Category: Uncategorized

The committee of Two Countries One World (TCOW) has made the tough decision to wrap up our initiatives for the time being. After 20 wonderful years, the team is ready to rest and excited to see what new path TCOW may take in the future. Following our Easter theology, we look forward to discovering how God will guide the resurrection of TCOW and its values in the future, and what other forms it may take. 

We would like to extend our greatest thanks and appreciation to all who have been involved with TCOW over the years. We have been overwhelmed by the support, involvement, encouragement, ideas, participation, eagerness to learn, and excitement that so many people have contributed to TCOW. Thank you to past participants & leaders, volunteers, family & friends, congregations, churches and everyone who has supported TCOW emotionally, spiritually, financially and otherwise throughout our first 20 years. Our four pillars have allowed us to serve and learn through relationships with communities in Nicaragua, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Colombia. What a difference we have all made in so many ways, including the development of active faith and global citizenship among hundreds of United Church youth. We look forward to future opportunities and conversations about Two Countries One World.

To uphold the values of TCOW, portions of our financial balance will be contributed to the Woodland Cultural Center Language Program in Brantford, Ontario, and to the ICM Clinic in Brisas del Mar, Colombia. A portion will continue to be held in trust for the future resurrection of the TCOW program. 

The website and email (info@waterlootcow.ca) will continue to be monitored for anyone looking to reach out.

Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled due to low enrollment.

Two Countries One World (TCOW), a United Church service and learning initiative, is excited to host a sleepover event for youth and youth leaders in March 2024. The sleepover will include dinner on Friday, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Events during the sleepover will include youth group games, social time/movie, and on Saturday we’ll explore what TCOW is all about through fun group activities before a closing reflection. 

When:  6 PM, March 22 to 3 PM, March 23, 2024

Where:  Parkminster United Church (275 Erb St E, Waterloo)

Who: Youth (grades 8-12+) and Youth Leaders

Cost: $5/person to donate to the Foodbank of Waterloo Region

We want you to know about TCOW, a regional United Church program of Global Learning with a March Break International Experience for Youth in Grades 10-12.

Two Countries – One World (TCOW) creates new friendships around shared celebrations and engagement with concerns of Peace & Conflict, Poverty & Inequality, Indigenous Issues, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2003, UC young people have been enriched by a TCOW experience and found themselves turned toward studies and careers in educational, spiritual and social service or simply on life journeys informed as globally aware citizens.

After the long hiatus of COVID, TCOW is starting up for the school year of 2023-24. Our three weekend learning sessions throughout the fall and winter will prepare participants for a trip to the small Colombian community of Brisas del Mar, where they will be safely hosted by our UC Mission and Service partner, the Methodist Church of Colombia. Two former trips to this rural community have established a close relationship with community members there.

If you would value such an experience for your youth, along with any other of their friends who might be enthused by a chance to share in this experience (United Church or not), please invite them to explore these possibilities by linking into an INFO session being offered on Wednesday, June 21^st at 6pm. At this meeting you will hear more about our plans, meet committee members and past alumni, ask your questions, and further consider what this year of adventure might mean for your youth.

Have a look through our website at waterlootcow.ca where our history and the applications for this coming year are available. Then join us at 6 pm on June 21^st , using this link.