From Exchange to Impact: International Students Drive Community Change with $5000 Fund

Finalists Announced for Educatius’ Community Impact Fund During International Education Week – Winner to Receive $5,000 Grant

Gothenburg, November 19, 2024 – This International Education Week, Educatius celebrates four exchange student alumni who embody the transformative impact of international education. Each finalist of the Community Impact Fund has been inspired by their exchange experience abroad to envision projects that address real-world issues within their communities or the world at large.

From empowering marginalized youth to fostering social inclusion and tackling malnutrition, these young leaders exemplify how developing international perspectives can inspire local change.

Educatius’ Community Impact Fund, launched earlier this year, invited international students and alumni from Educatius’ global high school exchange programs to propose projects with meaningful community impact. Selected from submissions from around the world, these four finalists will be highlighted throughout the week. The winner of the $5,000 grant will enable one finalist to turn their project into a reality, amplifying Educatius’ mission to impact positive change through international education.

Meet the Finalists and Their Projects:

1. Fabian from Norway - Community Sports Inclusion Project
   Fabian’s project tackles economic and social barriers to youth sports participation. His initiative will provide equipment and organize free sports activities, creating an inclusive environment that promotes physical health and community solidarity.
2. Kelly from Vietnam - The Helper
   Designed to ease cultural transitions for students during their educational experiences abroad, Kelly’s project is a digital platform offering resources and peer support. Inspired by her personal experiences, “The Helper,” seeks to create an inclusive community that supports students in navigating new environments, strengthening connections and understanding among young people globally.
3. María from Spain - Special Olympics Cheer Development
   Focused on enhancing inclusion for students with disabilities and inspired by her host sister, María’s project expands Special Olympics cheerleading programs in schools. Her vision is to empower students of all abilities, fostering confidence, community, and equal opportunities in sports.
4. Céline from Switzerland - Sakafu Gasy
   Addressing malnutrition in Madagascar, Céline’s project partners with local NGOs to provide nutrition and hygiene workshops. Her initiative aims to improve long-term health outcomes for vulnerable communities through knowledge sharing and practical support.

About the Educatius Community Impact Fund:
Founded on the belief that education extends beyond the classroom, the Educatius Community Impact Fund empowers young people to act on the insights gained from their international high school experiences. By supporting student-led projects, Educatius strengthens its commitment to fostering global citizenship and tangible, positive change.

This week, Educatius invites the international education community to follow along as each finalist’s project is showcased. These young students represent a generation that sees the world as a connected community, with a responsibility to make a difference.