1. Virtual Model
One is a virtual model with an end result of an action-based project, and another is a two-way travel exchange model. Both are equally beneficial to all participating members and their communities.
Our virtual model is a long-term collaboration with one of our KidzPlay4Free Partner organizations. We set up a cohort of students from each country to participate in a tiered program which involves virtual meetings, digital communication, and the use of social media platforms to explore one another’s cultures and to design a project in conjunction with one another’s organizations.
Our coaches and leaders help facilitate these meetings and communications to steer the group in a productive manner, while also ensuring their autonomy and ability to practice their leadership skills.
At the end of our virtual exchange programs, we have two groups of students who have expanded their world view, who have explored their similarities and differences, who have discussed one another’s community issues and areas of concern, and who have then created a project, movement, or some other tangible way to better our partner organization and their surrounding communities.
As a result of this, our U.S. based students gain a vast knowledge of another culture and create a global connection with others. Both groups, however, ultimately gain invaluable skills to learn how to identify community needs and then to enact change.
