The following comments are from active participants in our program.

My experience in Cuernavaca and at CCIDD was much more than I could have ever imagined. In the 10 days I spent there I not only learned about the culture and values of Mexico, but I learned about the people I went with and more importantly, myself. The trip really opened my eyes to what things in life are truly important and completely changed my perspective. Thanks to the visit I have changed my habits and lifestyle having discovered their culture. It is an understatement to say that it was the experience of a lifetime and will not be forgotten. I would like to thank CCIDD and more importantly the staff for making the trip better than I could have hoped and for making a positive difference in my life.
Katie Levesque,  Notre Dame Catholic High School, Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada. March 2007.

CCIDD opened up my heart, mind and soul to so many things I had been ignoring in my life. There was such a good sense of family and community, that I never felt alone or afraid to be so far away from my family. The friends that I spent most of my time with will be an important part of my life forever. Each lesson learned in Mexico, will help me carry on my life in a more Christian way. CCIDD emphasizes the importance of your relationship with God, andsince my return i have had an ongoing relationship with God, and for that i am truly greatful. I will never forget the compassion, guidance and kindness that I was shown during my stay in Cuernavaca. It was truly amazing!
Kyrie Hudson from Catholics Dristrict School, Board of Eastern, Ontario, Canada. March 2007.

My experience at the CCIDD was unforgettable. I am still amazed by the incredible work they do, and their commitment. I learned so much about myself, and the political, social, and economic structures of Mexico, and my perspective on life was altered. My time in Cuernavaca inspired me to make a difference, and showed me that it is possible. Within a year of my trip, I travelled to Guatemala and worked with an organization that improves the living conditions of the rural Maya people. I reccommend the CCIDD to anyone. The staff is incredibly supportive, and very organized. Keep up the great work!
Erika Seidenbusch, St. John Catholic High School, Perth, Ontario, Canada. March 2007.

In March 2007, I traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico with a small group of students from my high school in Ontario, Canada and other high schools within the school board. It was a trip I will never, ever forget. We spent 10 days in Mexico, learning about and witnessing some of the issues in Cuernavaca and other parts in Mexico first hand. It was a harsh reality, and it impacted my greatly. I saw poverty like I had never known was possible, and since being there, I am forever changed.
During the many activities and excursions we did, I met many people who each brought a new perspective of life to my eyes. For example, we traveled to a squatter settlement one afternoon, and we got to listen to a few of the families stories. They told us a lot about their families, and they also told us about how the government was basically kicking them off the land that they made a home out of. A lot of them would not have anywhere else to go. I never fully really realized until then, that people without many material possessions could have as big of a heart as they do and as big of a smile upon their faces as they do, and for the sole reason that they have a family to love and care for. The people that I met on this trip were some of the happiest people I have ever met in my life.
I want to get more involved in this type of work in the future because of this trip. It was one of the greatest impacts in my life and I will always hold it dear to my heart. I made some of the closest and best friendships in Mexico because we all experienced such heart wrenching things together that the bonds we made with each other were forever. We spent 10 days in Mexico and I could have stayed forever.
Kathryn MacInnis from Catholics District School, Board of Eastern, Ontario, Canada. March 2007.

I had an amazing experience at CCIDD. I have been to Mexico before, but only saw the beach and resort side of the country. Although I studied development and Mexican politics at school I never had the chance to experience the people or the culture. My visit to CCIDD allowed me to learn about Mexican culture and important issues facing people everyday. I had the privilege to meet such strong and incredible people. I was touched and truly inspired by listening to people’s stories and experiences. I have never met so many people with such courage. This experience gave me a new perspective on life and the world. It has motivated me to pursue a career in social justice and development. The staff at CCIDD taught me so much and I will be forever thankful and inspired by their big hearts.
Meredith Kate MacDonald from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. February 2007.

When I first landed in Mexico with my friends from McMaster University I had great expectations for what was to come. We were welcomed into the community with open arms by the friendly staff at CCIDD and they provided us with memories that will surely last a lifetime. Exploring social justice issues and rolling up our sleeves to actively make a difference in local Cuernavaca area provided an excellent learning opportunity. The experience was empowering and I was moved by the synergy we had achieved together. I look forward to one day returning to this very special place.
Navinder Baldeo from Mc Master University; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. February 2007.

"My experience at CCIDD was amazing! Over the course of 10 days I learned more about myself and how I fit into the world then I thought possible. This trip has given me the opportunity to find other individuals that have some of the same goals as I do. Prior to the trip, I didn't know too much about the Social or Economic situation of Mexico, or many other countries in the world either. At school we learn about poverty, and violence, but never really know what it is because for most of us, we have not had to experience this in our life. The first hand experience I gained from the effort of the staff at CCIDD as well as the many people and places we visited helped to open my eyes to what life is like in places other than Canada and the United States. This experience taught me far more then I expected to learn, and I am so grateful for all that these people have done for me in my life. Right now I'm working to achieve my goals and to give back to these people, something that may not have been possible without the support of everyone especially the staff at CCIDD."
Brittany Rowland from Regiopolis-Notre Dame High School, Kingston, Ontario, January 2006

"Everybody should have this experience. It should be mandadotory in the educational system."

"I don't know how it was possible, but every day was more fulfilling than the previous day. I didn't think that it would get any better, but it did!"

"The speakers opened my hearts and feelings."

"CCIDD is a fantastic introduction to what Mexico is all about."

"CCIDD is providing an opportunity for people to find a junction between their world and the Third World."

"CCIDD provides space for people coming from all situations, to see, sense, explore, think, relate."

"I don't know how how to express how impressed I am with the sensitivity, purpose, openess and compassion of this "place""

"A chance to play the role of student/learner not tourist."

"A lot of people think that they have been informed on all the things we have learned. But until you witness it and become involved in it, you don't really get the whole experience."

"It was a wonderful learning experience as well as an eye opener."

"Thanks for the memories, awarness, great times."