“Serving as an AIF Youth Ambassador was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The invaluable connections and experiences I had will stay with me far into the future… …the satisfaction of raising funds for the MANSI program made every effort worthwhile. MANSI embodies that which I hold dearest to my heart: women’s empowerment. From providing life-saving care to newborns and mothers to educating adolescent girls about sexual and reproductive health, MANSI and AIF are changing the face of rural India.” – Demira Parekh, 2023-2024 Youth Ambassador
When I joined the American India Foundation (AIF) team last fall, I began my journey with a remarkable group of future changemakers – the 2023-2024 Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) Cohort. This annual 10-month program serves as an avenue for motivated high school students with a passion for international development and social change to contribute to a more equitable India. And the 2024-2025 cohort application is still live to apply!
YAP serves as a bridge for young leaders to begin their social impact journeys. Over the course of the program, AIF supports ambitious students as they develop skills in project management, public speaking, and strategic planning. These students grow not only their technical abilities, but also their capacities to inspire and mobilize others. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them apply these skills to real-world challenges – addressed through AIF’s programs in public health, livelihoods, and education – through their on-the-ground campaigning.
Youth Ambassador Amaya Patel shared the following touching testimony:
“This experience has been deeply rewarding, not only because I could contribute to such a meaningful cause [MAST] but also because I gained valuable marketing and fundraising skills along the way.”
After marching with AIF in the 42nd Annual NYC India Day Parade, Demira Parekh (pictured above) reflected, “The whole experience filled me with immense pride in my Indian heritage and in being part of AIF’s vibrant community. I wholeheartedly encourage others to join this remarkable organization and become part of the AIF family.”
Carrying the AIF banner alongside Demira, fellow ambassador Madhavendra Thakur expressed feeling an “immense pride in being able to work towards such a powerful mission.” He continued:
“I found YAP to be an unparalleled way to make an impact, contributing to AIF’s essential initiatives. As a high school student, it can be hard to work on issues that you care about. Being a Youth Ambassador allowed me to make a tangible mark on some of the most vulnerable communities in India, and instilled in me a sense of purpose.”
I am continually inspired by the remarkable students who serve as AIF’s ambassadors. As we prepare to welcome a new cohort, I am excited for the future they represent. YAP is a testament to the incredible potential of teens when given a powerful cause and the tools to contribute to it. If you’re considering getting involved, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the plunge. The impact on youth, both in the US and in India, speaks for itself.
If you or a young changemaker sounds like a good fit for this one-of-a-kind program, applications are open until Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Learn more about the program and apply today: https://aif.org/become-a-youth-ambassador/
