What can you do?

Volunteer Overseas

IAT is interested in establishing linkages with schools and youth groups interested in practically oriented overseas experiences in the Philippines or Costa Rica.

Philippines' staff, assisted by senior students under IAT's program, will provide opportunities for volunteers to gain life-skills experiences and to participate in cultural, and eco-tours.

Opportunities are also available for adult and youth volunteers to visit and participate in our Philippines projects and Costa Rica initiative. Contact us at iat@iatcan.org.

Overseas opportunities and involvement:

• During the past 30 years, many people, youth as well as elderly, have volunteered with IAT's Philippines and Costa Rica projects;
• Sponsors have visited their foster child;
• At-risk-youth have turned their lives around after spending a few months with our Philippines projects;
• Several students from The University of Victoria and Simon Fraser University's Co-op programs have participated in IAT's Philippines projects;

Each has had a remarkable adventure and gained a much greater appreciation for other people and their cultures. Many have made a valuable contribution to IAT's programs through sharing their knowledge and skills with staff, sponsored children and other volunteers on site. Some have taken on the commitment to sponsor a child or have made a generous donation in support of IAT's program upon returning to their respective countries.

Testimonial

Two years ago myself and three other coop students from the University of Victoria arrived in the Philippines for the beginning of what was to become a life-changing experience. As an Anthropology student I spent much of my 8 months amongst the Kalinga tribes people in the remote village of Tulgao.

One constant throughout my time there was the presence of my little Kalinga Guardian. Benny had a way of showing up just at the right time, with his huge smile and few English words, just to say hi, and his familiar presence helped me through some of the tough days when the world of my other life seemed so far away and unreal. I clearly remember times that we spent trying to navigate the narrow, slippery paths along the rice terraces at night. Always there was Benny, showing up to light our way with a torch of pitchy wood, which the villagers used to light their path or as fuel for cooking. There were also the numerous suitors who would show up after dark to serenade us with courting songs and stories, with Benny off to the side, ensuring we were always safe.

I am now sponsoring Benny to school. Knowing him personally makes sponsorship an even more rewarding experience, as I have met his family and seen the troubles he faces first-hand. I can attest that the children that are sponsored and their families blossom when given the possibility to escape from the seemingly hopeless future they face.

Jenny Griffin, IAT volunteer and child sponsor

Volunteer in Canada:

Sincere, capable, dedicated people are needed to expand the vision, and for the development of the Costa Rican initiative. We require people with skills in:

• Business administration
• Fundraising
• Event and volunteer coordination
• Community economic development
• Program development
• Marketing
• Construction trades
• Appropriate technology
• Organic farming

Foster a Child

For less than $1.10 per day, you can touch the life and heart of a child.

Through IAT's sponsorship program hundreds of children have been able to realize their dreams and visions for a better life. Many have returned to their respective villages to serve as positive examples in uplifting the conditions of their communities. Our Foster Parent program has been a fantastic success thanks to our dedicated sponsors - some who have been with us for more than 24 years. Some have put several kids through schools and universities. IAT currently has more than 125 - orphans, or children from the poorest of families - on a waiting list seeking foster parents to make it possible for them to continue their schooling. Why not become involved?

Help by purchasing IAT’s Documentary DVD:

Proceeds from sales go to support IAT’s Philippines programs. This 35 minute DVD “THE SPIRIT OF TORCAO” documents some of the Kalinga culture through one of their tribal myths. This documentary is being shown in schools and to other interested groups and is available for purchase, Click here to order.

Make a contribution towards completing the construction of IAT’s new Global Youth Development and Training Centre in Costa Rica:

Having worked with young people for the past 30 years, IAT is convinced that the answer to global peace, happiness, health, and a pollution-free planet lies in equipping our young people with the knowledge, and means to manifest their dreams and visions for a better world.

At this facility in Costa Rica, youth from the Americas and other countries who want to participate in co-creating a better world will be provided with opportunities to gain the knowledge, confidence, competence, practical and life skills that will prepare them to return to their respective communities or countries to begin making a difference in whatever field of activity their heart directs.

Our goal is to raise $70,000 to complete this Youth training facility. Yes! I would like to contribute.

Experience The Philippines or Costa Rica:

Opportunities are available for sponsors to visit their foster child in the Philippines or for anyone interested in cultural tours or volunteering in either the Philippines or Costa Rica.

At its eco-village site in Costa Rica, IAT plans to expand and make the program sustainable through:

• Creating opportunities for individuals or families to enjoy a stay at the site.
• Conducting eco-tours for groups wishing to visit the eco-village and/or explore other beautiful areas of Costa Rica.
• Sale of organically grown farm produce.
• Conducting trail rides.
• Seminars and workshops on appropriate technology and other topics of interest.

Folks interested in ongoing, involvement with this developing eco-community will be able to occupy a dome, or a yurt, tipi or other indigenous structure for a block of time each year. Participants in this plan will have the option of relaxing in a beautiful, peaceful, warm environment during part of the winter or becoming dynamically involved in the various activities and in sharing their knowledge and wisdom with youth leaders who have come for training at this new Global Youth Training and Development Centre.

Participants will have opportunities to contribute to the construction of unique low impact structures, such as domes, yurts, earthbag buildings, cob huts, or to lease one on a short or long term basis.

Organic gardening, permaculture, restoring and protecting the environment, building, and working with and mentoring youth, are a few of the activities that will always be in progress. Your participation will be an investment in your own well-being, in youth, in the environment, in community, and in our global future. Funds generated from individuals, groups or organizations wishing to participate in this way will go toward youth leadership training, community development, and environmental preservation. If interested, please contact us at: iat@iatcan.org.

Top of page