IGNI+E Your Passion for Global Development with WUSC

Introducing WUSC’s Flagship International Volunteer Cooperation Initiative: IGNI+E

Our volunteers share our vision of a better world for all young people. They give their time and expertise in support of development programs that improve opportunities for youth in developing countries. Critical to the success of our programs, WUSC has offered thousands of Canadians impactful, high-quality, rewarding and safe international volunteer opportunities for over forty years.

That’s why we are thrilled to introduce our flagship volunteering for development initiative as part of the Government of Canada’s newly announced Volunteer Cooperation Program. With the support of Global Affairs Canada, WUSC is creating over one thousand volunteer opportunities over the next six years in support of 70 organizations and businesses across Africa and Asia. Together, our volunteers and partners are advancing gender equality and the economic empowerment of 1.2 million people.

WUSC’s IGNI+E initiative invites Canadians to help address the root causes of youth unemployment in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Vietnam – particularly for young women. Our volunteers collaborate with partners organizations to influence positive and sustainable changes to the systems that impact young people’s lives. WUSC’s partners represent key actors within these systems, including civil society organizations, associations, businesses, social enterprises, and incubators. They invite volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds to join them in their important work, including those with experience in business development, marketing and communications, fundraising, entrepreneurship, gender equality, human resources, and more!

This work does not end upon their return home. Our volunteers continue to support Canada’s global development efforts as ambassadors, sharing their first-hand knowledge with their friends and families in an effort to help more Canadians understand the important role Canada plays in supporting young people around the world and in creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world for us all.

The network of individuals who have already participated in an international volunteer experience in Canada is strong, diverse, and very active. WUSC has worked alongside over 10,000 Canadians through our impactful international volunteer opportunities since 1977. Many of these opportunities have been through the Uniterra program, a joint initiative between WUSC and CECI.

“Volunteering is an enriching experience. It’s a positive exchange where I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and skills while being enlightened by others in a meaningful way.”

Irene, WUSC Volunteer

Over five years, WUSC and 12 like-minded Canadian organizations have mobilized more than 4,000 volunteers to support more than 1,200 partners in over 40 countries through the previous phase of Canada’s unique Volunteer Cooperation Program. We are thrilled to be continuing this important work through this new phase of the Volunteer Cooperation Program and with the support of thousands of Canadians across the country.

“I think IGNI+E has the capacity to help partners to be more gender-responsive and inclusive in our programming. This will help us design programs that can support women and vulnerable groups…and to bring both state and non-state actors to the table to dialogue.”

Edem Agbe, Manager, Participatory Development Associates, Ghana

We are excited to be building on the progress we have made with our volunteers over the past several years through our new initiative. We invite you to take a look at our new volunteer opportunities and be a part of this important Canadian program. Now more than ever, our partners need your support! Be sure to check back regularly as more volunteer opportunities will be added soon.