Upcoming Programmes

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AUGUST 16-30, 2008 — CHINA

This YLP offers an exciting opportunity to participate in a sustainable development project in Beijing and in Ningxia Province, Northwestern China during the 2008 Olympics. Young Leaders will visit a winery and eco-tourism company which integrates anti-desertification and poverty alleviation efforts into its business model. They will work with the company to develop a business plan for its commercial expansion and look at the social impact of its operations. Please see the Ningxia YLP Prospectus for more information.

GIFT is planning the following YLPs in 2008.

India

The Himalayan Action Research Centre (HARC), an Indian grassroots organisation, manages networks of vegetable farmer cooperatives in the Himalayan ranges of Uttaranchal State to supply vegetables, fruits and processed foods to national food companies such as Mother Dairy. HARC also works closely with banks, training their employees to provide micro-finance services to rural customers. HARC itself is a social enterprise which derives about a quarter of its income from consultancy fees paid to it by the banks, with an aim of increasing the ratio of self-generated income to become fully self-sustaining. Young Leaders will develop a business plan to help the vegetable cooperatives expand their business networks nation-wide and explore export markets, in concert with buyers and banks providing credit services.

Philippines

This project looks at investing in renewable energy generation in the Panay Island area of the Philippines, in response to a situation of growing demand outstripping existing supply sources, and in view of environmental concerns with traditional power supply sources. Young Leaders will develop investment plans pertaining to biomass, hydro and wind power schemes. The plans will highlight financial, social, environmental, and carbon offset aspects of these opportunities, with an aim of generating cost-competitive electricity from renewable sources to satisfy local demand whilst imparting positive social and environmental benefits on local communities.