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World Braille Day

Today, January 4, is World Braille Day.  While visiting VICS volunteer, Justin, in The Gambia, I had the opportunity to watch him teach music to students at the School for the Blind.               I was also given a school tour, where I watched a […]


International Volunteer Day

Forty six years and over 500 international volunteers.  VICS has an amazing legacy, sending Canadian volunteer for 2 years, volunteering in countries requesting service from us.  Celebrating everyone who has volunteered!


International Day of Disabled Persons

Ever since Joyce and John de Gooijer volunteered at Olkokola, Tanzania, VICS has been connected with Olkokola Vocational Technical School.  Young people with disabilities who may not have the opportunity for an education, take a 16 – month program and learn one of four trades: tailoring, carpentry, masonry, or animal […]


International Day of the Girl Child

Today we celebrate International Day of the Girl Child.  We remember the girls we’ve met and celebrate the opportunities they have to grow, learn skills, and be strong women.  #VICS #volunteerinternational #DayOfTheGirl


Nabiya: A Mother’s Love for Her Three Daughters with Albinism

One Saturday afternoon I visited the home of Ancha Sarr, a 16 year old girl with albinism.  She told me she had an older and younger sister with albinism.  I wanted to see and speak with their mother to find out what it had been like for her to raise […]


International Literacy Day

VICS volunteers have been teachers, nurses, carpenters, and other professional and trades people.  We’ve been lucky enough to serve for 2 years.  The young people below are from Olkokola Vocational Technical School in Tanzania.  All have some form of physical disability.  They attend a 16 month course, learning a trade […]


World Water Week

This past week has been World Water Week.  It’s been a time for people to consider all aspects of water use in the world.  For VICS, our connection has been working directly with people to ensure they have access to clean water. We’ve been honoured to work with so many […]


The Power of Hope

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tunes without the words and never stops at all.”  Emily Dickinson The first thing you notice about Catherine is her smile and the sparkle in her eye that tells you she loves to banter.  Her energy […]


Good Friday Fast

VICS’  annual Good Friday Fast is happening this Friday, April 14 in Toronto.  This is a time of prayer and reflection where VICS volunteers and friends spend a day in solidarity with VICS in the field and those we have served during the past 47 years.     


International Women’s Day 2017

Today VICS celebrates #IWD2017, International Women’s Day. We remember with honour, privilege and respect the many women who, through their strength and endurance, shared their stories and changed our lives.