"Engineers Without Borders is the first new Volunteer Cooperation Agency to be funded under an enhanced voluntary sector program, which I announced last June," said Minister Verner. "This contribution to EWB will benefit low-income farming families, many of which are headed by women."

EWB partners with developing country organizations that are already helping people in their local communities. Partners include government departments, local and international non-government organizations who provide assistance in the areas of water and sanitation; food processing and agriculture; energy; and information and communication technology.

"EWB is delighted to be recognised as a Volunteer Cooperation Agency by the Canadian International Development Agency, furthering our poverty reduction programs overseas and our public engagement programs in Canada," said Parker Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of EWB. "We believe that development requires more than simply installing a well, building a school or a new lab. Our focus is building on what people already know and do."

The Minister met with the Voluntary Cooperation Agencies yesterday in Ottawa as part of International Volunteer Day.