YouthGive launched its first travel philanthropy trip in 2008 to Africa (Zambia & South Africa). Trip participants learned about water resource challenges, efforts to eradicate malaria and how microfinance is helping to alleviate global poverty. Teens were equipped with Flip video cameras to capture digital stories to share what they learned (see video below). The group visited key non-governmental organizations, met Africa’s young social entrepreneurs, participated and spoke at a major Youth & Microfinance conference held in Cape Town, distributed anti-malaria mosquito bed nets to a rural school in Zambia, and learned how ecotourism makes a difference at a Safari reserve (read their group blog below).

Using the power tools of their generation - digital technology and social media - and tapping cultural connections to sports, music & art, young people can experience meaningful travel that inspires them and their peers to work together to leverage real solutions.