Relief International – Schools Online (RI-SOL) is an international relief and development organization with a mission to protect and save lives and to rebuild livelihoods by empowering communities and promoting peaceful coexistence.

In 2003, Relief International and Schools Online merged to combine their respective strengths in relief and development and technology in education. Relief International has 15 years of experience and dedicates itself to providing emergency, rehabilitation and developmental services that address the long-term needs of beneficiaries even while in the emergency phase.

The Global Citizenship & Youth Philanthropy (GCYP) program is a media and school-based initiative implemented by RI-SOL that prepares today’s youth for responsible global civic participation. Through collaborative projects in connecting youth internationally, the GCYP program provides these future leaders and citizens of the world with the knowledge, skills and values for positive action and participation in their interconnected world. GCYP leverages information and computer technology to influence cultural change and to promote global citizenship. This program is implemented through classroom activities, educational workshops, youth action through philanthropy projects and student exchanges.

The GCYP program gives youth the opportunity to develop:

• Knowledge of factors underpinning social justice, diversity, globalization and interdependence, sustainable development, and peace & conflict.
• Skills for critical thinking, analysis, resource mobilization & global advocacy, action for promoting justice, and conflict resolution.
• Values that enhance a sense of global identity, empathy, respect for diversity, concern abou the environment, and the belief that people can make a difference.

Professional, academic and cultural exchanges have been an integral part of programs implemented by RI-SOL since 2000.