Tucked away behind a line of trees on Dailey Road in Dowagiac, MI, a small community of like-minded individuals lives and studies together with the goal of making the world a better place.

The Institute for International Cooperation and Development, a global non-profit organization houses more than 30 individuals from around the world focused on creating a better world. Through an 18 month program, these activists immerse themselves in an atmosphere of learning and serving, helping solve problems in communities across the continent of Africa and South America.

IICD is a partner to Humana People to People, which allows them to participate in projects that improve education and health across the world. IICD development instructors teach HIV & AIDS prevention, gardening & farming, irrigation & sanitation, among other things to those living in poverty.

IICD’s activists participate in an 18 month program divided into teams. The first six months of the program is dedicated to training, which includes lectures, studying and working together with members of their team. This is followed by six months of service in Africa or South America. The final six months are used for journaling their experience and sharing with others across the United States.

Tuition for the program costs $4,900.00 which covers every expense for an activist during the 18 month program.

While 30 students are currently enrolled in the program, all individuals 18 and older are welcomed and encouraged to join the program. The program can house up to sixty individuals at one time.

For more information on enrolling or how you can get involved, please visit www.iicdmichigan.org or email fightpoverty@iicdmichigan.org