What are you doing this Winter Break? Youth Challenge International is expanding its youth development programming to Santa Maria de Dota, Costa Rica. This three-week project focuses on the social and economic development of the community and offers motivated volunteer between 18-30 years old the opportunity to work with youth on a "grassroots" community development program!
Key Project Activities May Include:
• Promote environmental education by organizing workshops on recycling and waste management with youth, adults and children
• Facilitate youth involvement in program activities, with a particular emphasis on arts, sports and other activities to promote leadership and improve self-esteem
• Conduct English and Computer training for both youth and adult community members
Read more about our three week project that starts of December 26th and runs until January 15th.
Click here for more information |
Ghana Projects: Winter, 2012 
| YCI is offering THREE project locations in Ghana this Winter. We have an 8-week project and two 4-week projects leaving at the end of January and the end of February.Whether you are interested in active citizenship, good governance, environmental awareness or health education, there is a project to match your skill set in Ghana!
|
Click on the date range of each project for more information:
Takoradi: January 30 to March 26
Koforidua: January 30 to February 26
Koforidua: February 27 to March 26
Please apply online using YCI's online application form available at: http://www.yci.org/html/volunteer/globally/applynow.asp
|
YCI launches the Youth Discovery Program!Youth Challenge International is excited to announce the launch of a new short term program in Costa Rica this February 2012!
The Youth Discovery program is a short-term environmental focused program in Costa Rica for individuals aged 18-30. This program offers volunteers the opportunity to gain experience working on environmental initiatives and community based infrastructure projects. Projects vary from one to four weeks in length with year-round departure dates.
Working directly with local partners, Youth Discovery volunteers implement projects focused on eco-tourism, conservation, environmental initiatives and community based infrastructure projects as part of short-term team placements.
Click here for more information about these exciting opportunities! |
What's your issue? What are you going to do about it?To celebrate International Development Week 2012, YCI is excited to announce a brand new contest to engage youth in international development issues. Five $500 grants will be available to support small global action projects in communities across Canada. This initiative is open to Canadian youth, ages 18-30, who want to make a positive difference in their communities. The funds will provide the opportunity for youth to take action on the global issues they care about and turn their ideas into a reality. It's money to make a difference.
The contest will officially launch this October, so stay tuned. All contest guidelines and details will be posted first on the YCI Facebook Fan Page - www.facebook.com/yci.org.
|
Youth Innovator Projects 2011-2012Youth Challenge International (YCI) is recruiting six Youth Innovators for a variety of individual and small-team partner capacity building projects in Tanzania and Ghana during 2011- 2012.
Gain experience working directly with YCI staff and partners to implement CIDA programming objectives and improve your project management and implementation skills while working in an international context.
This year, YCI is looking for individuals ages 21 and older with education and/or minimum 1 year professional work experience in the following sectors:
• Human Resources
• Financial Management
• Proposal Writing
• Graphic Design
• Website Design and IT Experience
• Small Enterprise Development
• Gender
Click here for more information about these exciting opportunities!
|
Tanzania Project Locations: Fall, 2011 
|
Morogoro, Zanzibar and Arusha! YCI is offering THREE project locations in Tanzania this fall. Our Morogoro project will focus on environmental education and waste management. Our Zanzibar project will focus on HIV/AIDS education outreach and livelihood skills building and finally, our Arusha project will focus on providing holistic education for out-of-school youth!
Whether you are interested in HIV/AIDS education outreach, computer skills training, education or environmental issues, we have a project for you!
|
Click on the date range of each project for more information:
Morogoro: Sept 19 to Nov 14
Zanzibar: Oct 3 to Nov 28
Arusha: Oct 3 to Nov 28
Please apply online using YCI's online application form available at: http://www.yci.org/html/volunteer/globally/applynow.asp
|
What is the Youth Innovator program?The Youth Innovators program offers short-term specialized projects that focus on a specific programming objective in Tanzania or Ghana. This program is an opportunity for volunteers with an academic or work background related to one of YCI’s sectors, as well as previous overseas experience, to participate in a short-term specialized team project.
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is currently recruiting six Youth Innovators for a variety of individual and small-team partner capacity building projects during 2011- 2012.
