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Empowering local leaders is not just about providing resources or funding; it is about recognizing the potential within communities and supporting them in shaping their futures. Let us explore why community-led projects are influential and how empowering local leaders can lead to transformative, long-term change. The Importance of Local Leadership One of the most thrilling…

As the end of the year approaches, we’re entering one of the busiest seasons for donations and mailing. It’s a time when your generosity shines the brightest and makes an incredible impact on the projects we work so hard to support. However, this year, we’re facing an unexpected challenge: a Canada Post strike. How the…

In today’s interconnected world, international projects have become commonplace. However, success in these endeavours often hinges on a crucial factor frequently overlooked: cultural awareness and sensitivity. Understanding and respecting cultural differences is not just a nice-to-have skill; it’s a necessity for achieving project goals and building lasting relationships. Why Cultural Awareness Matters Effective Communication: Misunderstandings can…

Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to communities in need, but there’s something uniquely impactful about group volunteering. Whether it’s a team of coworkers, friends, or community members coming together, the benefits of collaborating on a volunteer project are profound. Here’s a look at why group efforts matter and how they can amplify…

In the vast landscape of international development, where large NGOs, government agencies, and multinational corporations often grab the spotlight, it’s easy to overlook the incredible impact of grassroots organizations. These local, community-based groups are not just the unsung heroes of development work; they are often the driving force behind sustainable, transformative change. The Power of…

In our interconnected world, where headlines often highlight conflict, poverty, and environmental crises, the importance of volunteerism in international development cannot be overstated. Volunteers are crucial in addressing these pressing issues, offering their time, skills, and grace to impact communities worldwide. Strengthening Resilience Volunteerism serves as a cornerstone in the foundation of sustainable development. Volunteers…

In a world where large-scale philanthropy often makes the headlines, the significance of small donations can sometimes be overlooked. However, the collective power of these micro-donations is immense, driving significant change and improving lives across the globe. Here, we explore how even modest contributions can create substantial impacts on communities in need, highlighting stories and…

We, Bill and Elvera were privileged to visit the JTCE Drug Rehab Centre in the mountains just north of Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic twice in 2023. We spent a week there each time, once in January, once in June. Although the weather was not as delightful as weather on a beach…

In the heart of communities across various villages, a beacon of hope shines brightly through the Literacy Program, igniting a path of empowerment and transformation. As we reflect on the journey thus far, we are humbled by the blessings and successes witnessed in each center, showcasing the power of education and determination Dhodia: In 2019…

Embarking on a transformative volunteer journey doesn’t have to break the bank! At Devxchange, we believe in the power of purpose and offer Canadian volunteers a unique opportunity to travel for free. The key? Fundraising! In this blog, we’ll guide you through the exciting process of setting up a fundraising campaign and share how you…

In the heart of Ethiopia, a town called Merawi holds a remarkable tale of triumph and resilience—the story of the Merawi “Joy” Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). This VSLA group, consisting of 19 members, embodies the spirit of empowerment and collaboration, creating a ripple of positive change in their community. Through our commitment to…

Starting a new humanitarian project is a thrilling adventure filled with the potential to make a lasting impact for countless people. But choosing the right implementing partner is the key to success. Here are the top ten considerations tailored just for beginner humanitarians, as you navigate the exciting journey of selecting an implementing partner and…

At Devxchange, we place great importance on the synergy between travel and volunteering, recognizing it as a catalyst for sustainable change. Our travel partners play a pivotal role in this journey, as we encourage volunteers to embark on transformative experiences through them. The ultimate goal? To inspire these volunteers to return and initiate impactful projects…

Traveling abroad as a volunteer opens doors to new cultures, experiences, and adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or embarking on your first international journey, packing smartly is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here’s a comprehensive list of the top ten items you shouldn’t leave behind when traveling internationally. After my last trip…

At Devxchange, we’re thrilled to unveil our latest initiative – “Life Changing Gifts.” Our aim is to offer donors a profound insight into the impact of their contributions by providing tangible ways to support our projects. Making Your Donation Tangible “Life Changing Gifts” transforms the donation experience into more than a mere contribution; it’s an…

Travelling holds the power to transform lives. At Devxchange, we believe in harnessing the spirit of exploration to make a meaningful difference. Our platform connects passionate individuals with experienced travel partners, offering a gateway to volunteer travel experiences that transcend the ordinary. Cultural Immersion and Global Perspective Volunteer travel offers a unique lens through which…

This blog piece is from a previous volume of our Global Newsletter this year, if you want to get relevant information about global issues when current events are happening, be sure to sign up for the newsletter and get this information months earlier. Also, anyone who signs up for our Free Global Newsletter right now…

Submitted by Mentoring Matters Community is a word that is used in various venues, both within Faith and non-faith-based organizations. As a family, having lived in different parts of the United States serving in ministry, we have been a part of various communities and felt the richness of this experience. At times the building of…

The United Nations’ fourth Sustainable Development Goal is to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. With this goal in mind, Devxchange’s Burundi Education Project aims to equip children in Burundi with the life-changing tool of education. What is the Burundi Education Project? Established to help poor students attend…

Hello! Jambo! September marks a significant milestone for Heart of Ruth Mission (HoRM), an organization dedicated to supporting Kenyan youth. For 11 years now, HoRM has been on a remarkable journey, making a profound impact on the lives of youth in Kenya. Today, we have the privilege of hearing directly from Rebecca Dallaire, the Project…

In the realm of international development, sometimes it takes divine intervention to set a course for change. Stephen McCombe, the Project Leader of Life Changing Technology – Ethiopia, can attest to this as he embarks on a remarkable journey to bring cutting-edge technology to the classrooms of Ethiopia. In this blog post, we delve into…

This blog piece is from a previous volume of our Global Newsletter this year, if you want to get relevant information about global issues when current events are happening, be sure to sign up for the newsletter and get this information months earlier. Also, anyone who signs up for our Free Global Newsletter right now…

Gabriele Hehl sheds light on the inspiring Kwagala Project in Uganda and her decision to partner with Devxchange. Kwagala operates in various areas, including the rural communities of Kampala and Mubende, as well as the city slums. When asked about the collaboration with DevXchange, Gabriele explains that one of the primary motivations was to provide…

Travel is not just about meeting new people and seeing new places, its also about the other living friends here on earth, the unique and beautiful animals we met along the way on our journey across Ethiopia. I, Melody Sargent, a long time team member of Devxchange, tried to capture a unique piece of my…

Devxchange is grateful for another meaningful chance to connect: Last November, our volunteer team visited the New Hope Project in Ethiopia. Our Team Member, Melody Sargent, shared more about her time visiting a program with our New Hope project. New Hope, led by Sue Black, provides microloans to people with little or no means of…