AFRICAN DIASPORA YOUTH NETWORK
Powering the next generation of changemakers and global leaders
About Us
OUR MISSION AND IDENTITY
ADYN's mission is to provide year-round, global service and entrepreneurial leadership opportunities for secondary and post-secondary school students that develop critical thinking skills, strengthen problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and build effective writing and communication competencies for excellence in all future endeavors.
We aim to facilitate the successful transition of all youth interested developing cultural and linguistic competencies by providing them with a strong sense of community engagement and international experiential learning opportunities. ADYN's goal is to develop year-round cultural awareness and academic programming that strengthen community, family, and student identity - in preparation for 21st century global competitiveness.
Strategy
OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
ADYN’s goal is to link secondary and post-secondary students to local and international entrepreneurship opportunities which ultimately improves their quality of life.
ADYN recognizes that not all forms of entrepreneurship contribute equally to economic development. “Necessity entrepreneurs” —who create their own small businesses because they cannot find other work — have minimal effect on sustainable economic development. At best, they support themselves and help to reduce overt unemployment.
“Opportunity entrepreneurs,” on the other hand, are much more likely to have a positive impact on sustainable and scalable economic development; they recognize and take advantage of market openings.
By collaborating with government agencies, universities, trans-national organizations, and community-based organizations (CBOs), ADYN leverages its network to provide high-impact, scalable solutions that affirm academic and entrepreneurial achievement at the secondary and post-secondary levels - while, at the same time, reaffirming each student's unique cultural identity to help them strengthen their respective communities.
Opportunities
It Takes A Village
CollegeBoard
The College Board is a mission-driven organization that connects students to college success and opportunity by helping them prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.
George Washington University
The national CIBER program, founded under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and administered through the U.S. Department of Education, links U.S. businesses with the expertise of U.S. universities in areas of international education, language training, and research.
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
The NMAFA programs bring to life the art and cultures of Africa. Programs have increased and have featured local and African artists of dance, music, and spoken word. The NMAFA Education Department also brings to life the art and cultures of Africa through workshops. These programs feature local and African artists, writers and educators.
U.S. Agency for International Development
USAID is playing a significant role in facilitating partnerships with diaspora communities to promote economic and social growth in numerous countries where we work. To unleash the potential of diaspora engagement, USAID in collaboration with the State Department’s Office of Global Partnerships and the Calvert Foundation manage the International diaspora Engagement Alliance (IdEA)
U.S. State Department
President Obama's Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a new flagship program of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative. Learn about President Obama’s vision to engage the continent’s next cadre of leaders and strengthen partnerships between the United States and Africa, and how you can get involved.