Project profile — Victoria International Development Education Association - IAYI Internships 2018-2023

This project is part of Global Affairs Canada’s International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) initiative. The internships focus on increasing the awareness, engagement, and participation of Indigenous youth in international development, while providing them with opportunities to expand their employment skills or further their education. As part of the Walking Together: Futures for Youth project, the Victoria International Development Education Association (VIDEA), in partnership with the T'Sou-ke Nation, sends 140 Indigenous youth to three different countries. Interns develop meaningful and manageable skills, and experience in the areas of information and communications, organic and conservation agriculture, traditional crafting, community development, youth development, event organization, administration and finance, early childhood and primary education, sports and recreation, and trades.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased participation of Indigenous youth interns (women and men) in their communities, in the labour market or in the higher education sector in Canada and abroad, including in the field of international development; and (2) increased engagement of Indigenous youth interns (women and men) as global citizens who support international development efforts in Canada and abroad, including within their communities.

Results achieved as of the end of the project (March 2023) include: (1) 140 Indigenous youth completed internships in the field of international development in South Africa, Uganda and Zambia; (2) 140 Indigenous youth participated in pre-departure trainings, field activities in international development, and varied activities to help them transition to the Canadian labour market or further their education; and (3) 92% of interns are either employed or pursuing higher education opportunities.