Annual Report 2019–2020

SKILLS TO SHARE. FUTURES TO BUILD.

TABLE OF Cuso International 2019–2020 Annual Report Published by Cuso International Ottawa, Ontario ISSN 2561-7354 CONTENTS Cuso International is a Canadian not-for-profit development organization that works in partnership with governments, civil society organizations, 4 Vision, Mission and Values multilateral agencies and the private sector. We develop and deliver programs aimed at advancing Message from the Chair and CEO gender equality, promoting the empowerment 5 of women and girls, and improving economic opportunities for young people. Each year, we 6 Cuso International around the world mobilize hundreds of volunteer professionals, who work alongside local partners to maximize 8 Impact by the numbers their impact and build capacity. 9 Innovative program partnerships

10 VOICE: Skilled volunteers in action

10 Agricultural project takes root in Benin

12 Investing in Indigenous women and girls in Peru

14 Myanmar: Supporting survivors of Established in 1961, Cuso International is a registered charity in Canada and the United States. gender-based violence

16 Midwives Save Lives

18 YouLead: Investing in Nigeria’s youth

20 SCOPE: Creating opportunities for all in Colombia We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through Global 22 T-LED: Boosting business outcomes in Tanzania Affairs Canada.

Registered charitable numbers: 24 Women of northern Benin champion health rights Canada: 81111 6813 RR0001 United States: EIN 30-0545486 26 Canadian Program: Improving education outcomes in the North Cuso International 44 Eccles Street #200 28 Financials Ottawa ON K1R 6S4 Canada Green Earth Centre 29 Board of Directors T: 888. 434. 2876 Laongam, Laos cusointernational.org 30 Thank you, Rotary International Photo: Brian Atkinson On the cover: Northern Benin Photo: Brian Atkinson 31 Why I Give

2 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 3 MESSAGE FROM THE OUR VISION A world where all people are able to realize their potential, develop their skills and participate fully in society. CHAIR AND CEO

OUR MISSION At Cuso International, we put a lot of thought new partnerships and identified new To reduce poverty and inequality through the efforts into tackling poverty and inequality and in opportunities to serve vulnerable communities. of volunteers, partners and donors. achieving demonstrable impact. These With the support of our individual donors, principles are built into the strategic institutional partners, staff and volunteers over conversations we have before we write any OUR VALUES the past year, more than 4.5 million women, proposal, consider any project, or approach Partnership: We believe in the power of people. men and youth have benefited from our any partner. This year, we are pleased to say We employ a people-centred approach to development programs to develop their livelihoods, care we had a lot of these conversations. and the challenge of overcoming poverty and inequality. for their families and become leaders in their In addition to running our longstanding communities. In these pages, we provide a Respect and Integrity: We value diversity. We recognize programs in 20 countries, Cuso initiated new snapshot of a year’s worth of activities and and care about the rights and dignity of others. projects to address our priorities in 2019–2020. personal insights about why our work matters— We also successfully concluded our five-year and how Cuso facilitates the process of people Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and volunteer for development program, helping other people. proactively demonstrate that we work with and on behalf as well as several other multi-year projects. of others. We seek to achieve and inspire excellence. We hope you’ll be inspired by the work Cuso While the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic has done, and the impact our work has had. meant we had to adjust some of our plans to We look forward to seeing the innovative ways help protect the safety of communities, our volunteers, partners and staff will continue volunteers and workers, it reinforced our to contribute to the communities we serve in the Ei Htwe, student, Youth Learning Centre mission. We found new ways to operate, forged coming year. Hpa-An, Myanmar Photo: Brian Atkinson Sincerely,

Glenn Mifflin Frank O’Dea Chief Executive Officer Chair, Board of Directors

4 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 5 CUSO INTERNATIONAL AROUND THE WORLD

Together with our partners, volunteers and staff, Cuso International is solving problems, implementing solutions and working toward eradicating poverty and inequality—one community at a time. In 2019–2020, our programs touched millions of beneficiaries in 20 countries across four continents.

