Alastair Henry and Candas Whitlock
In 2006, Alastair volunteered in Bangladesh. He took additional placements in Jamaica and Guyana, but this time with his partner Candas Whitlock. “His experience spoke to my heart,” says Candas. “So I applied to volunteer!” In 2016, he became Cuso International’s first-ever North American volunteer in Alert Bay, B.C. Candas joined him on the…
Read MoreHow a Passion for Birding Inspired One Canadian Volunteer in Guyana
Inspired by her passion for birding, 72-year-old Merle Kindred, originally from Penticton, B.C., is using birds as a bridge to connect Guyana’s Indigenous rainforest communities with tourists. The Cuso International volunteer had already been working in Guyana, based in Georgetown for six months as a strategic planning advisor. Her placement was wrapping up, but before…
Read MoreMaking work safer in Guyana
Cuso International doesn’t recruit many people with Marshall Denhoff’s skillset. During his year-long placement in Linden, Guyana, Marshall will be working as an Occupational Safety & Health(OSH) Curriculum Program Advisor and Trainer at Linden Technical Institute (LTI). His position is central to a partnership with Cuso International, Guyana Goldfields, LTI and Guyana’s Ministry of Education.…
Read MoreGuyanese Youth Rebuilding the Caribbean’s Fruit Basket
Eksi Edwards had never been to Canada before. As a young Guyanese woman that’s nothing uncommon. It’s a rare thing for youth to have the opportunity to travel abroad and experience the change in perspective travel affords. But in July of 2017, Eksi was selected to participate in the Global 4H Summit in Ottawa, which…
Read MoreVolunteering Helps Guyanese-Canadian Keep Ties To Guyana
In the mid 1960s, Patsy Russell was taught by a Cuso International volunteer. Now she is one. “I went to a convent school in Georgetown, and a Cuso volunteer, Gwenne Wardle, taught us games and gymnastics.” Fifty years later, now a volunteer herself she can see how Cuso International’s model has changed. Not placed at…
Read MoreInternational Women’s Day: Volunteer Improving the Lives of Women Around the World
For International Women’s Day, Cuso International celebrates and recognizes its volunteers and partner organizations working to improve the lives of women and children around the world. Caroline MacIsaac, of New Brunswick, is one of those Cuso International volunteers currently lending her expertise to an organization in Guyana that works to empower young women. Empowering women…
Read MoreTackling the Caribbean’s Highest Youth Unemployment Rate
Inside an airy fourth form classroom, 13 teenagers are learning to write a resume. The group of 14- and 15-year-old students are part of a new high school career guidance program teaching young people the skills they will need to land a job. “What is your dream job?” Bevon Austin asks her class, before pointing…
Read MoreReturn for Investment in Guyana
When Ravi Mohabir’s family migrated to Canada from Guyana in the 1970s, they had little more than $500. Now, Ravi enjoys a satisfying career as one of the youngest partners at Deloitte, the largest professional services firm in the world. An organization that is deeply dedicated to corporate social responsibility, Deloitte offers an International Development…
Read MoreGiving back to Guyana
As a fan and supporter of Cuso International for many years, Pamela Grant believed strongly in Cuso International’s approach of collaboration and cooperation with its partners overseas. So when a friend shared a placement in Guyana, as part of our diaspora program, Pam knew it was the perfect fit for her. It brought together her…
Read MoreSupporting the Leaders of Tomorrow
When Heather Hale embarked upon her first long-term volunteer placement with Cuso International in 2014, her friends and family didn’t bat an eye. “I’ve been volunteering all my life,” says Heather. “Nobody was shocked by my decision.” Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Heather has strong roots in volunteerism and community service. With extensive experience…
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