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By Lyan Hreiz, Ghana, October 20, 2025

My Journey in GhanaOctober 20, 2025When I first arrived in Ghana, I didn’t fully know what to expect. I knew I was coming here to be an intern for School of Dreams, but what I didn’t realize was how deeply this experience would shape my perspective on teaching, learning, and community. Every day here has felt like a lesson that goes far beyond research and passion project plans.Visiting nearby schools during our transect walks has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. Even though I haven’t worked

By Shaistah Malik, Liberia, November 25, 2025

Where Discomfort Becomes Connection: A Week of Learning in Liberia

This week pushed me into moments that quietly strengthened my skills, especially in areas I never considered myself confident in. One of the most meaningful experiences came from interacting with children at the LLC. Working with younger students has never been my strong suit, I often feel unsure of how to communicate or engage in a way that feels natural. But leaning into that discomfort opened an unexpected doorway...

By Yambakam Nyangani, Ghana, September 14, 2025

Walking on Delicate Ground: A Visit to Buduburam Refugee Camp

I honestly appreciated the prelude shared by Leo the day before our visit. His backstory provided me with both context and perspective, so by the time we set out, I already carried a sense of anticipation. My first indication that we were nearing the camp wasn’t an announcement but the road itself- the switch from gravel to red mud and uneven pathways. Before Maame Doris confirmed that we were approaching, I knew. Leo’s words from the previous day returned to me how this part of town, when the camp first began, was nothing but a deserted place...

Posts from the IYIP Team

By Chantelle Ashley, Canada, March 10, 2025

The International Youth Internship Program (IYIP): a Journey of Growth, Learning, and Impact for Young Canadians Abroad - Empowerment SquaredWhat happens when a group of young Canadians steps into new countries, cultures, and communities to take on pressing local challenges with a global perspective? They grow. They learn. They make an impact.

By Mahmoud Mouselli, Canada, February 10, 2025

Empowering Youth: International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) prepares for global Impact - McMaster GlobalExcitement fills the air as our cohort of interns under the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) gathers for their pre-departure training with McMaster and Empowerment Squared. This program, a partnership between McMaster (led by the OIA) and Empowerment Squared, is set to send 100 Canadian youth aged 18 to 30 on transformative four-month internships to [...]Read More...

IYIP In The News

Source: Frontpageonline.com, Liberia, March 24, 2025

Canadian Delegation Visits Liberia to Strengthen Development Partnerships

Monrovia – A Canadian delegation, led by Leo Nupolu Johnson, CEO of Empowerment Squared, has successfully concluded a transformative two-day visit to Liberia. This high-level engagement reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Liberia’s national development priorities and deepened long-term partnerships in critical sectors such as education, youth empowerment, health, and economic development.

By Caelan Beard, Canada, March 26, 2025

New program offers eye-opening internships in Ghana and LiberiaStudents in the International Youth Internship Program's first cohort are working with local organizations on projects focused on education, mental health and addiction. Applications for the next cohort open March 31.

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