Benin Canada Ethiopia Jamaica Myanmar Philippines • Midwives Save Lives • Canadian Program • Growing Nutrition for Mothers and Children • VOICE • VOICE • VOICE (GROW) (CARE Canada partnership) • Volunteers for International Cooperation • Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Workshop on Laos Nigeria • Innovation Fund project: Building Resilience and Empowerment (VOICE) Truth and Reconciliation • Midwives Save Lives and Adaptability Through Volunteer • Ensuring food security in a • B-LIEVER-Building Skills for Livelihood Organizations • Women Engaged for Human Dignity Colombia • VOICE climate-challenged world Enhancement for Refugees in Northern Benin • Sustainable Colombian Opportunities for Guyana • VOICE • VOICE Tanzania Bolivia Peacebuilding and Employment (SCOPE) • VOICE Malawi • Youth Leadership, Entrepreneurship, • MSL • VOICE • VOICE Access and Development (YouLead) • Tanzania Local Enterprise Development (T-LED) Honduras • Southern African Nutrition Initiative Cameroon Democratic Republic of Congo (CARE Canada partnership) Peru • VOICE • VOICE • Innovation Fund: Building Climate Resilience • Midwives Save Lives (MSL) Mozambique • Innovation Fund project: Zambia for Women Farmers • Working with persons with disabilities, Feeding Lima from Within • VOICE women and Indigenous peoples • Southern African Nutrition Initiative • Southern African Nutrition Initiative • VOICE • VOICE El Salvador (CARE Canada partnership) (CARE Canada partnership) • Women’s Voice and Leadership • VOICE

6 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 7 BY THE INNOVATIVE NUMBERS PROGRAM PARTNERSHIPS

With help from project Global Affairs Canada European Union and CBM International donors, Cuso International Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Inclusive and Sustainable Development for 4,536,778 developed several new BENEFICIARIES bilateral partnerships and Development and Gender Equality (SHARE); Vulnerable Populations, Honduras

enhanced existing ones to Benin, Cameroon, Colombia, DRC, Ethiopia, Addressing the social and economic rights of advance our programs Honduras, Jamaica, Nigeria, Peru and Tanzania persons with disabilities and marginalized 15,271 around the world. With the help of skilled volunteers, SHARE will communities in the Dry Corridor. DONORS improve the economic and social well-being

of the most vulnerable people, particularly Power Corporation of Canada

women and girls. Canadian Program, Northwest Territories, Canada 466 Providing educational support to remote E-VOLUNTEERS U-GIRLS2, Ethiopia Indigenous communities in Canada’s North

Promoting access and addressing barriers to to improve learning outcomes for high school

361 higher education for adolescent girls, including students. PARTNERS those with disabilities. Rotary International, District 7070

Women Engaged for Human Dignity, Midwives Save Lives, Ethiopia

225 Northern Benin Providing life-saving birthing kits for midwives VOLUNTEERS Increasing the participation of women, girls and in the Assosa region. their communities in the fight against gender- based violence and female genital mutilation. Stockholm Environment Institute Silver Linings: Transforming Gender Relations 175 STAFF Women’s Voice and Leadership, Peru through Climate Adaptation, Myanmar Providing technical training to four leading Supporting Indigenous women affected by women’s rights organizations to improve their climate change in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar 20 long-term sustainability, strengthen their and Vietnam, in partnership with the Asia COUNTRIES WHERE WE WORK programming and advance gender-equality Indigenous Peoples Pact. initiatives. $37,716,108 International Rice Research Institute REVENUE UN Refugee Agency - UNHCR Agricultural Program, Laos Building Skills for Livelihood Enhancement for Testing approaches and tools for dissemination Refugees, Nigeria of climate-smart agriculture, and scale-up of

We are proud of our new partnership with World Refugee Supporting Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria resilient agricultural practices to benefit millions & Migration Council (WRMC). WRMC is galvanizing the with business-management training, instruction of farmers and their communities. Cameroon international community’s response to refugees through in agriculture, livestock and fisheries production, Photo: Brian Atkinson cooperation and responsibility sharing. and access to start-up capital.

