INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEEK 2021: Go f0r the goals

City of Toronto Proclaims International Development Week 2021 [PDF/ Word Doc]

OCIC Innovation Lab 2021 – February 5-23
OCIC was excited to launch our Innovation Lab 2021, an experiential, collaborative learning series between 60+ youth and Global Women’s Network, The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, Knowledge Equity Lab, Partners In Health Canada, The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, World Accord and Youth Challenge International, coming together to innovate reporting through data journalism, interactive mapping, podcasting and photo journalism. Over 15 days youth participants had the opportunity to partner with participating organizations, learn in workshops with Ana Androsik, Rajita Dang, Allan Lissner, Peter Pavement and Safa Shahkhalili, and collaborate with peers to create new innovative stories. For details and Innovation Lab reports, click here.

Powertripping on Policy: Debunking Myths in Policy Engagement – February 6                                                                                                                Facilitated by the OCIC Youth Policy-Makers Hub, this workshop discussed youth involvement in policy, with a focus on proposed policy for COVID-19 recovery in various sectors. For details on the program, click here.

OCIC’s ‘Tapestry 2030’ Podcast and Illustration Series – February 8
Undertaken with the support of podcaster Safa Shahkhalili and illustrator Amanda Schutz, OCIC’s ‘Tapestry 2030’ Podcast and Illustration Series shares stories of international cooperation and global solidarity from OCIC members Bhutan Canada Foundation, CAP Network, CMETrust, Heart-Links | Lazos de Corazón,Inter Pares, Partners in Health Canada, Rayjon Share Care of Sarnia Inc., the YMCA of Greater Toronto, and their international partners. For details and podcasts, click here

Centennial College Inclusive Recovery: Advancing Change through Equality and Empowerment – February 9-11                                                                  For details on the program, click here.

Connecting the Dots Film Screening & Panel Discussion February 9                                                                                                                                            A special event convened by OCIC with award-winning Director Noemi Weis and special guests from the film, Mariana Politti, Angel Richards and Carmen Rodriguez, in conversation with David Peck. For details on the film, click here.

OCIC Gender Equality Hub ‘Voices from the Grassroots’ Breakfast Dialogue on Gender Equality – February 11
This event provided space to learn more about the impacts of COVID-19 on grassroots women and girls from Afghanistan, Guatemala, Kenya, Mali, the Philippines, South Sudan and Uganda. We heard the challenges, resilience and triumphs of these women and girls directly from our speakers Gladis Noemi Cujcuj, an advocate for empowering women and youth, especially Indigenous groups, and working on a microcredit program with Mujeres en Acción in Guatemala; Marzia Rustami, a women’s rights activist and head of the Afghan Women’s Network regional office; and Rina de Luna, a teacher, veterinarian and animal welfare advocate, and organic farming advocate from the Philippines. To watch the recording, click here.