Operation Crossroads Africa began in 1958. Young people from America and Canada volunteered to spend their summer vacations working in Africa building schools, hospitals, and recreation centers, and building a better understanding of Africa among Americans and Canadians. Operation Crossroads Africa launched The African Youth Leadership Program in 1964 in which African youth were invited to spend their summer in the United States to experience American labor unions, youth organizations, camps, conferences, and observe the systems of government on the local, state, and national levels. In this way, the program hoped to educate a great number of people about Africa, and America and Canada, as well as encourage young people to pursue international services. Operation Crossroads Africa aimed to bridge the gap between Africa and the United states and Canada through education and experience for young people.