8 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 9 VOICE SKILLED VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION 300 young women farmers received practical Agricultural project takes root in Benin training and coaching that will enable Girls, particularly those from rural areas, face their agricultural self-sufficiency. Our Volunteers for International extra challenges in accessing education. Across Cooperation and Empowerment (VOICE) the globe, only 39 per cent of rural girls attend secondary school, compared to 45 per cent of project concluded at the end of March rural boys. 2020. Over its five-year lifespan, 1,080 This is because most rural economies rely on highly skilled volunteers and 2,244 natural resources, with girls shouldering the e-volunteers helped build the capacity of heavy work of carrying water, seeking firewood 377 local partners to address gender and caring for their families. But if an adolescent inequality, economic vulnerability, girl can remain in school, gain valuable skills and 6 stay healthy, she can earn an income, and invest marginalized youth, health accessibility in her family and community. If she quits school, months of micro-project support for and the environment. The financial marries early and becomes a young mother, she local partner IDID (Initiatives pour support of Global Affairs Canada and is less likely to reach her full potential—and is un Développement Intégré Durable) rolled out in three peri-urban more than 38,000 donors has enabled less able to help the global community advance. communes of Porto Novo. Her loss becomes our loss. the project to affect the lives of more than 2.5 million people in 17 countries. In Porto Novo, Benin, Véronique is saving for her own plot of land thanks to the Songhai farming In 2019–2020 alone, VOICE reached project, funded through VOICE. Véronique grows 750,579 people, engaged 178 partners, vegetables on her rented plot, using her income and mobilized 171 volunteers and to support her parents and 15 siblings. Her 466 e-volunteers. dream is to own a plot of land. “It’s an honour, it’s a big dream. I’ll have my own money. As a woman that’s very important,” she says. “I’m very happy to say this is my job because everybody should have a purpose and Participant in the Porto Novo, Benin farming cooperative Photo: Brian Atkinson earn money … That’s empowerment.”

10 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 11 INVESTING IN INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS IN PERU

THEY LEARN ABOUT Leocadia is a woman entrepreneur from the Chacan Quechua “We worked with our husbands in the fields and cooked. community in Cusco, Peru who took part in ecotourism Now we also live from tourism and this is enriching.” “ OUR WAY OF LIFE AND training with Cuso International partner Centro Bartolome Cuso volunteer Liliana Corella Vargas advised on the de las Casas (CBC). Through her new business, Leocadia development of CBC’s rural community tourism initiatives. WE LEARN ABOUT generates her own income by giving tourists a rare chance to She says sustainable tourism is an important way to generate experience the rural Andean way of life. Her work also income in Andean communities—particularly for Indigenous THEIRS. WE TALK AND enables Leocadia to share her culture and traditions—a women, who gain knowledge and skills in marketing, financial cause close to her heart. management and tour design. This learning can lead to many EXCHANGE POINTS OF Guests are invited to join Leocadia in her daily activities. benefits, including financial independence, the ability to work They learn how to make traditional medicines from local from home while caring for growing children, the ability to pay VIEW AT THE TABLE. plants, and try their hand at traditional weaving techniques. for children’s education, and the opportunity to share cultural “Before we lived only from our land,” says Leocadia. traditions with younger generations. I LIKE WORKING AND LIVING WITH TOURISTS. THEY BECOME MY FAMILY.”

Indigenous women are Indigenous women involved in the Chacan participated in the CBC ecotourism project, learning program, which which is bringing promotes sustainable revenue to their families tourism and income 45 and communities. 160 generation with a focus LEOCADIA on cultural preservation. ECOTOURISM ENTREPRENEUR

