OUR STORY

Youth for understanding (YFU) is a volunteer-based global non profit community. We believe that positive global change and cultural understanding is possible through youth exchange. Through our exchange programs, we offer our participants a journey of their lifetime, either as students or host families. We are a network in over 55 countries, sharing the belief, that what starts with a single person, will over time, influence society and even nations. Through our exchange programs we support personal growth, increased understanding of other cultures, and none the least a deeper understanding of one’s own culture and background. We believe that our programs provide the ultimate reality check to a worldview based on stereotypes. In helping people of all ages to make the world their home, we help them to appreciate differences and embrace similarities. We are a volunteer based organization, with dedicated staff around the world, relaying on over 60 years of experience. YFU has impacted for more than 270 000 students – and their hostfamilies, schools and networks – and more than 70 000 volunteers. 

OUR WORKSHOP COLOURED GLASSES

'Coloured Glasses' refers to the well-known analogy of the sunglasses which represent the cultural filters through which we observe and interpret reality. In Youth For Understanding (YFU), Coloured Glasses has come to refer to a set of workshops designed to build young people's cultural self awareness, leading them into cultural understanding by introducing them to the concepts of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination. Coloured Glasses thus often involves peer-to-peer learning and is rooted in grassroots volunteerism and community building.

The fundings from European Commission, Erasmus+ and the partnership with European Education Exchange –YFU has enabled Coloured Glasses to develop and expand world wide since the start in the 90´s. See also our projects the European Voluntary Service (EVS) programme and CGrow.

OUR INNOVATION APPROACH IN EDTECH

We live in an ever-changing world disrupted by globalization, sustainable challenges and a forceful digital transformation. In Sweden we witness; for the first time ever, a whole generation who grows up in a connected childhood and youth. We know that the future of work is going to look very different, as automation and Artificial Intelligence make many manual, repetitive jobs obsolete. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, robots could replace 800 million jobs by 2030. We are an active part of the global movement who aims to transform education towards a focus on soft skills such as independent thinking, values and team-work. Crucial future skills in helping the kids succeed in the future ahead. “A generation who would never be able to compete with machines” according to Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group. Our leading stars are the global  sustainable development goals of Agenda 2030 and the Children’s Rights Convention (UNCRC).