Global Citizenship Certificate 2024 The first step in changing the world is understanding it. The Global Citizenship Certificate encourages youth to explore connections to their local and international communities and empowers young people to act as effective global citizens. Through virtual workshops, volunteer placement, advocacy projects, and connecting with other youth across the Atlantic, youth will learn and practice being effective global citizens. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program ACIC's Global Citizenship Certificate program encourages youth to explore connections to their local and international communities and enables them to act as effective global citizens. Through virtual workshops, volunteer placement, advocacy projects, and connecting with other youth from across the Atlantic, youth will learn and practice being effective global citizens. The program takes place from February to April 2024. The time commitment required to complete the program is 12-15 hours over three months. The Global Citizenship Certificate consists of 4 modules (offered live virtually and recorded to accommodate schedules): 1. Sustainable Development Goals 2. Intersectionality 3. Indigenous Realities 4. Social Justice Education and Action Why apply: Learn  what it means to be an effective global citizen Connect  with peers who are passionate about social justice Use  your talents and passions to engage locally and globally Learn about opportunities, locally and internationally, that contribute to better communities Gain hours and a certificate to add to post-secondary applications and resumes Application Process Apply by February 11, 2024. Important Dates Application deadline is February 11, 2024 Certificate program runs between February and April 2024 Eligibility Criteria Who can participate: Be between the ages of 15-18 (at the time of application) Reside in Atlantic Canada (NS, NB, NFLD or PEI) Have an interest in global citizenship and developing leadership skills Be able to commit to participation between February and April 2023 Be willing to contribute 12-15 hours to the progam Application Details Apply by: February 11, 2024 Learn More

Individual Associates Learn more about our individual associates. To join ACIC as an individual associate, apply here. Read the benefits of joining ACIC membership here. Aliyanna Gordon Nova Scotia Aliyanna Gordon is an Indigenous and second-generation immigrant student at Saint Mary’s University, pursuing Commerce with a passion for equity, law, and policy-making. A nationally recognized youth leader, she has facilitated workshops on social justice, anti-racism, and mental health through the Students Commission of Canada. Aliyanna brings experience in public speaking, mentorship, and youth empowerment to ACIC’s community. Alyssa Hoseman Nova Scotia Alyssa Hoseman is the Executive Director of PARSA, a nonprofit based in Afghanistan focused on building healthy communities through local leadership. With 15 years of experience in international development, she brings deep expertise in grassroots programming, gender equity, and organizational strategy in post-conflict settings. Based in rural Nova Scotia, Alyssa wants to connect Atlantic Canadian development communities. Austin I.P. O'Neill New Brunswick Austin I.P. O’Neill is a second-year student at the University of New Brunswick’s School of Leadership Studies, minoring in Law in Society. A passionate advocate for leadership, law, and public service, he brings experience in student governance, legal aid, and community volunteering. Austin is committed to fostering equity and authentic leadership in Atlantic Canada and is eager to contribute to ACIC’s mission through collaborative action and dialogue. Becca Bishop Nova Scotia Becca Bishop has been a community development practitioner for over five years with a degree in community development from St. Francis Xavier and formal training from Coady International Insitute. She is an advocate for cross-sector collaboration, transparency, and accountability and takes an asset-based approach to engaging young people as global citizens. Through her work as a Community Developer for HRM, Becca has supported community and public sector organizations to enhance their facilitation, capacity building, and public engagement efforts. Alongside the local community development work she leads, Becca is a consultant for international development projects. Currently, she is leading the youth public engagement activities for CARE Canada’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights project. Bobbi Zahra Nova Scotia Bobbi Zahra is a public servant who works with Fisheries & Oceans Canada, where she teaches and trains in IT/IM. Outside that role, she has always been active in her community and is presently the President of the Board of Halifax Theatre for Young People, an independent theatre company that commissions and produces work of enduring value for young people and their families. She is a Holocaust scholar, with a great interest in post-Holocaust theology. Although she has a Twitter account, she is somewhat sporadic in its use, but you will find her by the Twitter handle - @sleehah. Camila Dos Res Santos da Silva Nova Scotia Camila is passionate about social justice and community engagement, and actively supports movements for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, active mobility, and sustainability. Her advocacy extends to addressing gender-based violence through a feminist lens, emphasizing holistic support