Youth Challenge International

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YCI joins the Volunteer Cooperation Program funded by the Canadian International Development Agency

News Release
May 11, 2010

Youth Challenge International joins the Volunteer Cooperation Program funded by the Canadian International Development Agency

Toronto –Youth Challenge International (YCI) has signed a four-year contribution agreement with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) as part of the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP).

Building off the success of the CIDA-funded Global Youth Leadership program, YCI will implement the Global Youth Partnerships program in Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya from 2010 until 2014. The program will focus on health, private sector development and democratic governance, with gender equity and environmental sustainability integrated across the program.

“The Global Youth Partnerships program CIDA funding provides a unique platform for young people to collaborate and innovate,” said Bryan Cox, YCI’s Executive Director. Over a period of four years, 260 Canadian youth volunteers will contribute over 80,000 volunteers hours towards achieving youth development goals.

“By improving youth health, creating youth livelihoods and equipping young people to be leaders in their communities, you create the perfect storm for effective youth development,” added Cox.

According to a recent CIDA press release, the volunteer cooperation agencies “aim to define and meet local needs through the placement of qualified volunteers. By engaging a large and diverse spectrum of Canadian volunteers, the VCA agencies promote a better understanding of international development issues to the Canadian Public. Through their strong connection to communities in development countries, the agencies are also well placed to identify emerging priorities and offer innovative programming.”

YCI will join nine other volunteer cooperation agencies funded by the Volunteer Cooperation Program, including Canadian Crossroads International, Oxfam Quebec, CECI, CESO-SACO, Canada World Youth, CUSO-VSO, Engineers Without Borders SUCO and WUSC-EUMC.

Commencing April 1, 2010, CIDA will contribute $2,265,030 to the Global Youth Partnership program and YCI will match an additional $1,698,616 in cash and in-kind contributions.