Canada World Youth Welcomes Minister Paradis' Decision to Renew the International Youth Internship Programs

MONTREAL, March 31, 2014 /CNW/ - Canada World Youth (CWY) welcomes the decision of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) to renew both the International Youth Internship Program and the International Aboriginal Youth Internship initiative.

"We are pleased to see that the government is renewing its support to these very important international initiatives for youth," said President and CEO of CWY, Rita S. Karakas. "We are especially pleased with the renewal of the International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) initiative. CWY is very conscious of the importance of increasing the awareness and understanding Aboriginal youth have of international development issues, while enhancing their skills for employment."

Through tailored programming, CWY engages Aboriginal youth, helping them increased their leadership capacity, enhancing their employment skills and academic studies through hands-on learning experiences with community service projects in Canada, and around the world in developing countries and emerging economies.

From 2009 to 2013, over 500 Aboriginal youth volunteers were recruited, trained and participated in our Youth Leaders in Action Program, supporting the delivery of community projects in health and the environment led by our international partner organizations.

"We want to thank the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, and his departmental staff for their commitment in providing Canadian youth with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through international internships."  - Rita S. Karakas.

About Canada World Youth
Canada World Youth is dedicated to enriching the lives of people aged 15-35 who want to become informed and active global citizens. CWY offers international educational programs focused on building knowledge, leadership and other life skills through participation in sustainable community-driven projects, many in developing countries.  Over the past 43 years, 36,000 young people and 11,000 host families have participated in CWY programs, in Canada and abroad. CWY is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as a charitable organization (#118973999RR0001).

Also available in French.

SOURCE: Canada World Youth

Julie Brouard, Director, Communications, Canada World Youth, 514-608-8360, 1-800-605-3526 ext. 310, [email protected]