services and culturally sensitive counselling. With experience as a Gender Advisor with Cuso International in Honduras and a Registered Counselling Therapist, she’s honed a deep understanding of intersectional oppression and the importance of mental health and gender equality. Committed to integrating decolonial, anti-racist, and intersectional perspectives, I advocate for awareness of compounded marginalization and prioritize clients' well-being in all endeavours. Catherine Ronahan Prince Edward Island Catherine has more than 10 years coaching and facilitating individuals/groups in career development Darlene Dorion New Brunswick An educator, a chartered mediator, a sustainable world peace activist, Darlene Doiron specialises in interpersonal workplace and community based conflict. She is best known for her longstanding peace work and dedication to creating a more positive and harmonious province of New Brunswick. Eliza Knockwood Prince Edward Island Eliza Knockwood is a Two Spirit Mi'kmaq filmmaker living and working out of Epekwitk (also known as Prince Edward Island, Canada). She started her career in the broadcast television industry at the young age of nineteen. Within a year she became the production coordinator on a television series and held that role for three years. In 2006 Eliza began her journey with documentary films and has directed several self-produced shots and community productions. In 2021 Eliza directed her first longer form project called The Ice Walk which was initially created in partnership with Bell Fibe TV1 and then repackaged into feature length film. She has just wrapped filming another short form series titled Gina'matimg - Time of Learning and is currently developing a feature documentary titled The Rite of Passage. Fauzia Matyas-Jamal New Brunswick Fauzia Matyas-Jamal recently relocated to Fredericton and is seeking to engage with local and global development networks. Drawn to ACIC’s values of justice and sustainability, she brings interest and initiative to committee work, particularly in governance and symposium planning. Her proactive approach reflects a commitment to meaningful community connection and collaborative change. Godspromise Effiong Nova Scotia Godspromise is a multi-skilled professional known for exceptional people and business friendly communications solutions through impactful mediation, product knowledge and portfolio management. An image-centric individual delivering strategic, clear and concise messages, product research and technical support with foundations in Conflict Resolution, Public Relations, Administration and Data Analysis, emerging GRC Specialist. Hareesh Sahadevan Nova Scotia Hareesh Sahadevan is eager to join ACIC because he aligns with its mission of fostering equitable and sustainable communities. As a board member of an NGO in Uganda focused on refugee resettlement, he sees collaboration with ACIC as a way to enhance his impact. Professionally, Hareesh is affiliated with Emvigo BPO, Gex Logistics, Best Recruitment, Tranztrex Solution, and Tecnostac Systems. His volunteer roles include Board Member of Care Well Foundation, Vice Chairman of Uganda BPO Association, President of ATHMA in Halifax, and Volunteer at ISANS. Heather Dicks Newfoundland and Labrador Heather brings with her over a decade of experience working in the field of International Development; this includes work with the Canadian government, the United Nations, and several non-governmental organizations in numerous countries across the globe. At present, she is completing a PhD within the Sociology Department at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador; her thesis research is centered on the nexus between International Development and Migration. She is also currently working on a SSHRC-funded mixed-methods research project exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on Small and Medium-sized Organizations working in Canada’s foreign aid sector. This research project is being led by the University of Guelph in partnership with the Spur Change Program. Concurrently she is working on a separate SSHRC-funded quantitative research project led by Memorial University in partnership with McMaster University. This project is exploring connections between remittance sending behaviors of Canadian immigrants and foreign aid. She holds a master’s degree in Globalization and International Development from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from Carleton University. Jennifer Fox Prince Edward Island Jennifer Fox has been interested in international development since youth. Through a post-graduate study in International Education (School Leadership) and with 20 years of Home Economics and Health teaching, Jennifer has established a commitment to building capacity internationally. Jennifer has a BSc from UPEI, worked as a teacher in the Yukon and Northwest British Columbia, interned with CIDA in Malawi, Africa (2004- 05) and has recently been trained in Humanitarian Education from the Canadian Red Cross. Jennifer King Nova Scotia Jennifer King brings with her over a decade of invaluable experience in international development, with a specialization in gender equality, rural development, and fostering systemic change. Having recently relocated to Nova Scotia, she is eager to forge connections with fellow professionals in Atlantic Canada, enriching our network with her expertise and dedication to global development efforts. Welcome back, Jennifer, as you rejoin our vibrant community! Kaitlyn Keleher New Brunswick Kaitlyn is