Cuso International

Last updated on December 6, 2023

About us

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada.

Volunteering is in our DNA

Our approach to volunteerism has evolved over time and shares overlapping objectives with our technical assistance and capacity-building work. All of these reflect concepts of two way sharing and exchange. Over the past 60 years more than 14,000 individuals have volunteered with Cuso International in more than 100 countries.

Volunteer with us as a BC Public Service employee

Since 2007, the BC Public Service and Cuso International have been working together to support employees in volunteering overseas. Through volunteering, you can share and build your BC Public Service skills and knowledge!

When you volunteer with Cuso International (for up to 2 years), the BC Public Service will continue to cover the employer costs of your benefits. You can also volunteer knowing that you are guaranteed to return to a public service position equal to the position you held before you left.

Cuso International’s support package allows you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle while being effective in your placement. Volunteers will be provided with a modest monthly living allowance, accommodation while in placement, return airfare, pre-departure training, in-country orientation, and on the ground support for all volunteers.

Working side-by-side with local people, your contribution can have a global impact.

View all available volunteer opportunities.

BC Public Service Volunteer Alumni:

BC Public Servant, Christine French at her CUSO placement. Christine stands with seven other people in front of a house in Jamaica.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christine French

Enriching children’s lives in Jamaica changed Christine French’s life back in Canada. Volunteering with Cuso International, Christine worked with the YMCA in Kingston on sustainability planning for ongoing social services in the community. “Working with the boys who attend the YMCA’s Youth Development Program was the highlight of my time in Jamaica. It was magical to see how positive reinforcement, learner-centric education, and healthy food transformed them—the change was almost immediate.”

Read more about Christine’s experience.

Learn more

 

Cuso International
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Sharing skills for better futures