The AFS Interculture
Canada Foundation
Fr

Support youth, without exception, to experience meaningful cultural exchanges.

Humaneo is the foundation of AFS Interculture Canada, an international non-profit organization that provides cross-cultural exchange opportunities. Every year, we strive to make intercultural experiences accessible in order to foster a more understanding society.

Understanding the Importance of Intercultural Exchange

We firmly believe that promoting cultural exchanges can change the world. Coexisting and learning from one another is a valuable experience that should be available to as many people as possible.

Bridging Cultures Through Exchange

We bring together different cultural backgrounds to create meaningful and enriching exchanges that foster better understanding.

An Empathetic and Open Approach

Together, we focus on developing strong interpersonal skills such as empathy, thoughtful communication, and critical thinking.

Breaking Cultural Barriers

We create impactful and enriching cultural experiences that shape the lives of today's youth. Our goal? To empower the next generation of leaders and global citizens.

A United World, Thanks to Your Support

Facilitating Participation in AFS Exchange Programs

Every year, we provide scholarships in various exchange programs offered by AFS Interculture Canada. This allows more individuals to broaden their horizons, both nationally and internationally.

Promoting Intercultural Learning

We organize conferences and workshops to raise awareness about the importance of intercultural exchange.

These workshops, available online or in-person, cover topics like personal and professional development and cultural exchanges.

Developing New Intercultural Education Programs

With the help of our partners, we create various educational programs in schools and professional settings to promote the benefits of interculturalism.

These programs are tailored to the specific needs of different sectors.

AFS Interculture Canada – Shaping a Better Tomorrow

Our foundation aims to change the world one person at a time, creating an impact felt by individuals and communities both in Canada and worldwide. By supporting AFS Interculture Canada, through Humaneo, you contribute to expanding its positive reach locally and globally.

Au Canada

$700K

Invested in Scholarships
Since 2019

384

Active Volunteers

182

Participants in 2024

À l’international

55

Countries Represented

12 000

Participants in
AFS programs annually

50 000

Active Volunteers Worldwide

Canada

International

Our Host Families Make All the Difference

Hosting a teenager through the AFS programs is a unique opportunity to share your culture and discover new perspectives. Interested in becoming a volunteer host family? Learn how you can help create a more connected world.
Become a Volunteer Host Family
Bryana Petit-Frère
A scholarship recipient, she participated in the AFS exchange program in Denmark, in 2024.

"Taking part in a student exchange abroad was a true privilege. This enriching experience allowed me to grow both personally and culturally, while also opening my eyes to new perspectives."

Sarah-Maude
Participant in the AFS exchange program in 2022. She was hosted by a family in Italy as part of a student exchange.

"It was the best year of my life. I now have a home on the other side of the ocean. Since returning, I continue to volunteer with AFS Canada."

Elizabeth Hessek
Participant in the AFS exchange program in 2006. She was hosted by a family in France as part of a student exchange, and received a full scholarship.

"Receiving a full scholarship for my AFS exchange to France completely changed my life."

Marie Mazerolle
Participant in the AFS exchange program in 2003. She was hosted by a family in Panama as part of a student exchange.

"AFS was a life-changing experience for me!"

Donate.
Change the World.

Play a role in the foundation with a one-time or recurrent donation to give young people the opportunity to explore and change the world.

Become a Humaneo Partner

Want to participate? Commit your organization to a cause that aligns with your values. Contact us to learn more about our initiatives and partnership opportunities.

Thanks to our

partners

Jimmy Pelletier World Tour

Desjardins

Adaptavie Foundation

Audace au féminin

Nicole Germain Foundation

McKenna Familly

LG2

Posimage

Board of Directors

The Humaneo Foundation relies on a committed Board of Directors made up of leaders from diverse fields, law, finance, philanthropy, sustainable development, communications, education, and beyond. The diversity of their backgrounds reflects our mission: to build a more inclusive, intercultural, and supportive world. Visionary, compassionate, and dedicated, our board members support the Foundation in its strategic direction, governance, and growth. Thanks to their expertise, they ensure the long-term sustainability of our impact within communities.
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SOFIA AKANDÉ
Chairwoman of the Board

Sofia Akandé is a committed leader with a diverse background spanning Africa, Europe, and North America. This international perspective fuels her vision of inclusion, interculturality, and global mindedness, core values for Humaneo.

LAURENCE DELAGE
Secretary to the Board

Laurence Delage is a lawyer, accredited mediator, and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the École nationale d’administration publique (ENAP), where she earned second honorable mention for the Roland-Parenteau award. She currently serves as a Board Member at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An AFS alumna, she completed an exchange program in Argentina in 2009–2010, an experience that shaped her journey and strengthened her commitment to intercultural learning. Since returning, she has been actively involved with AFS Interculture Canada. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Humaneo Foundation and chairs its Scholarship Committee.

MARTHA ORTEGA
Board member

Martha Ortega is an executive search and recruitment expert working across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. With a background in administration, her career reflects an unwavering commitment to helping people achieve success. A passion for human connection serves as the common thread throughout her professional and personal journey. By facilitating strategic connections between top talent and organizations while optimizing recruitment processes, she stands out through her drive for excellence and her commitment to fostering growth.

OUMAR SARR
Board member

Oumar Sarr is a Senegalese-Canadian professional specializing in sustainable development, project management, communications, and inclusion. Holding a bachelor’s degree in economics and politics, a master’s degree in international relations focused on development, as well as certifications in sustainable development, communications, and project management, he brings a rich and multidisciplinary background.

BÉNÉDICTE N'DRI
Board member

Bénédicte N’Dri is Director of Philanthropic Development at the Université de Moncton. A specialist in university philanthropy, she has held key leadership roles at the Université de Montréal, Cégep de Trois-Rivières, and Université Laval. She has also worked to support Francophone immigration in New Brunswick. Holding master’s degrees in Business Administration from Université Laval and Business Engineering from Kedge Business School in France, she combines strategic expertise, community involvement, and a passion for higher education.

MARIANNE PEREIRA
Board member

Marianne Pereira brings over 25 years of communications and marketing experience across France, Brazil, Spain, and Canada, where she has lived since 2005. A graduate in international business from ESSEC in France, she is currently completing a Master’s in International Management at McGill University. Raised in a multicultural environment, Marianne firmly believes in the transformative power of international experiences for personal and civic growth. This commitment led her to actively support the Humaneo Foundation's mission, even inspiring her to enroll her own daughter in a 10-month exchange program abroad.