Our Work



OUR VISION IS A BETTER WORLD FOR YOUTH
We believe that with the right opportunities and support, youth can create a better world for themselves.
Who We Support

Youth gain hands-on training during a motorcycle mechanics course in Sri Lanka.
Youth
Globally, 263 million children and youth are out of school. An estimated 24% of these out-of-school children and youth live in conflict-affected countries. Nearly 43% of the global youth labour force are either unemployed or working yet living in poverty.
Youth want to make meaningful contributions to the world around them. Yet their contributions are overlooked as they face marginalization and exclusion within their societies.
We focus on ensuring they have access to quality education. We help them secure fair and fulfilling employment. And we encourage them to show leadership in the reduction of poverty and inequality.

A young woman shares her experience working with Uniterra to promote gender equality in Tarapoto, Peru
Young Women
Globally, many more women than men are unable to read or write. They earn, on average, 24% less than men. Not only is this an unjust reality, but it limits the full social, political, and economic participation of women locally and globally.
At the same time, young women are demonstrating their capacity to overcome the barriers they face. They are showing leadership within their homes, workplaces, and communities.
Across our programming, we take a gender-inclusive approach. We address the specific needs and leverage the contributions of women, with a focus on young women.

A WUSC staff member welcomes a young student to Canada through the Student Refugee Program
Young Refugees
For the 51% of refugees under the age of 18, countries of asylum are unable to meet their educational needs. This has resulted in millions of out-of-school refugee youth. Refugees are often unable to legally work in their country of asylum. This leaves them with few opportunities to earn an income.
Education can empower young refugees to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. Education provides young refugees with the knowledge and skills to make positive contributions in their country of asylum. It can also facilitate better integration in a resettlement country. Education is also key to helping youth one day rebuild their country of origin.
We focus on closing the education gap for young refugees, particularly young girls. We also work with postsecondary institutions to create pathways to resettlement in Canada through the Student Refugee Program.

A group of students from Botswana, studying in Canada, pose for a photo.
Other Marginalized People
We take an inclusive approach that expands our reach to some of the most marginalized. We invest in the capacities and capabilities of all marginalized people through education, employment, and empowerment opportunities that reflect our commitment to leaving no one behind.
Where We Work
WUSC works in over 25 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas