YCI/RJI is an NGO that started in Canada back in 1989. It is focused on community and youth development through volunteer projects in Guyana, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Vanuatu.
I first got involved with YCI in 1991, when I was selected to be a participant in Guyana in August-October 1992. After the project in Guyana, I was a volunteer on the West Coast of Canada, doing everything from coordinating Selection Weekends (where the volunteers are chosen), to helping volunteers with their fundraising, to pre-departure briefings and even welcome home parties.
After 1996, my involvement was limited until recently in 2000, I took on a job with YCI/RJI in Costa Rica to be a group leader for 3 months, to investigate a new project in Nicaragua and improve their project evaluation system. After my one-year contract was complete, I accepted a new job as assistant Project Director in Costa Rica and also Project Director in Nicaragua - a project that took place from March to May 2002. I have completed my time with RJI/YCI, but it will always be an important part of my life. After that, no further Nicaraguan projects were carried out, until now, 2006. That is nice to see.
For more information check out the Canadian YCI web site or the Costa Rican web site.
Last updated, August 9, 2006