often marginalised from society, and their needs and rights are too often neglected – our focus on young people makes us different
• We encourage the active involvement of young people at the heart of our international development projects, and in our campaigning for a fairer world
• We do not run our own offices overseas or employ expatriate staff. Instead, we work in partnership with local, autonomous YMCAs who are close to their communities and know the best ways to help
• Because our partner YMCAs are managed by skilled local people and supported by committed volunteers, decisions can be made quickly and money spent effectively
• In times of emergency or natural disaster, local YMCAs are in an excellent position to identify communities’ needs and to mobilise quickly and effectively
• In the months and years after an emergency, YMCAs are committed to long-term rehabilitation and development long after the media spotlight fades
• In the UK and Ireland our global youth work focuses on marginalised and disadvantaged young people, who can make valuable links between the issues affecting them and the problems affecting young people across the developing world