Organization Profile: Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

by Fabian Musefano, SCPA Intern for Apathy is Boring — April 15, 2008

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is an organization whose main objective is to provide development assistance in poor nations. CIDA has a presence in Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and of course here in Canada. Its mandate is to support sustainable development in developing countries, to reduce poverty, and contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world. CIDA is affiliated with the Ministry of International Cooperation and works in collaboration with other international organizations such as UNICEF, UNDP, La Francophonie, donor countries, and other NGOs. CIDA works with the private sector and funding entrepreneurs in developing nations, as well as provides assistance in disaster areas.

Issues

CIDA is a very dedicated organization that covers a wide range of issues, the majority of which are all related to the reduction of poverty, the promotion of human rights, and sustainable development. More precisely, CIDA deals with issues directly related to education, the environment, equality between men and women, humanitarian aid, and health.

How to get involved

CIDA has three types of programs that allow youth to get involved in international issues.  For instance, the Butterfly 208 program is a contest that challenges Canadian youth to learn about global issues through writing and artistic expression. Participants use these alternative means to express their visions on how to make the world a better place. The Youth Speakers program is another way Canadian youth can get involved. Under this program, young people who have worked internationally visit schools and share their experiences with students. If you have international experience and would like to volunteer with CIDA’s Speaker Youth Program, call 819-997-5006. The third way to get involved is through The International Youth Internship Program. If you’re between 19-30, a post-secondary graduate and would like to gain some international experience, get in touch with CIDA for more details about participating in an international internship. For more information on these programs, visit CIDA's website.

Interesting facts about CIDA

Did you know that you can work for the United Nations through CIDA in a developing country for one year? By working as a Junior Professional Officer for the UN, you can get hands on professional experience while working in a multicultural setting.

Source:http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca