Youth Challenge International

Program Reviews

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Ting
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Observe and Express - enjoy the experience of sharing

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What would you improve about this program?
I am impressed with the information that YCI organized and delivered for the project participants' learning and reference. To go further, I would prefer that in addition to the paper materials, alternative methods can be added to the pre-learning session. For example, in the pre-learning session, YCI can put the participants in the scenario which they would most likely encounter in the local community, for example in a role play, and deliver the mock experience to them. Moreover, and integrated learning sessions can be held in the team context so the group can know one another better before going into a challenging changing environment. If the team works well, it would certainly enhance the quality of work in the project.
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Al
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

YCI Zanzibar, great experience

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Dylan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Experience

I was stationed in Arusha with YCI and had one of the greatest experiences of my life. YCI is an awesome program that is designed for people who want to make an impact and develop as a human being. My experience with YCI is truly one I will never forget.

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Kayla
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It is what you make it

Your volunteer experience will open your eyes to an entirely different world and your enjoyment depends on how you handle it. Our situation was a unique in that we were working on a pilot project with a lot of ambiguity. YCI did a good job of giving us everything we needed to work with but it was up to us to decide the best methods for our project. This freedom has pros and cons.. pro: ability to make local adaptations, change easily, huge sense of accomplishment and cons: lots of ambiguity, increased responsibility to not only teach the lesson plans but create them. Would recommend to anyone who is willing to put in the work it takes to create something meaningful. :)

What would you improve about this program?
Location was somewhat isolated, would have benefited from being around other volunteers from a social perspective.
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Leelee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Akwaaba Ghana & YCI!

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Warren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience!

I had a great time with YCI in Tanzania. I was very impressed with the level of support that my fellow volunteer and I received from both the local and regional staff.

One of the most enjoyable aspects for me was the housing situation. Living with a local family was fun, and gave me a window into the every day lives of the people of Morogoro. We instantly felt welcomed by not just our host family, but also by the community at large.

The project itself went quite well, and as someone with an international development background, I was pleased to see that our work contributed (and continues to contribute) to the long term goals of YCI and their partner organization.

I would recommend a similar YCI project to anyone looking to expand their horizons while making a meaningful contribution in the developing world.

5/5

- Warren

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David
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A very hands-on experience

The living conditions for my YCI project were excellent and the community was a wonderful place. YCI supplied us with a wealth of resources, but also a huge amount of free-reign, and consequently responsibility. At first this was very overwhelming; however the support staff they have in the field are fantastic, and after a few rocky weeks, I was working like a dog and loving every minute of it.

For this project you'll need a lot of initiative because YCI will not spoon-feed you, and every day will be different. YCI's pre-project preparation could be better, so I would highly advise talking to an alumni (like myself) before leaving to get a clear idea of what you've signed up for. It is not essential, but it will help mitigate the inevitable culture shock.

Leaving the community behind will be a tear-jerker, but thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you'll be able to keep in touch with all those you met long after you leave... I know I still do!

What would you improve about this program?
I would change the pre-project preparation, hands down. I have been working on and off with YCI to streamline their online resource database, but progress has been slow. The poor preparation makes adjusting to the project hard for the first few weeks, but there is continual support from phenomenal staff/volunteers in the field, and this why I still rate YCI so highly.
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Sarah-Leanne
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Youth Challenge International (YCI) - Canada

I studied international development in university and was very impressed with how well the field work I did with YCI complemented all I learned in the classroom. The projects we supported not only strongly benefited the communities that we worked in, they were also sensitive to many of the ethical considerations that young people should be aware of when working in a developing country.

Staff were very helpful and approachable. We had regular 'check-in' sessions with local, in-country staff where we could discuss any thoughts, concerns, or questions that we had. They were always prepared and very willing to help in any way that they were able. I completed my placement as a co-op student and all staff were happy to help in any way possible so that I could get my credit.

This organization is great for any young people who are interested in 'getting their feet wet' and familiarizing themselves with how international development works.

What would you improve about this program?
Given that 2-3 months is very quick and the projects get started right away, I would've appreciated specific instructions on what we should prepare a few weeks prior to my arrival in my host-country. I realize that you may never really feel 'prepared'; even when you've done everything that you can reasonably do. However, I feel that if we were told what specific role we were to play in the field and what we needed to do prior to departing Canada, that I would've felt more ready to start when I arrived in my host country. I'm not sure how practical this wish is, but it's something to consider
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Jean
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana 2011 Youth Employability Review

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DHEZanzibar
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer in Zanzibar, Tanzania!

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