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A Village Concept Project (VCP) is a specific type of Village Project that was formulated by IFMSA with the World Health Organization in 1986. The Village Concept is a concept that promotes community development initiatives as well as student capacity building. Projects based on the Village Concept are called Village Concept Projects.

Village Concept Projects are voluntary, non-political and non-governmental projects. Their overall objectives are to provide sustainable improvement of the living conditions in underprivileged communities as well as to develop the capabilities of students.

Key aspects for these projects are the full participation of the local communities and students from different cultures and disciplines. Also VCPs are intersectorial, meaning that the project activities interlink sectors such as education, agriculture, health, water and sanitation, forestry and environment.

Each Village Concept Project must fulfill certain criteria to achieve VCP status and is linked to other VCPs through the International Students Association of Village Concept Projects, which they join on a voluntary basis.

The organisation of each VCP is based on collaboration between local and international students. It is a requirement that the villagers actively participate in all phases of the project from the initial planning through to evaluation.

Values of the Village Concept Projects

	Sustainable development
	Student based
	Interdisciplinary collaboration
	Intersectorial approach
	Active community participation and ownership
	Gender sensitive approach
	Voluntary work
	Teamwork
	Cultural exchange

In collaboration with other organizations, IFMSA-USA supports village projects in Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. Each project has been envisioned, designed and implemented by dedicated student volunteers.

	Uganda Village Project - areas of focus include healthcare, HIV/AIDS, orphan support, and clean water.
	The Malaika Project (Tanzania) - programs include a clinic, malaria prevention, teaching, and microenterprise.
	Volunteer Kenya - programs include healthcare, HIV/AIDS, education, and microenterprise.
	Ghana Health and Education Initiative - areas of focus include reproductive health and education.

At different phases of implementation, Village Projects provide a numerous volunteer opportunities from field experience to project development and administration for students from varied fields. To meet the diverse needs of communities with low resources, Village Projects require an approach that emphasizes active community involvement to identify priorities and implement effective projects. Village Projects promote an interdisciplinary approach and invite volunteers from all academic backgrounds.

Enjoying formal partnerships with the World Health Organization and United Nations' branches such as UNICEF, IFMSA-USA provides expertise and guidance for students who wish to develop their own village concept projects. For more information please write to info@ifmsa-usa.org.
 

There are many other Village Projects located in other countries. You can find more information on these projects by visiting the IFMSA Global website, or by visiting the International Students' Association of Village Concept Projects (ISAVCP)

At the ISAVCP website, you can also learn about what it takes to start your own Village Concept Project. Starting a Village Project is an immense time commitment and a steep learning curve. It is advised that students spend several years working in international health and development projects before attempting to start a new Village Project, and spend a great deal of time discussing the obstacles and challenges with those who have been working in this field.
 
If you are interested in international Village Projects and Village Concept Projects, please contact us at info@ifmsa-usa.org for more information.