Catalyste+

Published purpose

This volunteer cooperation project supports more than 1,749 short-term volunteer assignments and contributes to the improved economic and social well-being of beneficiaries in 17 developing countries. The project aims to improve the capacity of 60 local partners and more than a thousand clients among their networks to deliver sustainable development results. The local partners are local institutions, public sector agencies, and regional economic associations. The project also aims to: (1) support inclusive private sector development, primarily in the manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, agribusiness, and microfinance sectors; and (2) support democratic governance, strengthening public management systems and capacities at both national and municipal levels. The establishment or improvement of business, trade and knowledge-sharing linkages among local partners are supported by activities centred around lead countries in each geographic region. The project also supports an outreach component to engage highly-skilled Canadian women and men as Volunteer Advisors; and to increase awareness of Canada’s efforts to address development priorities among Canadians.