Photo: Julia Stomal

12 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 13 MYANMAR: SUPPORTING SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Pao Mon, located in Mawlamyine, Mon State, is more than from Pao Mon and other MWO businesses helped 40 just a restaurant in Myanmar’s third most populous city. women access the services, health care and legal advice And the meals 37-year-old Khamoom Chan prepares are they needed. more than just dishes for hungry guests. Every plate of food Since 2017, Cuso International has partnered with Pao Mon, served is income for Khamoom, a celebration of tradition sending volunteers to provide mentoring and support in and assistance for survivors of violence. business development, marketing and financial Pao Mon restaurant opened five years ago, supported by management. In 2019, volunteer Angela Baker worked with the Mon Women’s Organization (MWO). Profits from the Khamoom to update the restaurant’s materials, and promote restaurant support survivors of gender-based violence and Pao Mon’s catering services and traditional cooking classes. programs that empower women and girls. Mon State has “They realized they could attract broader audiences by the highest incidence of sexual assault in the country, but enhancing their marketing,” says Angela. “That will increase accessing legal and other services is costly for most—and is revenues and feed back into the local organization that Mi May Thet Khine, 20, Pao Mon staff limited in scope and availability. Last year, income generated champions women-led programs.” Photo: Brian Atkinson

“I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MAWLAMYINE AS A

of Cuso partners involved in Indigenous women and girls PLACE WHERE THERE IS NO GENDER-BASED gender and livelihood benefited from Cuso’s % programs reported they gender-inclusive VIOLENCE, WHERE WOMEN CAN BE AT PEACE increased their knowledge, programming, including a 96 skills and abilities. 72 safehouse in Mawlamyine. AND WHERE THEY CAN PROSPER.” MI AYE KRAK MON VICE-CHAIR, MON WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION

14 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 15 MIDWIVES SAVE LIVES

BRINGING CARE TO DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES

PEOPLE SAID ONE Led by Cuso International in partnership with the Canadian worker Clement Nalimi, Pendo sought out early prenatal Association of Midwives and local midwifery associations care. “I had excessive bleeding, but we went to the health “ BADLY ASPHYXIATED and local NGOs, the Midwives Save Lives (MSL) project has centre and they got the problem to stop,” says Pendo. “I feel assisted more than 1.5 million women, and helped reduce safe in the health centre. My partner escorts me and I trust BABY WOULD NOT deaths and illness for women and newborns in Benin, the the midwife.” Pendo continued to receive support from Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Tanzania. The Clement during her fourth pregnancy. RECOVER; BECAUSE four-year project, which ended in March 2020, was funded More than 800 women die every day from preventable by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, causes related to pregnancy and childbirth—94 per cent in OF MY EMERGENCY- and Cuso donors. low resource countries, says the World Health Organization. Pendo Leonard’s two oldest children were born at home in MSL has enabled midwives and community health workers to TRAINING SKILLS… Tanzania without electricity or running water. During her third work hand in hand, providing maternal and newborn services pregnancy, working with MSL-trained community health to vulnerable communities in rural and peri-urban areas. SHE DID RECOVER. THE MOTHER STILL SENDS ME PICTURES.”

DRC Tanzania Trained 350 midwives in emergency obstetric and Women increased their use of pre-and post-natal care. neonatal care, and 250 midwives in respectful Prenatal rose from 34.7% to 56.4%; postnatal rose from maternity care. 24.5% to 68.9%. Benin Ethiopia 91.5% of mothers attended by midwives report being 96% of women in target communities reported satisfaction satisfied with their care, up from 64% before MSL. with their care, up from 45.4% at the start of MSL. SWIBE WILLIAM MONCHENA NURSE-MIDWIFE, BARIADI TANZANIA

16 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 17 YOULEAD INVESTING IN NIGERIA’S YOUTH 342 people received entrepreneurship training With 220 chickens, Chinenye Okon cannot keep up with egg (173 women, and 169 men) orders from Calabar’s restaurants, hotels and market in 2019–2020. vendors. Chinenye graduated from Cuso’s Youth Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Access and Development (YouLead) program, training at a local farm to raise and sell birds for consumption. Chinenye intends to grow her flock. She will raise 500 meat birds a month and boost her egg-laying flock to 1,000 birds. “I have big plans,” she says. As one of 309 people received technical 10,416 participants over the program’s four year life cycle, training (139 women Chinenye is now equipped with the right tools to secure her and 170 men). future livlihood. She has the spirit of a true entrepreneur.

