May 12/10 8:44 am - Cross-Canada Tour Supports Canada World Youth & African Development

Posted by Editor on 05/12/10
 

Starting on Saturday, April 24th, Jamie Rooney and Ben Morrison, two 19 year-old Canadians, began a three-month cross-country bicycle tour in an effort to raise funds for Canada World Youth and development projects in Mozambique, Africa.

Their journey will take them from St-John’s, Newfoundland to Sooke, British Columbia, a ride of over 7,987 kilometres, from April to July. So far, they have traveled over 2,300 kilometres through five provinces to raise over $7,500 that will be used in part to finance youth-related projects in the small community of Inhambane in Mozambique, where Jamie volunteered with Canada World Youth for three months in 2009.

Jamie and Ben, both from Waterloo, Ontario, decided to undertake this challenge to test their personal limits and support important development projects established by Canada World Youth in partnership with AJUDE, its partner organization in Mozambique.

Jamie recently returned from a six-month international educational program with Canada World Youth. During this program, he spent three months in Inhambane, Mozambique, with a team of 18 youth volunteers (9 Canadians and 9 Mozambicans), working on development projects designed by AJUDE to respond to the needs of the local community.

“Canada World Youth is proud of Jamie and Ben’s initiative. As an organization, we strive to provide knowledge and leadership skills to youth to help them become engaged global citizens, said Iris Almeida-Côté, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canada World Youth. “This is a shining example of youth contributing towards international sustainable development. Jamie and Ben truly represent a positive image of tomorrow’s leaders.”

Youth in Mozambique represent nearly half the population, making it necessary to work with young people within the country to find sustainable solution to their socio-economic development issues.

Follow Jamie and Ben on their website: bikingcanada.webs.com


About Canada World Youth

Founded in 1971 by the late Honourable Jacques Hébert (1923-2007), Canada World Youth (CWY) is a world leader in developing international educational programs for young people aged 15 to 29. An international non-profit organisation, CWY is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people that have a desire to become informed and active global citizens. CWY programs are designed to help youth experience the world for themselves, learn about other cultures and diverse Canadian communities while developing leadership and communication skills. Mainly focused on health and environment, the educational experience instils a long-lasting sense of global social responsibility. Since its inception, close to 32,000 youth have participated in CWY programs in 67 countries, in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. [Note: Our Editoress participated in CWY in 1976-77, travelling to the Philippines]