Video: Interviews with participants at the WYSE International Leadership Programme 2005.

WYSE is for people who care about what’s happening in the world and are willing to do what they can to make a positive difference. The programme provides an opportunity to experiment with new models, creating a holistic view of the world we live in that is underpinned by the need for shared values and an awareness of our ultimate interconnection.Content of our International Leadership Programmes includes:

* The development of a learning community that challenges our usual assumptions and inspires new thinking about the underlying causes of global problems.
* Tools and experiences for participants to uncover their potential through all learning modalities including teamwork, inner reflection, physical activity, discussion, drama, writing, art and music.
* Sessions that help participants identify their values and guiding principles in order to gain a sense of purpose and life direction.
* An opportunity to develop a sense of global awareness through an international network of people who wish to make a positive difference in the world.
* An emphasis on active global citizenship and the role of international organizations such as the United Nations.

We believe that every person has the potential for leadership. Leadership is an expression of our willingness to engage in the issues and challenges we see around us. It is about finding creative solutions to local and global problems. It is about recognising our own potential and harnessing these qualities for the benefit of ourselves and others.

Bursaries for International Programmes

As part of our efforts to include young people from diverse backgrounds, WYSE conducts a bursary scheme for its international programmes.

Participants come from many parts of the world and those from wealthier countries are expected to pay their own travel expenses and course fees. Past participants have engaged in fundraising to cover their costs and have sought sponsorship from their own governments and educational bodies, as well as from private businesses and industry where appropriate. However, a high percentage of our participants simply don’t have the financial resources to attend the international programmes. Therefore WYSE relies on the financial goodwill of others to allow for the inclusion of a diversity of participants.

The cost of our international programmes is subsidized to make it as affordable as possible. However, we encourage those who can give more to do so, in order that others may come who cannot pay the full amount. Any extra proceeds are contributed to the WYSE bursary fund to support participants from socially excluded and underprivileged backgrounds. This is a vital part of our approach: to conduct programmes where young leaders are not excluded on the basis of exchange rates, personal background, or the standing of their national economies.

The dates for the 2009 programme are 19th to the 30th July.

As an ode to all the courageous women who are touched by cancer Viva la Donna organises every year on the 29th of May a ‘Special Treat’ Day.

Viva la Donna requested to all the participating organisations, practices and institutes that they offer their services for free on that day.

Application can be done after May 1st 2009.
Would you like to make an appointment for yourself of another woman you know who has or had cancer? You can apply for an appointment after May 1st by calling 06-24501333. There are only a couple of sessions

For more information about Viva la Donna (Dutch website) visit http://www.vivaladonna.nl/
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2009-05-29
End Time: 17:30

The aim of our Secondary Transition programmes is to provide young people who are in their later school years with an opportunity to clarify their direction in life, identify potential, and to empower good decision making about their future.

Topics include:

• Getting in touch with purpose, potential and values
• Learning about decisions, learning to make choices
• Inner leadership and self responsibility
• Working with relationships – becoming independent and interdependent
• Friends and support structures
• Life and career direction

Our approach encourages participants to take some time to really consider the important decisions that they need to make about their futures at this time of change. We provide structures and tools to assist participants to make the transition from “school-life” to university or work in a healthy and potential orientated way.

If you would like more information, please contact stp@wyse-ngo.org

Check out the Secondary Transition Programme on Flickr

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Start Date: 2009-08-09
End Date: 2009-08-16

The aim of our Primary Transition programmes is to assist final year Primary School children to feel empowered about their transition to Secondary education. Typically programmes involve five sessions with final year primary school classes that create an understanding about their reactions to change and transition.

Topics include:

• Learning about change
• Remembering the past
• Exploring the present
• Creating the future
• Celebrating the transition

The curriculum is based around the concept of increasing the likelihood of healthy psychological adjustment to new situations through a model that addresses the past, present and future. WYSE uses a unique system of assisting young people to create a passport that records their thoughts and feelings about the changes they are experiencing and encourages them to celebrate their transition.

Start Date: 2009-06-08
End Date: 2009-06-12