Why it is important

Why help in Africa, Asia, Latin America - in the REGIONS OF ORIGIN? Helping symptoms - NO; helping root causes of problems - YES!

Finding solutions for the problems of displaced youth is a shared global responsibility. By helping in the regions of conflict, we help them to eventually return to their homes as constructive contributors, rather than resettle elsewhere. Giving aid to alleviate poverty and post-emergencies can indeed create dependence, an obstacle for economic growth. Giving education is providing a solution for a lifetime.

In the situations of displacement, we believe in addressing the root causes of problems and in finding solutions that involve local capacity building and are sustainable, thus empowering the communities, and those we help directly, to actively participate in the decision-making. We believe in teaching youth to become self-reliant through life skills, relevant marketable trades that will foster autonomy, and peaceful conflict resolution. We believe in self-help schools and in a community-based approach engaging parents, teachers and the community in the decisions associated with the education of their youth. The RET's choices of programmes, approaches to education, and implementing partners contribute to durable solutions, sustainable development, voluntary repatriation, reconstruction, and sustainable peace and stability in the affected regions and in the world. We do not believe in perpetuating dependencies.

The Value-Added by the RET

There is no single multilateral entity exclusively focussed on post-primary education for displaced youth. Upon completion of a Needs and Assets Assessment Survey in each country/region, the RET bridges the gaps, by designing and implementing programmes, which include
> Hiring, developing, and building capacity of both displaced and local staff, working with Ministries of Education, and other relevant Ministries, such as Labour, Women's Affairs, Interior, Refugee Re-integration, Provincial and Municipal Government authorities, Community Elders, civil society/local NGOS,
> serving as a catalyst in bringing holistic and innovative programmes and pedagogical methods to teach marketable trades/livelihoods, train teachers, educational personnel, the community,
> serving as the catalyst amongst UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA, other UN agencies, NGOs, private sector, corporations, refugee and displaced communities,
> fostering and facilitating the voluntary return of refugees and displaced back home,
> transmitting and amplifying the voice of youth, teachers, families and the communities affected by displacement, conflict, violence or natural disasters.

Your understanding, compassion, and empathy for the plight of these most vulnerable young people are crucial to their survival, in the war-torn, conflict regions where they live. Your support would be helping to directly
> build their capacity to surmount untold hardship and transcend adversity,
> rise from exile and become successful, independent,
> become future leaders of industry, academia, the world community,
> return to their homes, rather than to resettle elsewhere far away from home.