Click here for more information about our current Youth Innovator opportunities!
|
Fall Youth Ambassador Projects: September-December 2011Experience international development at the grassroots level, develop intercultural communication skills and make a valuable contribution to your global community.
Costa Rica
8-weeks
September 5 - October 24, 2011
Read more and apply
Costa Rica
3-weeks
December 26, 2011 - January 15, 2012
Read more and apply
Ghana
12-week
September 19 - December 12, 2011
Read more and apply
Guyana
5-weeks
October 31 - December 5, 2011
Read more and apply
Tanzania
8-weeks
September 19- November 14, 2011
Tanzania
8-weeks
October 3 - November 28, 2011 |
YCI Launches Environmental Project in TanzaniaWorld Environment Day is coming up quickly this Sunday!
In honour of World Environment Day, Youth Challenge International (YCI) is launching it's first focused youth ambassador project on environmental issues in Tanzania!
YCI has added an 8-week project to our Program Calendar starting in September to work in collaboration with our partner organization in Morogoro, the Faraja Trust Fund. Work in collaboration with Faraja to contribute to their environmental and agricultural initiatives! Promote environmental education including recycling and waste management; design, develop and deliver a small-scale environmental campaign; and, provide entrepreneurship training for women living with HIV and AIDS through small-animal raising!
YCI is looking for volunteers with a background and interest in environmental issues who are interested in gaining skills and experience in an international context. To read more about this opportunity, click here: http://www.yci.org/html/who/full_story.asp?item=3502
|
Spring Youth Ambassador Projects: May - June 2011YCI is recruiting volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 for youth development focused projects in Ghana, Guyana, Guatemala, Tanzania and Costa Rica from May to June 2011. Read more >>
|
YCI Scholarships Available: Ghana & Guatemala, Winter 2011Youth Challenge International (YCI) is awarding a limited number of partial scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $1,700 to exceptional youth (ages 18-30) for winter projects in Ghana and Guatemala. Read more >>
|
Youth Challenge America celebrates its first birthday!Youth Challenge America (YCA) celebrated its first anniversary in New York City on August 21, 2010. To read more about the successes and challenges of YCA over the past year check out the Full Story
|
Youth Ambassadors: January - March 2011YCI is recruiting volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 for youth development focused projects in Ghana, Guyana, Guatemala, Tanzania and Costa Rica from January to March 2011. Read more >>
|
YCI joins the Volunteer Cooperation Program funded by the Canadian International Development AgencyYouth 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). Check out the full story
|
YCI Launches Gift Catalogue!Building on 20 years of experience, YCI's programs create opportunities for young people to improve their skills and contribute positively to their communities. This spring, contribute to your global community by giving a gift that empowers a young person in Kenya, Tanzania or Ghana. Check out the full story
|
OCIC's E-Magazine - Spring 2010 EditionCheck out the first publication of OCIC's online magazine: iAM: Perspectives on Global Change. Read more >>
|
New Country Pilot Project: Uganda, September - November, 2010YCI is launching an exciting new pilot project with the Uganda Youth Network (UYONET), “Building the advocacy capacity for Youth Participation in Governance.” UYONET is a youth development agency based in Kampla, which would like to convert part of its existing offi ce into a resource centre to attract and educate local youth about governance, human rights, leadership and youth-related political issues. Check out the Full Story
|
Event: International Women's Day 2010YCI would like to invite you to attend the International Women's Day 2010, "Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all" event presented by the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality & Tourism Management! International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world in various ways. Read more >>
|
Event: Timeraiser 2010YCI would like to invite you to attend the 7th Annual Timeraiser event in Toronto on March 20, 2010. The Timeraiser is a charity art auction where, rather than money, participants bid a number of hours they can afford to an organization (or organizations) of their choice. Winning bidders have 12 months to complete their pledge, and then bring the artwork home as a reminder of their goodwill. Read more >>
|
