the world. Alternative-Niger, Alternatives Asia (New Delhi), Alternative Information Center (Jerusalem), Forum Macrocain des Alternatives Sud, Initiative Pour un Autre Monde, Institut Alternatives Terrazul, Khanya College, and Teacher Creativity Center. In each of these regions, the organisation works in direct partnership with groups of women and men who are struggling for progress, respect and justice; as well as the peace and sustainable development of their community, their environment, and their region. Alternatives supports network creation between groups so that they can benefit from their shared experiences and successes. Network formation is crucial since it allows for a deepened analysis and comprehension of the conflicts affecting their communities from the outside. Alternatives' and its partners' international solidarity projects are centered upon: The environment and sustainable development Democracy Rehabilitation of communities affected by war Good governance Socio-economic justice and equality Civil, political, economic, social and human rights The fight against poverty Women's rights, equality between genders, the inclusion of women in all spheres of society Education and inclusion of youth Civil society development, management, and autonomy Freedom of organization, of information, of the press, and of religion Criticism Alternatives has been criticised as a political organisation supporting "left-leaning causes" through taxpayer funds, provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The Conservative government noted that the Alternatives' board includes "supporters of Hezbollah and Hamas, such as Ali Mallah, vice-president of the Canadian Arab Federation." In addition, the government was reported to have been concerned regarding a 2008 "education camp" at Saint-Alphonse de Rodriguez in Quebec, was attended by "500 motivated militants" from Lebanon, Iraq, and Venezuela. Youth Internship Programs Alternatives organizes overseas youth internship programs (such as Alternatives' NetCorps program), with the aim of developing a sense of solidarity and curiosity about other regions within youth. These internships emphasize understanding Third World realities and encouraging actions that will advance Alternatives' message of justice. Thanks to the internships, hundreds of young people have had the opportunity to participate in uncommon professional, cultural, and human experiences. Alternatives' Internships Program for 2009-2010 offers internships funded by the Québec Sans Frontières Program of Québec's Ministère des relations internationales. The 2009-2010 Program offered 4 types of internships, under the following 3 themes: Communications et journalism: Bolivia: Andale! An environmental voice for workers in Bolivia] Ecuador: Documentaries for the rights of youth and children in Ecuador Environment and urban agriculture: Mali: Roots around the world : urban agriculture