Global Center for Youth Futures, Corp.

02/19/2026

What happens after we put youth leaders on a panel, on a forum, present their work in an exhibition--- what then?

If you have examples of useful outcomes of "listening", I would love to learn....

Always looking for models of successful outcomes for young people

02/02/2026

Last year, the GCYF blog and podcast series began to chronicle stories of remarkable success: Young people producing substantive outcomes from practically nothing!

I looked back and captured some of the things that hit hard.

Here are 9 points below--- add the 10th in the comments so we can share the insights that moved us and taught us.

#1. They constantly ask themselves about the purpose of living
Without real hope, human connection, and opportunities to do what they think valuable- just surviving is not enough.


#2. If you really listen, you will hear the break in their voice when they remember their father’s dreams or mother’s hopes
They are reminding themselves why they should not give up. If you hear this break, you should know how serious they are about their purpose.


#3. They are intentional agents
So many young people choose to end their lives every day. It is remarkable how much intention it takes to live another day when embedded in impossible circumstances--and how actively that intention must be set.

#4. Real conversation is real solidarity
Just don’t expect deep gratitude for handouts that help keep them alive in body but despairing in spirit. Prepare for challenging questions--they will challenge how you use your authority, they will challenge your implicit frameworks. Learn from them.

#5. Their potential is awe inspiring �
Contribute a useful idea, point them in a viable direction. They will debate it, explain to you why it may not work, and take you by surprise when they find a way to act on it and get results. I have seen this--I know this--I am amazed by this.

#6. The marketplace of ideas draws them�
🌠An intellectual thirst is not often associated with those who have nothing. Yet subjects like political science, philosophy, social work, journalism and creative pursuits are in high demand. They search for meaning as much as they search for livelihood.


#7. They need mentors to direct their capacity--not charity�
At a minimum, someone who listens and sees and connects humanly. A source of ideas, references in the right direction, a model of plain-speaking and a voice of courage-- a mentor who sees the talent, helps to navigate harsh realities is a fundamental need, necessary as food aid, and shelter.

#8. Non-traditional routes are as valuable as a paper degree. �
Apprenticeships, informal tutoring, and non-traditional internships are must-haves for those who cannot afford to pursue a formal degree. The experience should count in place of a degree- after all, it is proof one can think and problem solve--these are essential skills in any occupational field.


#9. Don’t be afraid of conveying hope-- they understand you cannot work miracles.
They need hope to keep going. But the reason they are hopeful is because they feel they are not alone, that there is someone to discuss their thoughts with, to try to problem-solve, to have a meaningful relationship with in the long haul. �


#10. If you have read this far, will you think about what you have learnt from your work with young people in hard situations?
Share your thoughts in the comments...always good to learn from each other!

12/31/2025

12/09/2025

STREET SMART made a great start this year!

Good, deep conversations, easy atmosphere, and we talk about actually solving youth-centered problems!

12/02/2025

A RALLYING CALL

Someone once said that building a company is like eating glass. What I’ve learned this year is that building a mission — a real, living, breathing mission — can feel just as sharp, just as relentless, and maybe even more personal.

GCYF was created so that young people everywhere—even in the most invisible and forgotten corners—are heard, seen and supported in their own efforts to build their lives. Our mission is to connect communities searching for ideas, tools, and possibility with real, proven models of youth-led innovation that are already changing lives.

This has been our first year of operations—and something powerful has already begun to grow.

• We have begun building a repository of youth-led models tackling food insecurity, mental health, building schools from nothing, and finding pathways into tech jobs, salaried professions and entrepreneurship.
• We have built relationships with on-the-ground networks in Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
• Our fundraiser helped 8 families in the Rohingya refugee camps reinforce their shelters after devastating rains and mudslides — replacing fragile mud walls with protective brick and paving dangerous pathways.
• Our mentoring with refugee youth helped create an innovative hydroponic farming model, providing fresh food and a modest but meaningful source of income to households suffering from chronic food insecurity.

If this year was about planting (sustained by pro bono work and the goodwill of donors), the next year will be about growth that can be sustained by revenues.

For 2026, we are preparing to launch the GCYF Academy — a hub for collaboration, exchange, and continuing education — a revenue-generating foundation for the work ahead, so we can grow and protect our programs long term.

With this year winding down, however, we need a final push of support:
If we can collectively raise $2,500, it will cover a full year of tech support costs and allow us to enter 2026 focused entirely on impact instead of basic operations.

This holiday season, I’m asking for two small but powerful actions

1. Help GCYF with any amount—a micro-donation, if you can, or more, if you are able— we are thankful for your generosity.
2. Share this post with one person in your network who might believe in this work

https://globalcenteryf.org/donors

GCYF is a 501c3 non-profit, so all contributions are tax deductible.

Thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with us on this incredible journey!

Warm wishes to you and yours,
— Anu
Founder, Global Center for Youth Futures, Atlanta

12/01/2025

Dion Dawson solves the problem of urban food deserts through innovative supply-side solutions. He is reshaping the landscape of food insecurity in Chicago.
Key takeaways from his journey? The importance of community engagement, the power of innovation in service delivery, and the need for a sustainable business model in the nonprofit sector.

Listen to STREETSMART podcast 5
Don't forget to share....

Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/.../54JCy7qyT3nE8wtgrB1LwI/home
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKyvulk_8a4&list=PLCeICjkVkUugxzpAFas3-KzcbmK17uobe

11/25/2025

Wishing everyone full bellies and full hearts this Thanksgiving—just as Dion's Chicago Dream works every day to make nourishment and dignity a reality for every neighbor.

Look out for our podcast with Dion Dawson, Chief Dreamer who believes that your zip code should not be your destiny, and how he solved a supply chain problem bringing fresh produce to people's doorstep.

Episode 5 of STREET SMART drops next week!

Enjoy this clip! Dion's Chicago Dream

11/17/2025

Hungry Learners: How young refugees are addressing chronic food insecurity

Read about the remarkable capacity of youth in the Rohingya refugee camps, showcasing an incredible hydroponic farming experiment.

For more insights, check out the full story here: https://globalcenteryf.org/blog

09/26/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BagygjjhC/

Share with a friend...

We can't save the world---but we can help one person in great need. Regular flooding, climate shocks and Heptatitis C has ravaged the refugee camps of the Rohingya people.

09/22/2025

From the Global Center for Youth Futures.

A note to young people- wherever you may be.
On the occasion of Sep 21- International Day of Peace
In a world where peace seems distant

DO THE WORK OF HOPE!