Youth Development & Peace Network's Empowering Youth Leadership WebinarIn this powerful and dynamic keynote presentation, the speaker Joshua Fredenburg not only talks about the importance of effective leadership in today's world, but he offers key leadership qualities and characteristics that are required for leaders who desire to succeed as leaders and make an impact in the world. Read more >>
|
International Development WeekSunday, February 7 to Saturday, February 13, 2010 | This International Development Week YCI is excited to be participating in several events to mark the 20 years of IDW. Read more >>>
|
YCI Volunteer of the Year AwardYouth Challenge International is proud to put forward the following call for nominations for the fifth annual YCI Volunteer of the Year Award. Check out the Full Story
|
Youth Ambassadors: May - August 2010YCI is recruiting volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 for youth development focused projects in Tanzania, Kenya, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guyana, Nicaragua, Vanuatu and Guatemala from May to August. Read more >>
|
Youth Ambassadors: September - December 2010YCI is recruiting volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 for youth development focused projects in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ghana, Tanzania, Guatemala, Kenya, Guyana and Vanuatu from September to December. Read more >>
|
Youth Leadership Teams 2010Youth Challenge International (YCI) is recruiting teams of volunteers to go on group projects in the summer. Read more >>>
|
New Business Movement event hosted by YES!New Business Movement is one day conference designed to inspire and educate youth who dream about starting their own business. It will take place on February 25, 2010 at Scadding Court Community Centre 707 Dundas St. W Toronto, ON from 9am-4pm. Read more
|
Calling all YCI alumni! Global Agents for Change "Riding to Break the Cycle"Global Agents for Change, in partnership with Youth Challenge International, is "Riding to Break the Cycle" again and looking for 25 adventurous youth between the ages of 18 and 30 to join each of our 2010 cycling tours Read more
|
YCI Toronto has moved!We have moved to a new location! Read more
|
YCI Alumnus Recounts her Experience with YCI in Costa RicaYCI Alumnus Po-Yi Liu writes about her experience with YCI and the Earth Charter in Costa Rica for The Earth Charter Initiative. Check out the Full story
|
Youth Acting UP! – Recognizing the Next Generation of Global CitizensJoin OCIC in celebrating International Development Week by recognizing the work of inspirational young people who are acting up for global change. Read more
|
YCI's Annual Report 08 - 09YCI's Annual Report 08 - 09 is now available. Check out the Full Story
|
YCI celebrates International Volunteer Day!This Saturday, December 5, 2009 is International Volunteer Day! Check out the Full Story
|
December 1, 2009 - World Aids Day 2009Like many NGOs, governments, communities and individuals around the world YCI is marking World Aids Day on December 1st. See how by checking out the Full Story
|
November 27, 2009 - TYC presents The CauseToronto Youth Cabinet (TYC) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) Presents: The CAUSE – a positive youth-led event that showcases youth-serving and youth-led organizations and the various opportunities available to young people. These opportunities range from leadership to violence prevention, artistic expression to recreation, employment to social justice and activism to education. The Cause provides youth with information about initiatives in communities throughout the city. Check out the Full Story
|
20 Years of Youth Development! Celebrate YCI’s 20th anniversary of building communities and leaders by donating just $20Since 1989, YCI has sent more than 3,000 volunteers overseas to work alongside youth on environment, health, leadership development, education and economic development projects in 15 countries worldwide.Celebrate YCI’s 20th anniversary of building communities and leaders by donating just $20. Help us reach our goal of $20,000 to support our local and global youth development programs. Check out the Full Story
|
November 18, 2009 - Global Agents for Change "Riding to Break the Cycle"Interested in traveling with a purpose? Do the problems of poverty and international cooperation seem overwhelming at times? Want to make a positive, sustainable impact on our world while challenging yourself? Then join Global Agents for Change. Check out the Full Story
|
News: YCI launches Youth Challenge America Inc.Youth Challenge International (YCI) is pleased to announce the launch of Youth Challenge America Inc. (YCA), head quartered in New York City. YCA will implement a joint program approach and strategy in partnership with its parent company YCI. Check out the Full Story
|
