By: Michael Trolio
Last year, CNIB launched a new international internship program with support from Global Affairs Canada. The International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), aims to provide youth with inclusive work opportunities to build their skills and gain meaningful professional experience in a variety of sectors.
Through the 12-week internship program, CNIB will offer over 110 virtual international internships over four years to Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 to 30 who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
As part of the program, participants undergo two weeks of training to develop their knowledge of topics like disability and inclusivity, accessibility in the workplace, and cultures abroad and their influence on disability. After training, interns transition into a nine-week virtual placement with a partner organization in the Global South, concluding with an internship symposium where participants can connect and share results.
To date, we have placed 33 interns with partner organizations in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.
Some highlights of their work include:
- Interns with the St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association successfully secured $300,000 in grants, strengthening program delivery and services for the local community.
- At the Guyana Society for the Blind, interns developed and launched an inclusive workforce research project to better serve persons with disabilities.
- At the Jamaica Society for the Blind, interns developed and executed client programs and advocacy campaigns.
Get Involved
We’ll be running this internship program through 2029 and are looking for the next group of changemakers. If you’re interested in learning more or applying for a future cohort, please reach out to Michael Trolio, Manager, International Internships at michael.trolio@cnib.ca.