AYUDA 2026 Campo Amigo Program

Hi! I am excited to share that this summer, I will be volunteering with American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad (AYUDA) in the Dominican Republic. AYUDA is a volunteer-based organization that empowers youth to help inspire change in diabetes around the world through leadership and education. 

This summer, I will be traveling with a group of volunteers to work alongside local youth and families living with diabetes. Together, we will partner with a local organization, Aprendiendo a Vivir (“Learning to Live”), to support children and families affected by diabetes. Through community education programs, outreach projects, and support initiatives, we aim to provide resources and education that help young people live healthier and happier lives with their condition.

In many communities, diabetes care can be extremely expensive, and access to education and resources is limited. Because of this, families often struggle to fully understand and manage the condition. Programs like AYUDA help build supportive communities where young people with diabetes can learn from each other and know they are not alone.

As a volunteer, I will have a substantial responsibility. Our involvement in the program begins in the spring with a significant amount of training and learning on topics such as engaging with local communities, cultural competency, youth leadership, and empowerment. AYUDA provides hands-on experiences that inspire us to serve as agents of social change, not only in diabetes communities, but in other areas of our lives, as well. We work together with local youth in the Dominican Republic to deliver culturally appropriate and effective programs that are specifically based on the needs of the community with an eye toward long-term sustainability. The part I am most excited about is the opportunity to support educating the youth of the local communities while also learning from them in return.  

I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic on July 18th, but my journey begins now. Please consider supporting this meaningful work by donating. Your donation will directly support education, outreach, and resources for youth and families living with diabetes in the Dominican Republic. Your donation is tax-deductible and quick and easy to make online. Contributions of any size truly make a difference, and your support will help ensure that young people in these communities have access to the education and support they need to live healthier lives.