CWY-JCM has been a leader and trailblazer for young people over the past 50 years. Thankfully, there are now several organizations in Canada that make youth a priority. As such, for the next 10 years, CWY-JCM will focus on impact within the four key pillars: always with youth at the center.
Empowerment and Experience
for Indigenous Communities
Empowerment and Experience
for Indigenous Communities
Throughout our history, CWY-JCM has promoted a collaborative relationship with Canadian indigenous communities and incorporated indigenous values in our methodology as programs are developed. We work with young people to promote education and sustainable livelihoods through experiential learning. The skills and assets learned will broaden their perspectives and can be used to empower Indigenous Communities around the world. This experience makes CWY-JCM an excellent resource for other organizations looking to have the same impact. Guided by the recommendations of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and in partnership with Indigenous organizations, we will continue to include indigenous traditions and learning approaches in our programming.
Why
- Indigenous communities in Canada are the backbone of Canadian history and are growing four times faster than the rest of the population
- More than ½ of the indigenous young people are in foster care and ⅕ are living in conditions that are in need of major improvement
- High School completion rates are also increasing but still not at the same rate as non-indigenous youth and employment rates have remained unchanged over the years
- Indigenous Young people have a greater exposure to health problems including mental health
Our Programs Related to Empowerment and Experience for Indigenous Communities:
Sustainable Livelihoods
and Entrepreneurship
Sustainable Livelihoods
and Entrepreneurship
CWY-JCM has almost five decades of experience addressing the needs of youth; facilitating youth access to sustainable livelihoods through its exchange and leadership programs in more than 70 countries around the world.
We build sustainable livelihoods through employment skills and entrepreneurship training, em-powering youth to secure meaningful employment or start businesses. Our approach is to include youth not only as beneficiaries of our programs but also as key innovators and impact contributors.
Why
- According to the UN, there are 1.2 billion young people between the age of 15-24 in the world
- Young people are 3 times more likely than adults to be unemployed
- Investments made in young people early set the stage for a brighter future
Our Programs Related to Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship:
EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG
WOMEN AND GIRLS
EMPOWERMENT OF YOUNG
WOMEN AND GIRLS
Why
- 77 countries maintain restrictions on the types of work that women can do
- Globally, only 50 percent of the world’s working-age women participate in the formal labour force
- One in three married women in developing countries have no control over major household purchases
- In developing countries, women spend more than three times as much time on unpaid care work than men
Our Programs Related to Empowerment of Young Women and Girls:
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability
In partnership with governments and environmental sustainability groups, CWY-JCM promotes green entrepreneurship and aims to turn youth’s environmental sustainability ideas into reality. We empower youth to become leaders in promoting environmental protection, preservation, and conservation; and initiatives that mitigate and adapt to climate change. This begins in our own backyards.
Why
- The impacts of climate change are apparent now more than ever
- Climate change poses serious challenges to the livelihoods of current and future generations
- Youth are the torchbearers of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Youth’s engagement in climate action efforts is key to achieving sustainable change
youth
youth
— Carmen Martinez
Why
- There are 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10-25; the fastest growing demographic
- 90% of youth 10-25 live in developing countries
- Young people often have unaltered, idealistic, and unbiased perspectives which bring energy and creativity to societal challenges
- Young people are at an impressionable age in their formative years and have a significant voice through social media to have social impact and influence the future
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youth

SENEGAL
– Rokhaya Gassama, EQWIP HUBs, Senegal participant

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