This project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is Canada’s lead agency for development assistance, helping people living in poverty. They aim to manage Canada’s support and resources effectively and accountably to achieve meaningful, sustainable results. CIDA also engages in policy development in Canada and internationally, enabling Canada’s effort to realize its development objectives.

Want to help?
Canadians who want to work in international development can work with CIDA, a non-governmental organization or a CIDA-supported multilateral organization,

There are even internships through their Youth Internship Program.

You can find out more information at www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
 

    Bogota 

40 Years of internal armed conflicts has created a situation in which approximately 60% of the population (23 million people) are living well below the poverty line. In the last 15 years, more than 1 million children and their families have been displaced and are living in poverty in the cities. The violence in the country is not only from war itself, but also from the conditions that poverty creates – violence in the streets and abuse in the home. One million children, between the ages of 5 and 17 are working in order to help their families meet their basic needs; as such, sexual exploitation, international trafficking and trade have increased. Although adult literacy is high, the average number of school years completed is only about 3.7 years.  Read More.

       Mexico 

The YMCA Homes for Migrant Youth were established in 1990 to respond to the needs of young people under the age of 18 who were repatriated to Mexico after crossing the U.S./Mexico border without proper documentation. Before the creation of the YMCA homes, migrant youth were left by migration authorities in cities along the Mexican side of the border without protection, services or shelter. The youth lived in extreme poverty and risk. Most could not find food or shelter. Many were abused by criminals involved in prostitution, drug trafficking and gang-related activities. Read More.

Ukraine 

The Ukraine YMCA has been in existence since 1993. They now have a national office as well as 19 local YMCAs. The National Board is made up of local YMCA volunteer presidents. In fact, all YMCA personnel in the Ukraine, with exception of the national staff (4) are volunteers. The plan for the Prairies YMCAs working together in support of the Ukraine partnership is to build capacity, leverage strengths and local support, as well as develop local to local connections and build relationships.  Read More.