What We Do > Our Approach
Locally Led Development
At World Learning, locally led development is both a mindset and a methodology. Since 1932, our work has been grounded in our original founding vision: We go to learn, not to teach. To make lasting change, we must listen to, learn from, and thoughtfully collaborate with local actors to best foster change.
World Learning knows that true sustainable development comes from local leadership, expertise, commitment, and buy-in. How does this work in practice? Consistent with our organizational values, World Learning applies a systematic approach that always reflects a community’s culture, values, and aspirations to ensure lasting change. Our approach is not one-size-fits-all or duplicative.
We work directly with local partners to identify needs, barriers, resources, and best practices to collaboratively identify solutions that include designing programs, frameworks, curricula, and trainings. We partner not only with government agencies, but also with community-based organizations, universities, the private sector, and youth organizations to design and deliver locally created and relevant programs. We work to empower and strengthen capacities and systems to respond to their greatest challenges.
World Learning believes that reciprocity and respect are essential for sustainable community-building. Our programs are grounded in a people-centered method to ensure that the voices, expertise, and agency of all are amplified. Additionally, by working directly with diverse program participants, more inclusive solutions are found.
Our locally led development approach is central to our way of thinking and working. It is how we can all collectively and collaboratively contribute to create a more sustainable, peaceful, and just world.
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.
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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.
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Capacity 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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