Who We Are
Cuso International (Cuso), a Canadian-based global organization, is dedicated to addressing poverty and creating opportunities for greater equity. With over 60 years of meaningful impact, we focus on addressing the underlying challenges that limit progress. Grounded in our core values of courage, inclusion, sustainability, & accountability, we leverage innovative approaches and strong partnerships to deliver tangible, lasting results in communities across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
We believe in localization, understanding that communities themselves hold the solutions to their challenges. By working alongside local leadership and community representatives and prioritizing collaboration, we ensure that our initiatives are community-driven and designed to foster autonomy & resilience.
Our Mission, Vision, and Strategic Goal
- Our Vision: An equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world where all people are treated with dignity and can participate fully in society.
- Our Mission: Sharing skills for better futures.
- Our Strategic Goal: To work with our partners to address the root causes of inequality and improve the economic and social conditions of equity-deserving groups.
Building on decades of experience, we continue to invest in relationships ensuring greater sustainability and mutual benefits. Our work adapts to an ever-changing world, meeting immediate needs while creating solutions for future generations.
What we do
Cuso works across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada, addressing critical issues such as:
- Preparing youth for the workforce and reducing unemployment through skills training and job readiness programs.
- Strengthening economies by supporting sustainable livelihoods and innovative business opportunities.
- Promoting fairness and opportunity by empowering underrepresented groups to contribute fully to society.
- Advancing entrepreneurship to drive local economic growth and self-reliance.
- Representing Canada to strengthen global partnerships and actively contribute to the international community.
Tackling systemic barriers to eliminate discrimination, Cuso’s work helps ensure equal rights and opportunities for all equity-deserving groups to thrive and contribute fully to society. Working with local partners, our programs provide people with the tools, skills, and confidence to build brighter futures through quality education, vocational training, and mentorship. In turn, these skills nurture innovation and support sustainable businesses to foster progress and independence, driving long-term economic growth.
Local Partnerships — Global Reach
Dive into our work around the world. Click on the yellow markers to get started.
Belize
In-Country Since
2022
Active Projects
2
In Belize, we work to mainstream gender equality in government ministries and also in the environment sector through non-governmental organizations.
Dominica
In-Country Since
2022
Active Projects
2
In Dominica, we work to mainstream gender equality in government ministries and also in the environment sector through non-governmental organizations.
Grenada
In-Country Since
2022
Active Projects
2
In Grenada, we work to mainstream gender equality in government ministries and also in the environment sector through non-governmental organizations.
Guyana
In-Country Since
2022
Active Projects
2
In Guyana, we work to mainstream gender equality in government ministries and also in the environment sector through non-governmental organizations.
Jamaica
In-Country Since
1961
Active Projects
4
In Jamaica, we work to support local partner organizations by strengthening their internal capacity to deliver programmes and services to vulnerable groups. We focus on gender equality, sustainable economic development and climate action.
St.Lucia
In-Country Since
2022
Active Projects
2
In St. Lucia , we work to mainstream gender equality in government ministries and also in the environment sector through non-governmental organizations.
St.Vincent and the Grenadines
In-Country Since
2022
Active Projects
2
In St Vincent and the Grenadines, we work to mainstream gender equality in government ministries and also in the environment sector through non-governmental organizations.
Suriname
In-Country Since
2022
Active Projects
2
In Suriname, we work to mainstream gender equality in government ministries and also in the environment sector through non-governmental organizations.
Benin
In-Country Since
2014
Active Projects
1
In Benin, we aim to promote social inclusion and economic resilience through sustainable solutions, focusing on women and marginalized group.
Cameroon
In-Country Since
2014
Active Projects
1
In Cameroon, we provide Canadian expertise inclusively to the most marginalized populations to build a stronger future.
Canada (Northwest Territories)
In-Country Since
2015
Active Projects
From uplifting Indigenous communities to promoting sustainable development and improving local capacities, explore our work in the Northwest Territories.
Colombia
In-Country Since
2015
Active Projects
2
In Colombia, our main objective is to advance gender equity, inclusive employment, and the development of socioeconomic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable people.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
In-Country Since
2014
Active Projects
2
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we work to promote gender equality and social inclusion, economic inclusion and climate resilience. Our targets are mainly women and marginalized communities by implementing inclusive training and learning techniques that are favorable to communities such as LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, people living with albinism etc.
Ethiopia
In-Country Since
2015
Active Projects
2
We aim to address power relations and social norms that create barriers in the advancement of women, girls and youth ( by transforming the capacity of relevant partners and stakeholders.)
Ecuador
In-Country Since
2022
Active Projects
0
In Ecuador we work to mainstream gender equality.
Honduras
In-Country Since
2015
Active Projects
2
In Honduras the main focus is inclusive economic development, climate change, risk management and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, the equality of women and people with disabilities.
Nigeria
In-Country Since
2014
Active Projects
2
Skills for sustainable livelihoods & economic inclusion for Nigerian refugees & host communities.
Peru
In-Country Since
1969
Active Projects
2
In Peru, we work to support local partner organizations by strengthening their internal capacity to deliver programmes and services to vulnerable groups including women, youth, People with Disabilities, Indigenous People, migrants, refugees and others. We focus on gender equality, and sustainable economic development and climate action.
Tanzania
In-Country Since
1963
Active Projects
1
In Tanzania, we work with partners to strengthen gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and advance climate action.
Core Competencies
Expertise in National and International Volunteering Support
Unmatched expertise built over 60 years in preparing, deploying and supporting volunteers before, during, and after their placements in Canada and overseas.
Skills Sharing
Skills sharing lies at the heart of our mission. Through initiatives like SCOPE, SHARE, Talents Pluriels, and SKILLS, we equip individuals with tools to secure employment, build livelihoods, and contribute to economic resilience.
Education & Public Awareness
Through programs like SHARE and the Indigenous Canada Program, we raise awareness and foster understanding of global challenges and Canada’s participation and impact. These efforts inspire action and advocacy among Canadians, bridging local and global issues like gender equality and economic sustainability.
Meet Our Team
At Cuso International, our dedicated teams work together to create lasting change. From engaging communities and securing impactful programs to ensuring seamless operations and recruiting passionate volunteers, each department plays a vital role in advancing our mission. Guided by experienced leadership and a visionary Board of Directors, we collaborate to drive equity, sustainability, and opportunity worldwide.
Explore our teams and the work we do to make a difference.
Cuso International’s Patron
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, has granted Cuso International her viceregal patronage. Cuso is honoured to be counted among the associations and organizations recognized by the Governor General for their outstanding contributions to society.
Cuso shares many of Her Excellency’s priorities, which include reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, youth and education, climate change and the protection of our natural world, and mental health and wellness.
We look forward to supporting Her Excellency’s commitment to global collaboration aligned with our mission to reduce poverty and inequality worldwide.