Minister Paradis Announces Calls for Proposals for International Youth Internships

Canada is engaging young Canadians in international development and providing them with an opportunity to expand their skills

March 28, 2014 – Gatineau, Quebec – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced that Canada will be launching two calls for proposals: one for the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), and one for the International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) initiative.

Although Canada boasts high levels of post-secondary achievement, the transition to a first job can be challenging. Young graduates often lack opportunities to gain the workplace experience and skills necessary to find and retain jobs. Through the IYIP and IAYI programs, Canadian youth work with Canadian partner organizations such as universities, colleges, and civil society organizations to gain international experience, skills, and knowledge that will enhance their future careers.

“Our government is providing Canadian youth with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through international internships while making a difference in developing countries,” said Minister Paradis. “This program provides an important bridge for young people to gain the hands-on work experience needed to find permanent employment.”

As part of the Government of Canada”s Youth Employment Strategy, the IYIP works with Canadian post-secondary graduates between the ages of 19 and 30.

The IAYI provides foreign internship opportunities to Aboriginal youth between the ages of 18 and 35 from both urban and rural areas across Canada. Created in 2011 by the former Canadian International Development Agency, this Aboriginal-specific program aims to increase the awareness and understanding by Aboriginal youth of international development issues while enhancing their skills for employment.

“Our Government is ready to work with new as well as existing Canadian partners to find innovative solutions to the most persistent development challenges,” added Minister Paradis. “The renewal of these programs will provide skills and job opportunities to Canadian youth who are just beginning their careers while contributing to Canada”s fight against systemic poverty around the globe.”

Partners and those interested in future calls for proposals are encouraged to consult the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada website and sign up for the RSS feed to get the most up-to-date information.

Quick Facts – International Youth Internships IYIP and IAYI

• As outlined in Budget 2014, the Government of Canada is committed to providing hands-on opportunities for young Canadians that will increase their ability to find employment that utilizes their skills.

• Both the IYIP and the IAYI aim to engage Canadians in international development through public awareness, education and greater youth participation.

• Working in developing countries will provide IYIP and IAYI participants with the opportunity to support local partners” efforts to their achieve development objectives while improving their employability.

Contacts

Margaux Stastny
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
819-953-6238
margaux.stastny@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATD_Dev

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