USAID: Operation Day's Work

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Operation Day's Work

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world:
indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
-- Margaret Mead

If your school is interested in joining Operation Day's Work, please visit our site at http://www.usaid.gov/odw to find out more.

Operation Day's Work (ODW) creates a framework to expose students to the dynamic world around them and learn about volunteerism and community building. It empowers young people to show the world that they can be real leaders, and that a good idea can make a powerful difference in helping people improve their own lives.

For over 30 years, young people in secondary schools in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland have devoted one day in each school year to working in their communities to earn money that is donated to educational projects in the developing world. ODW is a highly successful program that has created a culture of global awareness and generosity among generations of Scandinavians. USAID and several other organizations are working with the Norwegian government to adapt ODW here in the United States. ODW-USA will ultimately be implemented by the schools and students themselves.

Annually, students will select a developing country in which to fund a project related to education. As part of the year's curriculum, "International Week," will be designated for students to learn about aspects of the country they have chosen. At the end of "International Week," students will spend one day working and volunteering in the community to raise funds. Individual schools and students will choose what the work day will entail. Proceeds earned by the students are donated to the development assistance project that the students have chosen.

For more information, please email:
odw@usaid.gov

Last Updated on: April 09, 2003