Basically, our idea is to experiment development aid upside down and with a multi-dimensional approach, with the aim of developing innovative high social impact projects.

Before the ELAYS, in collaboration with Ashoka’s Youth Venture (www.genv.net), we launch a continent wide call for Latin American projects. A jury selects the 3 most innovative projects elaborated by young social entrepreneurs from Latin America.

During the ELAYS Think&Do Tank, in October 2010, the six selected young visionaries are brought together with 50 carefully selected young persons living in Switzerland for 4 inspiring days. A rich and flexible program supports the participants in the process of uncovering ideas and turning them into concrete and coherent action plans.

After the ELAYS, activities aim to ensure a sustainable impact. The Latin Americans embark on a social business trip in order to be provided with contacts and ressources to multiply the impact of their projects upon return.  In Switzerland, the new projects are monitored and 4 weeks after the event the social challenge rewards the most promising project with seed funding of CHF 1′000.-.