IGNITE

A diverse group of staff, interns, and volunteers pose in a brightly lit stairwell at the ACADES office in Malawi.

5 Key Findings from the Mobilization of International and National Volunteers in Support of Global Development

Although we are now seeing many Canadians eager to engage in international volunteer opportunities once again, we have heard from our IGNI+E partners that bringing together volunteers who can represent both national and international perspectives not only helped sustain momentum, but—as was the case at ACADES—also strengthened their results. So we undertook a study with our partners to learn more about their experiences during this unanticipated adaptation of our volunteer mobilization approach. Here are five key findings.

How WUSC’s Partner Innovation Fund Supports Local Solutions to Improve Women’s Economic Empowerment

The barriers facing women’s full economic participation are many. In some countries, there are legal constraints to women’s rights to work, including a lack of protection from sexual harassment in the workplace. Women also bear a disproportionate responsibility for unpaid care and domestic work and are less likely to have access to education, technology, and…
Three participants of a past International Seminar are shown sitting on the grass deep in discussion.

2023 WUSC International Seminar in Accra, Ghana: Applications Now Open!

Green, Resilient and Inclusive Development: Diverse Perspectives in Ghana Do you have a passion for sustainable development? Are you interested in green entrepreneurship? Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident between the ages of 18 and 30? If you are looking for an international opportunity to deepen your understanding of economic inclusion, the green…

Growing Hope

In Canada, your gardens are dormant now, until another spring awakening. But here in Ghana we are planting all the time – and what we’re growing might surprise you! We are growing hope.  Because of support made possible by WUSC and our donors, women and youth in Ghana are learning the skills they need to…
A young man wearing a blazer

Volunteer Spotlight: Driving more resources to tackle climate change in Kenya with Kenya Climate Ventures

Stephen Itiakorit has over 13 years of academic and professional experience in agriculture, leadership competency, gender development, mentorship, and more. He has had the opportunity to coordinate humanitarian work for national and international programs where he was able to design and develop programs for social inclusion, gender integration, women’s empowerment, climate change, and the environment.…
International Seminar Poster

International Seminar 2022: Applications Open!

Economic Opportunities for Refugee Youth: A Collaboration between refugees and allies to drive systemic change Are you interested in diving into complex issues ? Do you thrive in an online team environment? Are you looking to gain firsthand experience in the field of refugee opportunities? If yes, then the WUSC International Seminar is for you!…
Volunteer with WUSC

IGNI+E Your Passion for Global Development with WUSC

Introducing WUSC's Flagship International Volunteer Cooperation Initiative: IGNI+E
Seminar participants in Malawi discuss their research project. © Mphatso Dumba

International Seminar 2021: Applications Open!

The International Seminar is an annual WUSC event for young leaders from around the world to collaborate, share ideas and create long lasting relationships. Each year explores a different contemporary development issue through youth-driven ideas, research and solutions. Since its first iteration in 1948, the International Seminar has seen thousands of participants collaborate on projects…

How we are continuing to support international partners remotely

Many of our international partners have been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially true in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Sri Lanka and Vietnam where WUSC had planned to mobilize more than 200 volunteers this year to support partners in their efforts toward the creation of more resilient and inclusive economies. With office closures and…

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