Fifty-five per cent of the country’s young people are unemployed or underemployed. “Through YouLead, we have seen a gradual shift in the mindsets of unemployed youth Photo: Ms. Uche Uduma that pushes them towards engaging in small ventures, 540 instead of waiting for something big to come their way,” new businesses were created says Ebrima Sonko, Cuso International’s Nigeria Country across all 18 local government Representative. YouLead has enabled thousands of areas in 12 value chains (199 “WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR OWN BUSINESS, YOU businesses in agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and women, and 341 men). renewable energy, emphasizing gender equality and CAN MANAGE YOUR TIME AND MAKE YOUR promoting sound environmental practices. YouLead, which ended in March 2020, was implemented OWN DECISIONS. IT ALSO EMPOWERS ME in Cross River State’s 18 localities with support from Global Affairs Canada, and in partnership with the Mennonite THAT I AM FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT.” Economic Development Associates and the Institute of Public Administration of Canada. CHINENYE OKON GRADUATE OF YOULEAD PROGRAM

18 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 19 SCOPE

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL IN COLOMBIA 1,244 Even before COVID-19, Colombia had 3 million unemployed small business owners in Cali and Buenaventura have increased their people—one of the highest levels in the region. Now, profitability as a result of SCOPE. because of the pandemic’s stay-at-home measures, 1.15 million more could be out of work. Cuso International’s SCOPE project has never been more relevant. Recently 925 recognized by the Colombian Presidential Agency for people (64% women, 36% men, International Cooperation as the most innovative project in 80% youth, and 28% migrants Colombia for its approach to inclusive employment, SCOPE from Venezuela) found employment through a coordinated effort has been extended for two years with the financial support involving 50 private sector of Global Affairs Canada, to increase access to economic companies. opportunities for Venezuelan migrants and returned Colombians in the cities of Bogotá, Cali and Barranquilla. 13 Photo: Robert Lawlor Because of SCOPE, what began as a small, home-based private sector partners completed the “Ruta Inclusiva” training, and dessert business is now La Vaca Rosada—The Pink Cow—a 97% implemented inclusive bustling storefront in Cali, Colombia. Clara Inés Castaño policies, such as reducing gender Cortéz began making and selling Arroz con Leche, a rice and social barriers. pudding dish, for friends to tide her over while she looked for “WHAT I’M MOST PROUD OF IS THAT I’M GIVING a job. “I fell in love with making the pastries, cooking and everything involved in the work.” 309 A GOOD EXAMPLE TO MY KIDS. I’M SHOWING small business owners who SCOPE provided Clara with training in marketing and financial received specialized training management, and connected her to other small business increased their profitability. THEM THAT THROUGH HARD WORK AND owners. “I was able to overcome my fears of starting my own business,” she says. “I saw that other people were doing that, DEDICATION, YOU CAN ACHIEVE THINGS.” and some were in an advanced part of their business, and I just went for it.” Clara is one of the 1,000 women, youth and CLARA INÉS CASTAÑO CORTÉZ victims of conflict who participated in SCOPE. SCOPE PARTICIPANT

20 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 21 T-LED

BOOSTING BUSINESS OUTCOMES IN TANZANIA 504 I JOINED T-LED TO Young Catherine Shembilu is one of the 1,865 entrepreneurs SMEs were provided with “ who enrolled in Cuso International’s Tanzania-Local Enterprise business development skills in LEARN MORE ABOUT Development (T-LED) program to learn new marketing skills various disciplines, including for her handwoven basket business, Vikapu Bomba (Swahili marketing, business HOW TO MARKET MY for Fantastic Baskets). Catherine works with marginalized and management, graphic design previously unemployed women in rural regions of Iringa and and financial management. BUSINESS, VIKAPU Njombe, southern Tanzania. “Catherine was already running her business when introduced BOMBA. T-LED to T-LED,” says Cuso volunteer Christine Leclerc. “She had a plan, a product and great organizational and business skills.” 498 HELPED MY Christine and Catherine worked together to create personalized businesses reported an labels for each basket, and develop web content, increase in revenue. BUSINESS GROW.” advertisements and training products. “Through Catherine’s

hard work, Vikapu Bomba provides women with the opportunity to make their own income and become part of a female-led community.” In its final year, T-LED launched several innovative hubs 603 servicing six regions in Tanzania. The hubs are incubators for new jobs were created. entrepreneurs, providing them with a safe space to access investors and new markets. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, T-LED’s focus on creating jobs, training entrepreneurs, and empowering women has improved the well-being of thousands of Tanzanians. Co-implemented by Cuso and VSO Tanzania, 57% local partners include Tanzania’s Small Industries of the SMEs enrolled Development Organization, the Tanzania Women Chamber of over the project life cycle CATHERINE SHEMBILU Commerce and the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry were led by women. T-LED PARTICIPANT and Agriculture. The program ended in March 2020. Photo: Christine Leclerc

