Empowering Communities: How WUSC IGN+TE Volunteers Strengthened INDECOS
Matara, Sri Lanka — For over 3 decades, the Institute for Development of Community Strengths (INDECOS) has been a pillar of community empowerment in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Thanks to the IGN+TE volunteer program by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), the organization has experienced unprecedented growth, enabling it to better serve underprivileged communities.
The IGN+TE volunteer program, funded by Global Affairs Canada, has deployed skilled Canadian professionals to support organizations like INDECOS. These volunteers have helped strengthen INDECOS’ operational efficiency, improve service delivery, and expand its reach. Their contributions have significantly boosted the organization’s ability to uplift marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, through sustainable development programs.
Building a Stronger INDECOS
Jesse Musah, Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor from Ghana, alongside INDECOS’ staff and Executive Committee.
The collaboration with WUSC volunteers has transformed INDECOS in six key areas:
Strategic Planning and Organizational Growth
Volunteers have played a crucial role in developing long-term strategies and impact measurement frameworks, ensuring the sustainability of INDECOS programs. Their expertise in business development and non-profit management has helped set clear goals for future growth.
Skill Development and Training for Staff
INDECOS staff have benefited from workshops on leadership, financial management, and community engagement, led by WUSC volunteers. Exposure to international best practices has enhanced their efficiency in project implementation.
Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
With WUSC’s focus on gender equality, volunteers have guided INDECOS in integrating gender-sensitive approaches into its programs, especially in the flagship Women Entrepreneurship Program (WEP). These initiatives have helped more women, youth, and differently-abled individuals gain access to economic opportunities.
RyanLaing, Research Officer from Canada, alongside the INDECOS staff. Ryan supported the research capacity efforts of INDECOS.
Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising
WUSC volunteers have strengthened INDECOS’ ability to engage with communities and donors through improved digital strategies, website enhancements, and social media outreach. They have also provided valuable insights on grant applications, increasing funding opportunities for INDECOS.
Financial Systems and Project Management
Volunteers have introduced financial literacy training and better monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, ensuring greater accountability and impact assessment for programs, particularly within the microfinance initiatives of WEP.
Enhancing Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Programs
By sharing their expertise in business coaching, financial management, and market expansion, WUSC volunteers have strengthened training programs for women entrepreneurs, helping them launch and sustain their businesses.
Deogracious Isaac, Resource Mobilization Advisor from Uganda, his role focused on the development of INDECOS’ resource mobilization efforts.
A Lasting Impact
The results of this partnership have been transformational for INDECOS and the communities it serves:
Greater efficiency — Staff are now equipped with better management and strategic planning skills.
Expanded reach — Digital and marketing improvements have increased community engagement.
Financial sustainability — Enhanced fundraising has secured more resources for development initiatives.
Stronger gender focus — Women and marginalized groups benefit from more inclusive programs.
Higher-quality service delivery — Beneficiaries receive better training, mentorship, and business support.
A Model for Community Development
Through its collaboration with the WUSC IGN+TE volunteer program, INDECOS has grown into a more resilient, transparent, and impactful organization. This partnership stands as a testament to the power of international volunteerism and community-driven development.
As INDECOS continues its mission to improve lives, the success of this initiative showcases the positive change that is possible when global expertise meets local action.
Cory Stumpf from Canada supported INDECOS as a Content Editor and Educational Resource Advisor.Ryan Laing, Research Officer from Canada, supporting the Scholarship Program of INDECOS.
Mr. Conrad Ranawake, Director of INDECOS:
“The support from WUSC IGN+TE volunteers has been invaluable in shaping our organization into what it is today. Their expertise in strategic planning and financial management has allowed us to operate more efficiently and sustainably.”
Ms. Raseela Shamin, Project Manager at INDECOS:
“The volunteers have not only trained our staff but also introduced new methods of monitoring and evaluation, which help us track the impact of our programs more effectively. This has greatly improved our ability to deliver high-quality services to the communities we serve.”
Ryan Laing, WUSC volunteer:
“Working with INDECOS has been an incredible experience. Seeing the impact of our efforts firsthand—whether through capacity-building workshops or improving research systems—has been truly rewarding. I believe INDECOS is now better equipped to continue its vital work long into the future.”
Over the years, WUSC has provided a total of 28 volunteers from different countries with different expertise to build the capacity of INDECOS in different areas.
Institute for Development of Community Strengths 