With extensive experience in capacity building, the IBCR leads various train-the-trainer sessions and practical courses every year. These courses lead to certification and are aimed at individuals who work in the field of children’s rights-¾particularly diplomatic personnel, cooperative services agents, representatives from child protection systems, employees of national and international NGOs, and academics.
Who do we train and how do we do it?
Training for trainers
Since 2012, the IBCR has led more than 20 train-the-trainers sessions at educational centres for defence and security forces, justice personnel and social workers. The process is demanding, as the IBCR certifies trainers following an intensive 12-day course and a series of tests covering teaching techniques and the topics to be taught. When cultural differences are considered, along with the costs associated with running training courses in developing countries, the IBCR generally prefers to have technical courses provided by local instructors. All IBCR projects incorporate a participative approach that is respectful of national stakeholders and the needs they express, as these aspects have proven essential to successfully strengthening the capacities of workers who interact directly with children.
Teaching children’s rights in universities
The IBCR conducts a wide range of courses in Canadian universities. The Bureau generally offers instruction at summer schools or conferences, presenting the main issues involved in the protection of children’s rights. In 2016, the IBCR also began hosting its own summer school on children’s rights in collaboration with the Université du Québec à Montréal. The programme includes 12 university credit courses. By collaborating with Canadian universities, the Bureau is able to introduce hundreds of students each year to the various facets of children’s rights protection in Canada and around the world. In addition, the IBCR offers students opportunities to gain professional experience with the organisation and regularly welcomes highly qualified interns into its team. These interns play an essential role in the execution of the organisation’s projects.
Teaching children’s rights at Global Affairs Canada
Since 2011, the Bureau has been developing and co-hosting courses on the integration of children’s rights for employees of Global Affairs Canada. These courses are updated often to cater to the interests and needs of participants, who include the Canadian government’s international development specialists as well as personnel working in economic, political and consular issues. The IBCR is proud to be the sole partner selected to administer these courses and to assist the Government of Canada with integrating a children’s rights perspective into their work.