22 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 23 WOMEN OF NORTHERN BENIN

CHAMPION HEALTH RIGHTS

The World Health Organization reports that 200 million girls thousands of young girls and survivors of sexual violence. and women around the world have undergone female genital Focusing on community education, supporting young girls mutilation (FGM). Every year, three million more girls are and survivors, and engaging men and boys in discussions at risk. on healthy relationships, the project will ensure local actors

FGM is an extreme violation of human rights, and Benin is have the resources and connections to become champions working to eradicate it. In 2003, the country banned FGM, of long-term change. and the national rate is now 13 per cent. But, in rural areas, Agnès, President of the Women’s Association in her village, FGM is still strongly rooted. In some communities, 70 per says education is the key to stopping FGM. “When they go to cent of women and girls have been subjected to this violation. school, they are taught that it’s not good,” she says. “When

Cuso International, with funding from Global Affairs Canada, they come back home, they say, ‘Please don’t do this to our launched the three-year Women Engaged for Human Dignity younger sisters.’” She says she is already seeing an impact in Northern Benin project, which will support tens of of changed hearts and minds.

Photo: Brian Atkinson

+ “IF WE CAN HELP PEOPLE TO 57,000 130 UNDERSTAND, THEY CAN STOP. young girls have been reached, as well villages are committed to ensuring as female survivors of sexual violence, human dignity for all, and nearly 400 WE ARE READY. WE WILL STOP IT.” and health and education professionals. individuals have taken on leadership roles in their communities. AGNÈS* WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

*Name has been changed to protect identity.

24 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 25 CANADIAN PROGRAM

IMPROVING EDUCATION OUTCOMES IN THE NORTH

Cuso International is proud Fort Providence, NT lies along the banks of the Learning gives students access to courses and of its partnership with Mackenzie River, where herds of bison roam the teachers outside their communities. “This was Power Corporation of Canada. With its support, streets and graze on front lawns. In this the first time these students had a high school we are directing resources, community, the Dene and Métis populations are level art course and it quickly became apparent knowledge and expertise here at home. proud and resilient, despite intergenerational there was real talent and interest,” says Niroja. trauma from residential schools and “Students were so self-critical in the beginning, colonization. “It’s one of the most beautiful and then their confidence grew as they worked places I’ve ever been to,” says Niroja Thiru, tirelessly to create beautiful art.” Canadian Program Volunteer Education Niroja noticed younger students dropping by Assistant. “I found a warmth amongst the and showing interest, so she created an after community who welcomed me with open arms.” school art club for them. After her placement, The Canadian Program, which launched in Niroja landed a full-time position with an NGO Photo: volunteer Ching-Lung Huang, Fort Resolution 2017, helps Indigenous communities address in Fort Providence to run reconciliation and low graduation rates, improve education decolonization programming for youth. outcomes and promote truth and reconciliation To date, Cuso has placed 50 volunteers in 12 with non-Indigenous citizens. Northern Distance communities, providing 7,886 service days. “ONE GRADE 12 STUDENT SHARED HER DESIRE TO APPLY TO ART SCHOOL. I HELPED HER PREPARE HER ART PORTFOLIO AND UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS. I’M THRILLED TO SAY SHE’LL BE ATTENDING ALBERTA volunteers placed communities Reconciliation Toolkit as educational supported with UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS IN THE FALL.” Workshop held. assistants. volunteers. 11 10 1 NIROJA THIRU CUSO VOLUNTEER EDUCATION ASSISTANT, NORTHERN DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM, FORT PROVIDENCE, NT

