Crossroaders are at the heart of our work to end poverty and empower women and girls in Africa. These video vignettes featured here capture a diversity of perspectives from Crossroaders and stories of the impact of volunteer cooperation. If you have been involved with Crossroads as a volunteer, community partner, donor, advocate, or somewhere in between, we invite you to share your story and engage with our Crossroader community. To share your story, please fill out the story form below.
#Iamacrossroader
Share Yours!
Use the form below to share your picture or story with Crossroads
Latest News Stories
RESPONDING TO THE URGENT NEEDS OF GHANAIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS
In developing countries like Ghana, the impact of COVID-19 is significantly more cruel, as the most basic prevention measure—handwashing—is not accessible to all. No running water, compounded with a surge in gender-based violence during stay-at-home orders are threatening the lives of women and girls.
Crossroaders in self-isolation speak out about COVID-19 and the impact on women, girls, men and boys in Africa
At COVID-19 crisis hit, Crossroads International helped overseas volunteers return to Canada but for many, their thoughts are with the communities they left behind. Check out two video diaries from two Crossroaders in isolation reflecting on their work and the impact of COVID-19.
The Value of One, The Power of Many
DISCOVER our online exhibition featuring talented Crossroader-photographers.
The fruit of their work
Jimmy Chicaiza “Under the suffocating sun and the shelter of a large mango tree, are gathered kind women with their
Strive to uplift and value others
Ifenna Okeke “Being in Ghana and experiencing the benefits of people coming together to help others in such a positive
From start to finish
François Robert-Durand “From start to finish: handmade woven basket by 46 years old weaver Ncamzile Zwane This photo was taken
Meet Bira Mbaye, a young chicken farmer
Jimmy Chicaiza “In the sun, the heat was suffocating, it was at least 35° Degrees Celcius. That day, we went to
This is a mother, a caregiver, an entrepreneur
Anthony Gebrehiwot “This is not just anyone. This is a mother, a caregiver, an entrepreneur. Her actions go beyond her family
Actions we take as individuals need to be infused with empathy
Ifenna Okeke “Being in Ghana and experiencing the benefits of people coming together to help others in such a
Talents to Empower
Sierra Nallo “On a Sunday at Labadi beach, Accra’s main city beach, talented acrobatic young men showcase their skills, balance
Blog Stories
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column]
16 Days of Activism 2025: Investing in Prevention to End Gender-Based Violence
At Crossroads International, prevention is at the heart of our work. In partnership with local women’s rights organizations across sub-Saharan Africa, we invest in programs that empower girls, train boys as allies, support survivors, and strengthen community institutions to challenge harmful norms before they turn into violence.
Boys Left Behind: Rethinking Gender Equality in International Development
We were in the middle of preparing for the budget orientation debates at the Fongolimbi town hall. Indeed, as part of the advocacy for gender-sensitive budgeting, we were preparing the directories of the Youth Councils of Fongolimbi to plead for reproductive health themes close to their hearts. It was then that I was approached:
Empowering Schools: A Journey through School Visits and Girl’s Empowerment Program (GEP)
We were in the middle of preparing for the budget orientation debates at the Fongolimbi town hall. Indeed, as part of the advocacy for gender-sensitive budgeting, we were preparing the directories of the Youth Councils of Fongolimbi to plead for reproductive health themes close to their hearts. It was then that I was approached:
Connections that Change – Volunteer Journeys in Action
At Crossroads International, our volunteers are more than agents—they’re catalysts for real change. We’re spotlighting their stories of connection, resilience, and transformation across sub‑Saharan Africa. Explore how their journeys foster lasting impact for communities and themselves.
Charity Challenge 2025: A recap from Senegal
In February 2025, a dozen Crossroaders prepared for the trip of a lifetime: The Charity Challenge. From February 10th to 20th, and after fundraising over $7,500, the participants visited partners, projects and community members all around Senegal, from Kaolack to Kedougou, and many regions in between.
Black History Month and Beyond: Resources for Learning & Reflection
Black storytellers are essential voices in the body of knowledge on international development, humanitarian aid and global solidarity. During Black History Month, we celebrated and amplified the ideas and perspectives of Black thought leaders and innovators worldwide – and we will continue to do so all year round.
