Frequently Asked Questions

HerStart is YCI's initiative to advance gender equality through creating opportunities for women to build the skills, confidence and funding they need to achieve their goals. We collaborate with youth, partner organizations and communities to identify their needs and develop pathways for women to create businesses, jobs and a lasting economic ripple effect. 

The HerStart Innovate the Future program provides 10,000 women in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda access to social entrepreneurship training, resources and networks to successfully launch or grow their businesses. To achieve this, the HerStart program leverages the passion and skills of global partners and volunteer fellows. 

A ‘HerStart Fellowship’ is an opportunity to volunteer with YCI’s HerStart Innovate the Future program. Canadians have the opportunity to meaningfully contribute their time and energy to the bold goals of the HerStart program, while also learning about the critical global topics of women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship. This volunteer opportunity has been designed as a ‘Fellowship’ to provide high-quality training, resources, hands-on experience and networking for Fellows, while also recognizing the level of knowledge and skills that successful applicants will bring to their positions.

Youth Challenge International (YCI) is a leading global youth development organization that promotes youth innovation to drive positive change. Together with our partners, we create market-ready solutions that catapult youth around the world to succeed and prosper; we are driven by youth and their potential to affect positive change in the world. Our solutions are focused – always keeping the young people we are designing for and with at the centre of the conversation. Our approach is rooted in creativity and constantly evolving to respond to changing needs and market realities. YCI is an organization where diversity and talent come together to shape a better future for youth around the world.  Read more about YCI and our solutions here.

For over 35 years, Youth Challenge International (YCI) has guided Canadians through meaningful international volunteer, internship and fellowship experiences. In the last 10 years, this has included programs such as EQWIP Hubs, EMBRACE and Innovate ME. YCI maintains strong expertise in the field of international volunteer engagement, which informs the comprehensive training and support provided to HerStart Fellows every step of the way.  

HerStart International Fellowship placements are 3-month, full-time engagements; volunteers collaborate with both YCI staff and partner organizations during regular in-country working hours (Monday-Friday, 35-40 hours per week). All placement hours must be completed in person; remote or online work is not available. Each international fellowship also includes a week of virtual pre-departure training before you go and reintegration support and alumni engagement when you return home.

HerStart International Fellows have the opportunity to access many resources, connections and experiences to advance their personal and professional development. A few examples include high-quality training, ongoing mentorship, and membership to an exclusive international network focused on women’s empowerment, climate action and social enterprise. The majority of travel and living costs are covered through funding from the Government of Canada (see below for more details). 

To help make international volunteering more accessible, YCI covers many costs involved in the fellowship experience. Expenses covered include international roundtrip airfare, required travel visas and a monthly allowance to cover basic living costs including accommodation, communications, food and transportation. Please note that the final monthly allowance and any eligible reimbursements submitted are disbursed upon completion of the placement. To support health and wellbeing, fellows receive a stipend towards mandatory vaccines and medications up to $300. Fellows also receive comprehensive emergency medical and evacuation insurance. Some costs that are not covered include vaccination/medication costs that surpass the $300 allocation, luxury services or accommodations, and a criminal record background check (if you do not have a recent one). 

Learning and development is a key component of the fellowship experience. Each fellow participates in a comprehensive training process, which includes pre-departure training, in-country orientation, ongoing training events and activities throughout the placement, as well as reintegration activities upon returning home.   

There is a week-long schedule of virtual pre-departure training where fellows will engage in interactive Zoom sessions and online courses designed and facilitated by subject matter experts, including YCI staff, fellows and partners. This training covers a wide array of topics, including an orientation to the HerStart program, health and safety overseas, and the core themes of the program (gender equality, social entrepreneurship, climate action and ethical development). In Tanzania and Uganda language barriers are higher and as a result, introductory language lessons are provided by YCI in these locations. Throughout their placement fellows will actively contribute to the peer-to-peer learning process by leading and engaging in training opportunities with other fellows, partner organizations and YCI staff. Fellows will also be guided through a wrap-up process at the end of their placement to debrief the experience and prepare for their next endeavour.   

