Ottawa, February 7, 2022 – CICan president and CEO Denise Amyot issued the following statement to mark International Development Week:
“This 32nd International Development Week (IDW), shines a spotlight on the important contributions that Canadians are making around the world. This year’s theme #GoForTheGoals resonates strongly with us as we continue to work toward the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in partnership with our members and partners.”
“In fact, each one of CICan’s programs is tied to the SDGs to ensure that our actions contribute to positive change for people, communities, and the planet. This is especially true for our flagship Education for Employment (EFE) approach to international cooperation programs. EFE programs are designed to support the development of responsive, demand-driven and practical learning opportunities for students that benefit the local economy and encourage sustainability. Since 2008, more than 10,000 students across 23 countries have graduated from EFE-supported programs during the period of project implementation.”
“These projects are all based on collaboration with local postsecondary institutions and stakeholders. We currently have active partnerships in Belize, Chile, Colombia, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Peru, Senegal, St. Lucia, Tanzania and Tunisia.”
“Though our work touches on all 17 SDGs, we are particularly committed to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), as well as SDG 4 (Quality Education) which guides everything we do.”
“As we are also celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, we are taking this opportunity to look back and reflect on the impact of our international projects through the years. We have just launched a brand-new resource presenting the evolution of our international development efforts and marking some of our greatest success.”
“Take an in-depth look at the history of our international projects. We hope this will help inspire more Canadians to #GoForTheGoals!”
About Colleges and Institutes Canada:
CICan is the national and international voice of Canada’s largest post-secondary education network. It advocates, builds capacity, and drives knowledge to strengthen Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics. With more than 95% of Canadians living within 50 km of a member institution, and thanks to its extensive reach around the globe, CICan works to future-proof communities in Canada and abroad.
We respectfully acknowledge that CICan’s offices in Ottawa are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
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For more information:
Julien Abord-Babin
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
Colleges and Institutes Canada
Email: jabord-babin@collegesinstitutes.ca
Phone: 613-746-2222 ext. 3131
Twitter: @CollegeCan