SPW is the global leader in engaging and supporting young people to address the urgent health, education, and environmental issues in their lives. SPW’s youth-led programmes reach more than 400,000 young people every week and are cited as an example of best practice by UNICEF, UNAIDS, and the World Bank for their unique methodology.

Our mission is to place young people at the forefront of change and development.
 

SPW at a Glance
SPW is an international development charity working in eight countries across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

SPW mobilises young people by recruiting and training 18-28 year olds to serve as Volunteer Peer Educators (VPEs). These VPEs live full-time in rural communities for 6-12 months and lead health, environmental and education programmes. SPW currently has almost 1,000 volunteers, 85% of whom are from the host programme countries, who work in partnership with volunteers from Europe, North America, and Australia.

Youth to youth education is at the heart of SPW’s methodology. SPW Volunteer Peer Educators use interactive non-formal education methods, such as music, drama and dance to engage children and youth, and promote healthy living.

SPW VPEs directly reach 400,000 young people each year with health and environmental education at a cost of just £5 per child.

SPW programmes work directly with local and national government and civil society partners, tackling the underlying causes of poverty whilst building local capacity.