Grants and Contributions:

Youth Challenge International - Volunteer Cooperation 2020-2027

7419584 P007291001

$16,997,583.00

Apr 2, 2020 - Mar 31, 2027

This project supports 310 volunteer placements, and aims to improve the economic and/or social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, in developing countries, with a view to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing engagement of Canadians in international development and key global issues, this project aims to increase the performance of developing country partners to deliver more inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality. The project responds to the needs identified by young women in the project countries, and is designed to foster and create innovative solutions for a more equitable and prosperous economy. The project addresses the opportunity for small and medium enterprises to have lasting social impact, while also creating profit for the enterprise owners. The project also targets a particularly marginalized population, particularly young women, and through collaborating with local partners, catalyzes a social innovation ecosystem and provides aspiring and established young, women social entrepreneurs access to training and business development services, which aim to allow them to create businesses with a social impact. Project activities include: (1) recruiting and training qualified Canadian volunteers; (2) developing, implementing and monitoring partner sustainability plans with a focus on inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives; (3) providing technical assistance for partner organizations to support young women's social venture start-ups and growth, and to create and measure the social and environmental impact of their business activities; (4) building young women’s competencies in preparing a business idea to launch using best practice tools adapted to meet the needs of young social innovators; (5) establishing the HerStart Catalyst Fund to provide access to capital for young women’s social ventures; and (6) implementing outreach activities with a focus on global issues by Canadian volunteers to increase awareness among Canadians.

Global Affairs Canada

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased performance of developing country partners in project countries to deliver more inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality; and (2) increased engagement of Canadians in international development and key global issues.

Toronto, Ontario, CA M5A 2B7

064-2020-2021-Q1-00060

Contribution

Grants and Contributions

119069078

Not-for-profit organization or charity

YCI - Youth Challenge International

Toronto Centre

35108

International Development Assistance Program

The main purpose on the International Development Assistance Program is to reduce poverty for those living in countries where Global Affairs Canada engages in international development.