October 19, 2009 - Racism. Stop it! National Video CompetitionThe Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition is part of Canada’s March 21 campaign against racial discrimination. If you are between 12 and 20 years old, you are eligible to enter the Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition. Create a video about your thoughts on eliminating racism. Check out the Full Story
|
October 15, 2009 - YCI Alumnus Nicole Bourbonnais Awarded a Doctoral Fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of CanadaYouth Challenge International would like to congratulate former YCI Guyana volunteer Nicole Bourbonnais for receiving a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Fellowship! Check out the Full Story
|
August 31, 2009 - Face to Face with Canada's BestAre you a young Canadian with a deep commitment to your community? If so, check out the Full Story
|
June 1, 2009 - YCI Costa Rica affiliate RJI partners with Earth Charter youth networkReto Juvenil Internacional in conjunction with the Earth Charter youth network, is engaging a group of eight international volunteers...Full Story
|
May 26, 2009 - Youth As A Top Priority For CIDAThe Minister of International Cooperation, Beverley Oda, announced last week that CIDA will strengthen its focus on securing the future of youth in developing countries...Full Story
|
April 24, 2009 - Blog Profile: Gina EassonGina has just completed her project in Tanzania! Read about it in the Full Story
|
April 23, 2009 - TakingITGlobal's Dialogue of ChangeThis May, take action on the change you want to see! In honour of World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on May 21st, TakingITGlobal is calling on youth to come together online and in their communities to engage in a dialogue of change. Want to learn more? Check out the Full Story
|
April 17, 2009 - National Volunteer WeekNational Volunteer Week starts April 19. Want to learn more? Then check out the Full Story
|
April 16, 2009 - Blog Profile: Katie FortunaKatie, current YCI volunteer in Morogoro, Tanzania, is taking to her blog to keep us all in the loop. To see her take on the experience of a lifetime, check out the Full Story
|
April 9, 2009 - Blog Profile: Chelsey AciernoCurrent YCI volunteer Chelsey is keeping a blog of all her experiences while in Morogoro! To learn more, check out the Full Story
|
March 26, 2009 - Blog Profile: Jessie Gresley-JonesCurrent YCI volunteer Jessie is working hard and enjoying his time while on the 8-week project in Kenya. Want to learn more about his experiences? Check out the Full Story
|
March 20, 2009 - Timeraiser 2009!YCI is excited to be a part of this year's Timeraiser! Not sure what we're talking about? Check out the Full Story
|
February 11, 2009 - Volunteer of the Year Award!YCI has selected the winner of the 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award! Check out the Full Story
|
January 9, 2009 - Cultural Diplomacy: A YCI Alumnus' PerspectiveFormer YCI volunteer Mark Norman shares his experience at a Youth Forum in Berlin, Germany this past October. Check out the Full Story
|
December 9, 2008 - In Memory of Murray HarrisA tribute to a valuable member of YCI's past, a fine colleague and friend. Full Story
|
October 2, 2008-Ask the candidates in your riding to commit to youth!YOUTH COUNT: Want youth to count in our upcoming federal election? This site will allow you to quickly and easily send letters to the all the candidates in your riding. Full Story
|
September 30, 2008- Vote for the World Full Story
|
November 13, 2008 - The Otesha Project's 2009 ToursInterested in cycling and performing across Canada in support of sustainability and social justice? Then check out the Otesha Project's newly launched 2009 tours. Full Story
|
September 23, 2008-Elections Canada for Young VotersConfused about where to vote? Want to get involved in the upcoming election? Want to know why you should even bother to vote? Check out Elections Canada Young Voters guide. Elections Canada
|
November 6, 2008 - Why Not "Give Up Your Gifts" This Holiday Season?A unique fundraising initiative supported by the Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief. Full Story
|
October 30, 2008 - Organization Watch: Bikes Without BordersAn up-and-coming Canadian organization that aims to bring more sustainable transportation to the people of the world. Full Story
|
October 24, 2008 - In Focus - Photography for EmpowermentReturned YCI volunteers stay connected and engaged with the issues in this project involving participants from their local community. Full Story
|
October 22, 2008 - Giving back to the world: A Vanuatu experienceA returned Youth Challenge Australia volunteer shares her life-changing experiences in Vanuatu. Full Story
|
September 30, 2008- YCI at the Youth Symposium in HalifaxYCI delegates Jessica Lockhart, Danny Richmond and Maggie McDonnell attended the Youth Symposium in Halifax. Check out Jessica's post-conference thoughts on the staff blog!
