PRESS RELEASE – Download as PDF file

The International Youth Initiative Program (YIP) is a new social entrepreneur training for international youth aged 18 to 25, starting in Järna, Sweden, 25th August 2008. Combining an international group of expert lecturers with hands-on experiences, the year will be a course in how to bring a sustainable social initiative into being.

YIP is now searching for engaged participants worldwide and enthusiastic economic contributors, who can help ensure that the year will be possible for both rich and poor.

YIP meets a need in today's youth. When faced with local and world issues, like war, inequality and environmental change, many youth feel the urge to do something. – But organizing a successful social venture requires great knowledge of everything from leadership and facilitation to politics and fundraising – together with a lifetime of experience.

By bringing in experienced course leaders from businesses, organizations and social initiatives, YIP will give an overview of the world situation, global society, the challenges faced by humanity and faculties important in any initiative. Artistic activities will allow for self-development and digestion of the theoretical subjects.

By experiencing how others do it, the participants can apply what they have learned. As well as daily work in and around the Järna community, four weeks of the year will be spent abroad, taking part in the work of an existing socially and environmentally sustainable project or organization. YIP cooperates with an international network of initiatives to make these internship possibilities as valuable and diverse as possible.

YIP will take place in Järna, Sweden, a rural village not far from Stockholm, Sweden. Numerous sustainable initiatives, businesses and organizations have established themselves there through the last 50 years.

The year starts 25th August 2008, and ends 19th July 2009. Participants must be between 18 and 25 years old, and speak English. Application closes 31st May 2008.

More information at www.yip.se or by contacting the Press Contact, who can also provide hi-res images and interview possibilities: e-mail: mathiasyipse  phone: (+47) 473 28 734 (0900-2100h CET).