Our summer intern, Ahila Poologaindran, writes about the importance of youth leadership, and the role that it can play in both developing and developed countries. Take a look!

YCI's volunteers continually impress us with their passion, leadership skills and intiative. Rebecca Wilson, Costa Rica 2008 alumnus, demonstrated her enthusiasm by fundraising more than $10,000 for her project! To read more about what motivated her click here.

YCI is currently working in Ghana with the local organization Youth Empowerment Synergy. YES is the most extensive organization in Ghana for youth, run by youth. Teamed up with YCI, they are working on ensuring that the voices of youth are heard in order to promote youth governance and knowledge of rights. Check it out!

"It's quite a spectacle. Hundreds of people, few with actual stalls, selling everything from grains and produce to empty water bottles and chat. Donkeys will push their way through the crowds. If you're not careful, you'll be trampled. . ." Volunteer Spencer Rasmussen writes home about his first two weeks in Ethiopia. Read his letter!

Ethiopia 2005 alumnus Calyn Shaw has been an active youth leader in the global community--in 2006 he was a CIDA intern in Ghana and he is currently the Director of Innovative Growth for Stand Canada. Read an article he's written on the role that communication plays in inspiring youth to become active and engaged citizens and leaders.

This month we would like to highlight two youth-led organizations that we think are worth checking out:

Youth Action for Change is an global, youth-led organization which aims to empower young people worldwide to become active members of their communities. Created during the International Youth Parliament, YAC also hosts Forgotten Diaries, a website dedicated to providing a forum for youth in conflict zones to record their concerns and create an ongoing dialogue.

Youth in Philanthropy Canada is an organization that supports youth-led community action projects across Canada. The projects are proposed and implemented by youth, and benefit both young people and their communities. Check out the website to find a youth action committee in your area!