Any government knows that youth make effective agents of change. Because of that, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, recently announced a valuable internship program for Aboriginal Youth. Those qualified may apply to serve as interns of international development in Bhutan, Bolivia, Chile, Ethiopia, Guyana, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Peru, the Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zambia.

Around the world, 72 million children who should be in school are not. In many still-developing countries, violence and famine are the daily bread, women and girls are considered property, and men and young boys killed and/or forced into taking up arms. In contrast, we Canadians live a blessed and privileged life.

Our government has always recognized as one of its responsibilities the attempt to ease the suffering of others around the world, people not as blessed. Canadians by the score have demonstrated selfless generosity in their efforts to make the world a better place, some joining our military missions, and some venturing overseas on missions of mercy with non-profit organizations.

Other youth from this riding are already making a difference in the world. Six years ago, Yorkton’s Terra Moore, barely out of high school, took a life-changing trip to Uganda. Today she co-chairs an orphanage there.

According to a March 2nd article in Yorkton This Week by writer Chris Putnam, Terra has returned often to teach and help staff administer the children's care, nutrition, and education. In Canada, she acts as a fund-raiser and administrator. She and her co-chair, a Ugandan, are continually seeking ways to make the site more self-sustaining by acquiring land and steady sources of food. That’s the difference a Canadian youth can make.

Under the newly announced initiative, Aboriginal youth may apply to serve as interns with one of eight organizations: AMIE, the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, Canada World Youth, Canadian Institute of Planners, Canadian Urban Institute, Comite de Solidarite Trois-Rivieres, Victoria International Development Education Association, and the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development.

Applications must be made to one of the above organizations. For more information about International Aboriginal Youth Internships call 1-800-230-6349 or 819-997-5006 or visit www.cida.gc.ca/iayi .

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The audio version of Garry's Aug. 22, 2011 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here