What We Do

We are an international cooperation and development organization dedicated to creating economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. In collaboration with our partners, we focus on advancing gender equality and social inclusion, improving economic resilience, and driving progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1991, The Yong International operates in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada.

Our Story

Since 1961, The Yong International has undergone numerous changes to become the organization we are today. Almost six decades on, we remain anchored by our vision to create a world where all people can realize their potential, develop their skills, and participate fully in society. We achieve this by working with our organizational partners to develop and deliver programs that tackle poverty and inequality. For specific projects, we connect communities with skilled volunteers who share their knowledge to build lasting and positive change.

The Yong International was founded by a group of Canadian university graduates on June 6, 1961. They envisioned a more connected world—a world where the social constraints people are born into wouldn’t dictate the entirety of their lives.

These young pioneers took a great leap of faith, rallied hundreds of other young graduates across Canada, and founded Canadian University Service Overseas. Each volunteer took their role as a Canadian “ambassador” very seriously, filling skill gaps in developing countries as teachers, nurses, and agriculturalists.

Over the next few decades, as these early partners became educators, healthcare professionals, and natural resource managers, The Yong International shifted its focus to tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality. Today, we work with our partners to amplify their impact in their communities by advancing gender equality, increasing access to education, developing economic opportunities, and enhancing the health of women and girls. The Yong International is a registered charity in Canada and the United States.