Maria de Brigard giving back by volunteering with Cuso 

For Maria de Brigard, volunteering with Cuso International is a way to give back.

Maria, 58, retired early from the Port of Vancouver where she worked in human resources and organizational development. In April 2024, she went to Colombia for a year to work with the Kaby Foundation, an organization that works with rural low-income children near the ocean-side city of Santa Marta.

“My task is to help them with organizational development, strategic planning, internal policies, budgeting, strengthening administrative processes, and grant writing,” says Maria of her work with Kaby, which was founded eight years ago by two local women to provide libraries and inter-cultural arts education to children ages three to 17.

Through Kaby—an Indigenous word that means “dreams”—the children receive educational support and learn through arts such as photography, painting, and music. At the same time, they develop a deep connection with caring for nature and their environment.

These creative and environmental learning experiences are designed to inspire curiosity, nurture their talents, and strengthen their sense of belonging and responsibility within their community, she says. “I’m inspired by the children. They really want to learn, but they lack resources.”

She especially enjoys seeing them show their work to their parents. “They are so proud of their artwork,” she says.

Although the children face challenges, Kaby teaches them they “can do just about anything if they do it together,” Maria says. “Building strong relationships is the way to move forward.”

What makes Maria’s assignment even more special and meaningful is that she is originally from Colombia, having immigrated to Vancouver in 1990.

“Canada is also my home, but through volunteering with Cuso I can give back to my country of origin,” she says.

Not only that; this is the second time Maria has volunteered with Cuso in Colombia. The first time was eight years ago, when she got a leave of absence for a year from the City of Vancouver, her employer at the time, to assist with gender equity programs in that country.

Of her decision to be a volunteer, Maria says it’s the right thing to do. “I have been very fortunate with education, work, and life experiences,” she says. “I wanted to give back.”

Maria appreciates the support she receives from Cuso. “They are very good at helping volunteers, making sure I am safe and secure,” she says. “Staff at Cuso have been incredibly supportive.”

She loves living and working in Santa Marta—so much that she extended her assignment by six months. “I love the forest, the mountains, and the ocean. It reminds me of Vancouver,” she says.

To others who are retired, volunteering with Cuso “is definitely something to consider,” she says. “What you get back is definitely worth the time you put in.”

Volunteering with Cuso International is a unique opportunity to create meaningful change while gaining valuable international experience. If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a recognized qualification and at least two years of professional experience, we invite you to explore this exciting journey. Cuso volunteers receive travel and accommodations, a modest living allowance at the local standard, and continuous support from both our Canadian and regional offices every step of the way. 

We are actively recruiting for placements across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Canada. We currently have a high demand for dedicated professionals to serve as Gender Advisors, Communications Advisors, and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers. We also have a need for people to volunteer in Peru, Honduras, Colombia, Benin, and Tanzania. To learn more, visit Cuso.