Innovative Access: Increase Capacity for Economic and Social Growth Through Innovation

This Volunteer Cooperation Program sends 747 volunteer counsellors in 11 countries. The program aims: 1) to improve the economic and social wellbeing of the members of poor and marginalised communities particularly women and youth by providing training and technical assistance in sustainable economic growth and food security environment protection gender equality and good governance; and 2) to support Canadian knowledge and technology transfers through the Development Innovation Fund. Additionally the program’s Canadian public engagement component includes outreach activities such as la Marche Monde and media campaigns with the support of volunteers abroad in collaboration with more than 200 Quebec educational institutions.

The expected intermediate outcomes of this project include: (1) increased capacity of developing country partners to deliver sustainable development results in response to local needs by making use of the skills and expertise of qualified Canadian volunteers; and (2) enhanced Canadian participation in Canada’s sustainable development efforts.