|
September 17, 2008- World Food Crisis Conference Call InviteGlobal Citizens for Change invites you to a coast to coast conference call to learn about and discuss the global food crisis. Full Story
|
| September 15, 2008- Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition OpensThe Stop Racism National Video Competition is now accepting entries. If you are between 12 and 20 years old, you are eligible to enter. Create a video about your thoughts on eliminating racism. . . Full Story |
| August 5, 2008-Welcome YCI's new Executive Director!Please welcome Bryan Cox, YCI's new ED! Full Story |
| September 11, 2008- Canada-Afghanistan Youth Working GroupThrough its Connecting with Young Canadians initiative, the Afghanistan Task Force at the Department of Foreign Affairs is seeking 10 young leaders from across Canada between the ages of 18 and 32, to participate in a Canada-Afghanistan Youth Working Group.Full Story |
September 3, 2008- YCI participants meet with the High Commissioner in GhanaParticipants in YCI met with the High Commissioner at the end of their assignment developing media materials to encourage youth participation in the upcoming Ghanaian elections. . .Full Story
|
August 29, 2008- YCI at the World Youth CongressYCI delegate Danny Richmond, finds a new sense of national pride at the World Youth Congress Check out his blog post here!
|
August 22, 2008- YCI delegates attend the 2008 AIDS conference YCI representative Danny Richmond, writes about his time at the 2008 AIDS conference in Mexico City. Check out his blog post, photos and video here!
|
August 19, 2008-Trip to Ethiopia opens STU graduate's eyesYCI volunteer Melissa Keehn talks about her recent trip to Ethiopia with The Daily Gleaner. Read Full Story
|
August 14, 2008: YCI responds to the deaths of aid workers in AfghanistanOn behalf of the Board, staff and volunteers of Youth Challenge International I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Mohammad Aimal, Shirley Case, Nicole
Dial and Jacqueline Kirk. Full Story
|
| July 30, 2008- Letter to the EditorRecently returned volunteer Rebecca Desmarais calls Youth Challenge Guyana a fulfilling experience in her letter to the editor. Read Full Story |
| July 28, 2008- Join YCI's volunteer action networkAre you looking for an opportunity to put your perspectives into action? Join or lead a grassroots action team! Full Story |
July 24, 2008- Represent YCI on your campus!Are you a YCI alumnus who wants to stay involved and let other youth know about YCI's programs?
Full Story |
| June 27, 2008- Youth Challenge training results in employment for 12 Ni-Vanuatu youth.Of 18 Youth Challenge Vanuatu graduates, 12 have already obtained employment, according to the Port Vila Daily News. Full Story |
June 26, 2008- Letter from a YCI AlumnusVanuatu alumunus, Cynthia Thomson, recently wrote us a letter about her experience in Vanuatu and with YCI's programming. Full Story
|
May 9, 2008: The better aid bill increases fundingBill C-293, also known as the "better aid bill," was passed in parliament today. The Bill makes ending poverty the exclusive goal of Canadian foreign aid.Canada’s foreign aid must now focus on poverty reduction, take into account the priorities of the people living in poverty and be consistent with Canada’s international human rights obligations. Full Story
|
April 4th, 2008: the YCI Policy Action team and the importance of public policyAs Canadian citizens, we are all influenced by political decisions and the activities of our government. Public policy is a written plan of action created by national governments intended to guide decision making actions to produce logical and advantageous outcomes. Full Story
|
February 1, 2008: YCI has a staff blog!Ever wondered what goes on around the YCI office? Want to hear more from staff about our work, the organization, global issues, or recent events? Check out our new staff blog hosted by wordpress! Visit the Blog
|
January 3rd, 2008: Bill C-293, Canada's Better Aid BillCheck out this article on BILL C-293: Canada’s Better Aid Bill, written by Mike Spagnolo, a volunteer with YCI in Guyana this past summer. Mike is currently interning with Free the Children. Full Story
|
| | |
Our Mission