International Women’s Day 2025: Strength in Every Story
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Strength in Every Story”, highlights the resilience, determination, and impact of women worldwide. At Crossroads International, we witness this strength every day in the women we support—farmers adapting to climate change, entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses, and advocates fighting for human rights.
February at Crossroads: A Month of Reflection, Action, and Solidarity
February is a month of learning, empowerment, and collective action at Crossroads. It is a time to celebrate Black history, amplify international development efforts, and stand against gender-based violence. Through stories, activism, and meaningful discussions, we aim to challenge mindsets, drive change, and build a future rooted in justice and equality.
Celebrating International Day of the Girl 2024: Empowering Girls Through Education and Advocacy
International Day of the Girl (IDG) is an annual reminder of the critical role young girls play in shaping a better future. This year’s theme focuses on “Keep Girls in School and End Child Marriage”—a call to action to ensure that girls around the world receive the education they deserve and are free from the injustices of early marriage.
Legacy Giving Made Easier for you
A legacy gift in your Will is a true expression of your values and the things that matter the most to you. Planning for a gift in your Will allows you to not only take care of your loved ones but to make a lasting difference for the communities that you support, beyond your lifetime.
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”
On International Women’s Day 2024, themed “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, Crossroards International reaffirms its commitment to advancing the education and economic empowerment of women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa.
Educating to Protect
We were in the middle of preparing for the budget orientation debates at the Fongolimbi town hall. Indeed, as part of the advocacy for gender-sensitive budgeting, we were preparing the directories of the Youth Councils of Fongolimbi to plead for reproductive health themes close to their hearts. It was then that I was approached:
Celebrating International Day of the Girl: Crossroads International Breaks Cultural Barriers for Girls’ Rights
Every year on October 11th, the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl (IDG) to raise awareness about the challenges girls around the world face and promote their fundamental rights.
MY VOICE, MY HEALTH – A PROJECT BY YOUNG PEOPLE, FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
For over four years now, the ambitious “DAMCAM – My Voice, My Health” project has been underway. Its aim is to raise awareness and improve the health and sexual and reproductive rights of 30,000 young people aged 10 to 19 in the Kedougou region of Senegal, who have limited access to healthcare and education due to the region’s poverty.
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2023
March is here, and it brings us one of the most important days for Crossroads International and everyone engaged for gender equality. On March 8th, International Women’s Day 2023 (IWD) is taking place; a global event that grew out of the feminist struggles of the 20th century.
International Women’s Day – Celebrating Achievement
AIDS is a gender issue, particularly in Africa. Women and girls – through risk of sexual violence, or early and forced marriage, or through a general lack of awareness about AIDS, including transmission risks and protection measures – are at unique risk.
ENGAGED FOR EQUALITY – BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEEK
As we all do our best to stay warm and engaged during another Canadian winter, the month of February offers us two important occasions to celebrate diversity and continue our work to advance equality for all.
World AIDS Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
AIDS is a gender issue, particularly in Africa. Women and girls – through risk of sexual violence, or early and forced marriage, or through a general lack of awareness about AIDS, including transmission risks and protection measures – are at unique risk.
DURING THE MONTH OF THE GIRL CHILD, LET US NOT TURN OUR BACKS ON GIRLS
There are many issues that demand thoughtful consideration, from reconciliation with Indigenous peoples to addressing climate change and its impacts on food security, to ending poverty and gender-based violence.
ON SEPTEMBER 20th, MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
On Monday, September 20th, Canadians will go to the polls to elect our next federal government. Opinion surveys suggest it is a very close race. While international development has not garnered the attention it deserves, issues affecting women and equality have, including climate change, vaccination, and gun control.
I AM A CROSSROADER – JOIN ME FOR NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
This week, I am reflecting on civic responsibility and my role as a citizen as Canada marks National Volunteer Week. As the theme for the week, The Value of One, The Power of Many, underscores, we can – and we must – each contribute to changing the world. In particular, I respectfully suggest it is time for men to step up.
Volunteering in a global pandemic – yes we can!
Volunteering and partnering to support women and girls facing great adversity in Africa during a global pandemic looks different, but it is needed now more than ever. Discover why Nana, Maryse or Moustapha are committed to share their skills and knowledge to keep making a difference.
