Behind every organization, there is a story. The story of the New International Community (NCI) was born from a convergence of experiences, friendships, and a shared vision: to make international volunteering a true lever for personal and collective development, accessible to all young people.
The Spark: A Shared Experience
NCI is the result of a deep conviction, forged in the field by a group of former international volunteers. By living the transformative experience of mobility themselves, they also noted the obstacles that hold back many young people: the lack of clear information, the complexity of the systems, and the difficulty in valuing the skills acquired upon return. It was from this observation that the desire to create a dedicated structure, a bridge between opportunities and young people aspiring to get involved, was born.
Two Founders, One Binational Vision
At the heart of this project are two co-presidents: Cyril Le Clech, based in France, and Sergio Gandonou, based in Benin. This binational co-presidency is no coincidence; it is the DNA of NCI. It embodies the will to act in a logic of reciprocity and balanced partnership. Cyril and Sergio bring not only their expertise as former volunteers, but also a deep understanding of the French and Beninese contexts, ensuring the relevance and legitimacy of each action.
From Idea to Action: The Birth of NCI
Officially founded in July 2024, NCI has a clear mission: to democratize access to international engagement. The association aims to inform, equip, and support young people in their projects, while also defending the status of the volunteer. In perfect alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), NCI aspires to become a reference community, a catalyst for solidarity projects with a lasting impact.
"We have experienced the transformation that volunteering can bring. Our goal with NCI is to make this opportunity accessible to all young people, to create bridges, not barriers."– Cyril Le Clech, Co-founder
A Meaningful Commitment
The story of NCI is that of a youth that refuses to be a spectator of the world and chooses to be an actor in it. It is an invitation to join a movement where every experience counts and where solidarity is built through collective action. By sharing their vision, Cyril, Sergio, and the entire NCI team hope to inspire many other young people to take the first step.