26 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 27 FINANCES BOARD OF REVENUE IN-KIND $9,931,504 DIRECTORS

Thanks to your strong support and 26% generosity, Cuso International’s financial Frank O’Dea, Chair position provides us with a secure basis Ottawa, Ontario for our work. Through efficient $37,716,108 REVENUE operations and careful use of the Patricia Perez-Coutts, Vice-Chair and Treasurer Mississauga, Ontario life-changing funds we receive, we ensure that the majority of our money 74% is spent on delivering programs and Bruce A. McKean supporting our volunteers and partners Ottawa, Ontario PROGRAMS, and the communities and families they DONATIONS AND OTHER

work with. We will continue to use our $27,78 4,60 4 Jeff Cates resources with great discretion. We are Toronto, Ontario proud to abide by Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code for fundraising, and Susana Galdos pleased that our fundraising Lima, Peru investments are consistent with the ADMINISTRATION charitable sector’s best practices. AND AMORTIZATION FUNDRAISING Lynn Graham

$2,511,201 $1,531,073 Ottawa, Ontario 4% 7% Dr. Nora Murdock Dallas, Manitoba For our complete audited financial statements, please $37,552,983 Chris Snyder visit: cusointernational.org/ EXPENSES Toronto, Ontario accountability

Wayne Robertson PROGRAMS 89% Vancouver, British Columbia $33,510,709

Justin Winchiu Remote village in Northern Benin Ottawa, Ontario Photo: Brian Atkinson

28 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 29 THANK YOU I ROTARY INTERNATIONAL WHY GIVE

Cuso International is stronger today because of our partners partnerships for the purpose of doing good in the world. Patricia Perez-Coutts is a passionate advocate of women’s around the world, and those here at home. This partnership with Cuso toward such a worthwhile goal, rights and youth economic empowerment. Originally from

Rotary District 7070, located in the Greater Toronto Area, coupled with the funding match, made the ask for support Peru, she was drawn to Cuso International’s approach to raised $45,000 to support Cuso’s Midwives Save Lives an easy sell.” development. Newly appointed as Vice-chair and Treasurer of (MSL) program in Ethiopia. The MSL project improved the Rotary funds have purchased birthing kits for student Cuso’s Board of Directors, Patricia visited several Cuso lives of more than 500,000 Ethiopians by giving expectant midwives in the Assosa and Bale regions. These kits include projects and saw the impact firsthand. mothers access to better maternal and newborn care. such items as delivery trays, resuscitators, stethoscopes and “I’m enthusiastic about the cause, for sure. The experience in blood pressure cuffs—essential equipment necessary to “Our local Rotarians believe in providing this very necessary Peru for me was on a personal level. It was very enthralling ensure maternal health. More than half of the district’s clubs level of care for a severely under-served segment of the and fulfilling,” says the long-time patron. “Younger people are have contributed to the fundraising effort. Ethiopian population,” said Ian Lancaster, Rotary Chair of at greatest risk because of a lack of economic empowerment District 7070’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Cuso International would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and financial support. Women’s rights are deplorable in many Committee. “Rotary is always looking for effective to Rotary District 7070 for its generous financial support. societies. There are very few people who are really challenging the status quo. Cuso is participating in areas where other NGOs are not even looking.”

Her one wish for the organization is for more people to know of its good work, and she’s committed to helping spread the word. “I’m enthusiastic “Cuso is doing so much. I come from a country where you’ve got to be really lucky to have the funds to pursue professional about the cause, for studies. Cuso volunteers share educational tools, knowledge sure. The experience and diverse ideas. I’ve always believed that education and in Peru for me was training have a more long-lasting impact on society because education is something that no one can take away from you. on a personal level. It Cuso’s impact through volunteering is a lot more long-lasting. Members of Rotary District 7070 I’m proud to support Cuso, knowing I’m making a difference.” visit Cuso’s Midwives Save Lives was very enthralling program in Assosa, Ethiopia, and fulfilling.” April 2019. We thank all of our generous donors who make PATRICIA PEREZ-COUTTS our life-changing work possible.

30 Annual Report 2019–2020 Annual Report 2019–2020 31