Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie

Published purpose

This project aims to improve the economic and social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, in targeted developing countries in order to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the support of 740 volunteer placements, the project not only increases the participation of Canadians in international development and key global issues, but also enhances the performance of 45 partners in developing countries in implementing more inclusive, innovative, and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality. The project also works to increase the performance of partners in the education sector, due to the transformative power of education on populations, especially the most marginalized and vulnerable. Project activities include: (1) recruiting and training Canadian experts and graduates on capacity building and cross-cutting development issues, including gender equality, human rights, and the environment; (2) engaging Canadian elementary and secondary school youth in key global issues and organizing public engagement activities promoting the results achieved by partners and volunteers; (3) developing or improving training programs and policies, tools, pedagogical, management and governance methods that promote the inclusion of people in vulnerable or marginalized situations with targeted partners; (4) providing training or support to partner staff on gender equality, human rights, security, sexual and gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, inclusion and retention of girls; and (5) establishing special funds to enable local partners to improve the quality of education and respect for the environment and/or make educational initiatives more inclusive or gender-sensitive.