Frequently Asked Questions

Is IAT a religious organization?

• No, IAT believes that all religions are valid and serve to meet the needs and consciousness of different groups and cultures.

How does IAT transform people?

• IAT does not transform anyone. The positive examples set by staff and volunteers provide models by which others may choose to emulate and hence transform themselves.

How did the association get its name?

• The name was derived from a change or transformation the founder experienced when he began helping others instead of serving only himself.

Why does IAT focus upon environmental concerns and youth development?

• IAT considers that these are two of the most important things facing us today. If humanity does not address the issues of pollution of our water, soil, atmosphere and the problem of global warming our planet will not sustain life as we know it much longer.
• We know that the real hope for the future lies with the children. We must raise their awareness concerning the state of the world; equip them with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and the desire to make a positive difference. We must then support their dreams and visions to improve conditions in their communities and countries.

Do aid programs really help the beneficiaries?

• It depends upon the aid organization. Some agencies actually create dependency by operating with a paternalistic attitude in the belief that financial support will solve all the beneficiary's problems. IAT's focus is on the development of human potential and empowering individuals and communities to find solutions to their own problems.

What is unique about IATs sponsorship program?

• Most sponsorship programs assist children through elementary and high school only. IAT provides formal and practical educational opportunities for children from elementary grades through university. Our focus is upon creating future leaders. Workshops and seminars are provided to develop confidence, and self-worth, and to instill values such as responsibility and integrity. During Summer vacations senior students are encouraged to develop projects to improve conditions in their villages. Over the years hundreds of graduates from IAT's program have returned to their villages as effective community leaders.

Does IAT receive government funding?

• No. IAT was partially funded by the federal government of Canada for several years, during which time it became apparent that limitations imposed by government funds restricted indigenous autonomy so IAT withdrew from that source of funding.

After 26 Years of development work in the Philippines, why are you now starting a new project in Costa Rica?

• The Philippines program is now being exclusively run by young university graduates who have completed IAT's education and training. We have learned how productive motivated youth can be if given the skills, and encouragement to create positive change. We intend to provide opportunities for youth, from countries throughout the world, to acquire the self-awareness, confidence, knowledge, social and practical life skills that will enable them to affect positive change in their respective communities and countries.

Why Was Costa Rica chosen for The Eco-village and Global Youth Training and Development Center?

• Costa Rica is a beautiful country, with a peaceful, healing energy, and represents the stable hub or focal point of the Americas. It is a country with no standing army, with a commitment to peace and an enlightened position regarding environmental preservation and protection

Costa Rica is not a Third World Country, so why would you choose to aid Costa Rica?

• We don't see this as an aid program for Costa Rica. We perceive Costa Rica as the venue for this unique Global Youth Empowerment initiative.

What does IAT provide for volunteers wanting to participate in the Philippines or Costa Rica programs?

• IAT is a small non-profit organization, IT provides simple food, rustic accommodation and a healthy, creative environment for volunteers working on-site with IAT's projects.