Inclusive practices are at the heart of the pursuit of a more peaceful and just world. World Learning recognizes that real progress requires contributions from all parts of society, including groups typically marginalized from political and economic power, such as women, older people, youth, people with disabilities, indigenous people, LGBTQI communities, and racial, religious and ethnic identities. Bringing these diverse voices into our work strengthens it.

World Learning encourages inclusion and diversity through four key pillars. First, we target specific programs to include people who have historically been marginalized from political, social, and economic power. Second, we build the principles and practices of inclusion into all our projects, proposals, and activities. We also practice inclusion from within, providing employees with accommodations, training, and other opportunities. Finally, we are thought leaders for inclusive practices, reminding our colleagues across all sectors that society is stronger when we call upon the talents of everyone in it.

We are also committed to disability inclusion. We seek to include persons with disabilities in our activities, and we welcome opportunities to engage with partners in new initiatives spanning all of our program areas. As such, World Learning has established partnerships with Mobility International USA (MIUSA) and the U.S. International Council on Disabilities (USICD) as well as with disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) in several countries to create stronger linkages for global programs around disability inclusion.

Inclusive practices can be found throughout our programming. Through the USAID-funded Special Programs to Address the Needs of Survivors (SPANS) and others, World Learning has awarded grants that support service delivery, training, advocacy, and related activities to assist vulnerable populations, including displaced children and orphans, war victims, and persons with disabilities. Our Leaders Advancing Democracy (LEAD) Mongolia program trains emerging leaders in inclusive practices, encouraging them to advocate for and amplify the voices of marginalized people in their communities.

Interested in how you can incorporate inclusion into your own practice area? World Learning’s Inclusion Initiative has launched the TAAP Toolkit and Guide for Inclusive Development, a resource for international development practitioners and communities alike to identify marginalized populations and provide them with opportunities to participate in sustainable development. Learn more about the Transforming Agency, Access, and Power (TAAP) Toolkit!

Learn more about how inclusion enriches our work across our six program areas.

PROGRAM AREAS

People-to-People Exchanges: World Learning offers dozens of exchange programs each year, promoting tolerance, empathy, and respect among people from more than 150 countries at all points in their careers and academic lives through professional development, academic, and youth exchanges. Read more.
Global Education: World Learning believes everyone has the right to a high-quality education. We help make that vision a reality through our cutting-edge global education programming tailored to each country and context—including Basic Education and Higher Education. Read more.
Institutional Strengthening: Institutions work best when they fulfill their missions strategically, connect with key allies, and expand to serve a broader constituency. We work beside our partner organizations to help them shift their organizational culture toward one of continuous improvement. Read more.
Youth Workforce and Entrepreneurship: Societies and economies are stronger when each person contributes to community prosperity. World Learning helps youth and adults find a pathway into the workforce through career center development, STEM education, English for the workplace, civic engagement, and more. Read more.
Civic Engagement: People are their own greatest champions. World Learning believes society is stronger when people can influence the life of their communities, stand up for their rights, and hold their government accountable. Our programs seek to foster strong systems of civic engagement everywhere. Read more.
TESOL | English Teacher Training: English is increasingly vital to success in higher education and the 21st-century workplace. Our TESOL teacher training—which includes customized courses, leadership building, and more—helps position teachers around the world to motivate and empower their students in their language learning. Read more.