Vision

AYUDA will be a leader and pioneer in developing culturally sensitive and sustainable volunteer programs for youth to serve as agents of change for other youth in diabetes communities abroad.

Guiding Principles

1. A lack of education is as dangerous as a lack of insulin - AYUDA began when we saw children with diabetes who had access to insulin and medical treatment, but still suffered complications and early death because they did know how to manage their condition. AYUDA programs strive to address the severe lack of diabetes education by serving as a unifying force to unite all elements of the diabetes community.

2. Youth can serve as powerful agents of change - Youth empowerment is the fundamental principle for AYUDA, and is also exemplified by the members of the AYUDA team. Our educational and youth leadership programs seek to increase interaction among youth, develop awareness of their ability to impact change in their communities, and provide them with the tools and skills to do so.

3. Understanding is just as important as doing - AYUDA believes in collaborating with local communities in order to better understand their issues at hand and help create innovative solutions. Learning and understanding cultural context is critical to developing solutions prior to taking action.