The International Association for National Youth Service (IANYS) was
established in 1996 to stimulate and facilitate the exchange of information
about National Youth Service (NYS).
The Association is pro-active. It recommends that every country consider
National Youth Service seriously. Its members exchange information
and assist nation wishing to consider the introduction of NYS. It welcomes
participation of people from countries where NYS is being consider
or just starting.
What is National Youth Service?
National Youth Service (NYS) is an organized activity in which
young people serve others and the environment in ways that contribute
positively to society. NYS participants normally serve full-time for
a period of six months to two years and receive support –whether
from NGOs or government- sufficient to enable them to serve. Major
areas of service are health, education, environmental conservation
and care for the very old and the very young.
NYS also embraces service-learning, where students utilize
their education to serve others and then reflect on their service experiences
to inform their learning. Service-learning is a graduation requirement
in many Universities around the world. Service-learning in secondary
schools and Universities in often a prelude to full-time NYS.
NYS programs have various names such as Community Service Volunteers
in the United Kingdom, Zivildienst in Germany, American Corps in the
USA, The Green Corps in Australia, and the National Youth Service Corps
in Nigeria. Service-learning is developed in Universities and schools
in the USA, Argentina, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany and others.
Countries initiate NYS programs for various reasons, including the
delivery of social and environmental services, the alleviation of youth
unemployment, as an alternative to required military service, as an
experiential complement to improve classroom education, and as a form
of nation building.
IANYS Global Conferences:
A Global Conference in the United States in 1992 led to others in
Nigeria in 1994, Papua New Guinea in 1996, the United Kingdom in 1998,
and Israel in 2000. Participants have come from 46 different countries
on six continents, as well as from several International Organizations,
like UN Youth Unit and UNESCO Youth Unit.
During Jerusalem V Global Conference it was decided Argentina will
host 2002 VI Global Conference in Buenos Aires.
Who participates in IANYS Global Conferences?
- National and International Organizations representatives, dealing
with Youth and Youth Service issues.
- NYS Corps Program leaders.
- University and school based Service-Learning program leaders.
- Scholars and researchers on NYS.
- National public officers and International Organization officers.
- Young people taking part in NYS Programs.
- IANYS Regional delegates.
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