YCI’s HerStart program currently operates in 3 countries: Ghana (Tamale and Bolgatanga), Tanzania (Unguja, Zanzibar) and Uganda (Mpigi). Each country and city was selected through a comprehensive research and development process conducted with local organizations and subject matter experts. YCI has operated in Ghana and Tanzania for over 20 years, fostering strong networks and experience in both countries. Uganda is the newest focus area within YCI’s operations in East Africa, selected for its strong alignment with the HerStart program and its reputation as one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world!

YCI partners with leading organizations championing gender equality and social innovation in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda to leverage their expertise and foster collective learning. Through YCI’s HerStart program, our partners co-implement dynamic social entrepreneurship programs for young women, further build organizational capacity through trainings, resources and knowledge sharing, and collaborate to foster a more supportive ecosystem for women in each country. As part of their volunteer placement, HerStart Fellows often collaborate with YCI’s partners to support gender-transformative and environmentally sustainable programming, creating lasting impact.

Each program country has its own entry and exit requirements and specific visa requirements. YCI will guide you through this process, providing the necessary details to assist with the visa process. The costs of applying for a mandatory visa will be reimbursed at the end of the placement by YCI. 

HerStart Fellows are not permitted to travel outside of their placement country for the duration of their fellowship. Fellows are only covered under YCI's emergency medical insurance policy within their placement country. However, fellows are encouraged to use their weekends and any national holidays to safely explore the country and communities they are in! 

Upon arrival in the placement country, fellows will receive support from YCI staff to secure adequate housing for the duration of their placement. Potential accommodation options will be shown by YCI staff following health and safety guidelines to ensure a standard for all volunteers, which includes hygiene, safety, budget and proximity to the YCI office. Options may be shared housing or independent living depending on preferences and the local housing market at the time. YCI will cover the first week of accommodations to provide fellows time to adjust to the new context and explore longer-term housing options with our staff.  

Throughout their placement, fellows will utilize local means of transportation in each context and will receive orientation on safe transport options during their first week in country.  

A ‘typical’ day and week for each HerStart Fellow will vary greatly depending on both the real-time needs of the program and each fellow’s role, skills and interests. However, fellows can expect that each week will include a varied combination of team meetings, one-on-one meetings with their supervisor(s), independent office work, online learning opportunities, collaborative engagements with entrepreneurs and/or local youth, and visits to partner offices, events and training locations. Common deliverables include workshop facilitation, event management, qualitative and quantitative research, coaching, community outreach, grant writing, social media content development, administrative support, public engagement, and many more.

An overview of typical roles and responsibilities for each position can be found here. Please note that flexibility and open-mindedness are crucial, as fellows may also be engaged in other immediate needs to support the objectives of YCI’s HerStart program. 

A typical week involves volunteering in person at the YCI or partner offices from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm local time (with occasional evening or weekend hours). Time off will be available on weekends and local national holidays.

Check out our Meet YCI's HerStart International Fellows video series to learn more!

Yes, to participate in the HerStart International Fellowship there is a fundraising goal of $2500 CAD. A fundraising and crowdsourcing platform, best practices guidebook and coaching support are provided to each fellow. A specific fundraising deadline before departure is set depending on when you are offered the position. All funds raised support the HerStart program directly, contributing to the HerStart Catalyst Fund which provides grants to women-led social enterprises in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda.

Yes, all donations over $20 CAD are eligible for a tax receipt. 

YCI does not provide placement support for dependents or families. Please note, YCI is not responsible for anyone that is not a placed volunteer in the program.

Canadians who have participated in the HerStart program as e-fellows (remote volunteers) are eligible to also participate in an international fellowship in one of our program countries! International fellows will not be able to do more than one placement or extend their placement length.

HerStart Fellowship alumni benefit from becoming members of a growing global community of like-minded individuals, offering meaningful connections and networking opportunities. As a member of the YCI alumni community, you will receive priority access to opportunities, resources and events for personal and professional growth. Alumni will be the first to know about future opportunities to work, volunteer or participate in new programs with YCI and our global network of partners.