The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program (AYAD) was launched in 1998, to strengthen mutual understanding between Australia and the countries of the Asia Pacific.

The program places skilled young Australians, aged 18-30, on short-term assignments of between three to twelve months in developing countries throughout the Asia Pacific region. It offers young people the opportunity to contribute to development while at the same time learning about other cultures.

Youth Ambassadors work with Australian organisations and their overseas counterparts in a broad range of areas that include health, environment, rural development, gender, governance, justice, education and infrastructure development.

Early childhood assignments

The following is an example of the early childhood assignments available. Detailed position descriptions for over 200 other positions are available on the AYAD website.

• ESL Support Teacher - Port Vila, Vanuatu
• Early Childhood Specialist - Lautoka, Fiji
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Trainer - Jakarta, Indonesia
• Early Childhood Intervention Specialist - Honiara, Solomon Islands

On assignment, Youth Ambassadors use their skills and expertise to actively contribute to international development. They gain an increased understanding of the development needs of our neighbouring countries and broaden their experience by living and working in a cross-cultural environment.

Financial support is provided to cover the costs of volunteering overseas, including pre-departure medicals, insurance, travel, in-country allowance, and the support of in-country management services.

Departures

There are three departures each year - in March, June and August/September. Intake for the March 2007 departure is open now, with information sessions being held in most capital cities.

Applications close October 13, 2006

Further details

More information about assignments and application details can be found on the Youth Ambassadors for Development website.

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