a recent graduate of Mount Allison University, with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). Kaitlyn has worked for the federal and provincial governments and remains committed to active global citizenship and the promotion of the Atlantic provinces. Kaitlyn seeks to continue her career in politics and justice, with a focus on international policy. Keith Forsythe Nova Scotia Keith Forsyth was a public Chartered Accountant for many years in Nova Scotia. Since then he has become a nomad traveling the world. He has spent over five years as an international volunteer in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Carribbean as well as spending over three years in the Canadian North. Kevin Deveaux Nova Scotia Kevin Deveaux is a Canadian lawyer who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1998 for the constituency of Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage. He was re-elected in 1999, 2003 and 2006. During his time as an MP, he was the Deputy Speaker for the House from 1999-2003 and the Official Opposition House Leader from 2003-2007. In March, 2007, Kevin resigned his seat in the House of Assembly to work full time as a Senior Parliamentary Technical Adviser with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Hanoi, Vietnam. In August, 2008, he was appointed to the post of global Parliamentary Development Policy Adviser in New York with UNDP’s Democratic Governance Group, where he was in charge of the Global Programme for Parliamentary Support (GPPS) and provided guidance to more than 60 UNDP Country Offices working with national parliaments and political parties. In August 2012 he completed his work with UNDP and returned to Canada to practice law and to provide consulting services to parliaments. He has worked with the World Bank, the EU, DFID, FCO, UN Women, International IDEA and UNDP in the past years. Kevin O'Shea Newfoundland and Labrador Kevin O'Shea is the Executive Director of the Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN). Currently living in St. John's, NL, Kevin was called to the bar as a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2011. Keyshawn Bonamy Prince Edward Island Keyshawn came to Canada from the Bahamas in 2015 to study Economics and Political Science at the University of Prince Edward Island. Graduating in 2020, she became the Executive Director of the Voluntary Resource Center, building upon years of volunteer work with Rotary International, WUSC, and other groups on the island. Louise Webb Newfoundland and Labrador Madison O'Connor New Brunswick Madison is currently a Career Resource Centre Coordinator, providing pre-employment services to high school students and community members. Madison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Criminology and minors in Communications & Public Policy, Sociology, and Human Rights from St. Thomas University Mohammad Mashrur Sakib Khan Newfoundland and Labrador Mohammad is an experienced business organization consultant with a law degree who Managed a team of 30+ people in Europe to expand the company into 12 new locations—achieved a 20% annual growth in sales in a startup which was a noteworthy milestone in his career. Additionally, Mohammad has developed a fully satisfied customer concept for repetitive business. During his career, Mohammad has worked in various organizations, gaining skills such as time and team management, inventory management, budgeting, underwriting, analytical ability, critical thinking, problem-solving, etc. Peter Day Nova Scotia Peter graduated from Dalhousie in 2013 with a degree in international development and has carried out his own development mandate in Jamaica through Global Affairs Canada's International Youth Internship Program. He currently serves as a executive assistant in the office of Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook Rebekah Sears New Brunswick Rebekah (Bekah) Sears has over 15 years of experience in international development, peacebuilding, and advocacy, having worked in Canada, Colombia, and Rwanda with organizations like Mennonite Central Committee and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Based in Fredericton, she brings a deep commitment to justice, community partnership, and mental health support in the nonprofit sector. Bekah is especially passionate about building sustainable, inclusive systems through policy and grassroots engagement. Rose Gyesi Newfoundland and Labrador Rose Gyesi is a graduate student studying political science at Memorial University. She is currently a student writer and blog content creator of the Political Science Graduate student association of Memorial University. She aspires to become an international Policy analyst and an active global citizen. Sean Kelly Nova Scotia Sean Kelly is an award-winning professional with over 30 years of experience in program development and management, strategic planning, inclusive leadership, communications, and adult education on environment and global development issues. He has worked for organizations including Clean Nova Scotia Foundation (first as Manager of Communications and then as Director of Clean Energy Programs), Cuso International, the Lester Pearson Institute for International Development, and Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia. He won a Global Citizen Award from the UN 50th Anniversary Committee of Canada. Sean is a past Head of Communications for Cuso International, a leading North American global development agency. He led the charity through a major re-branding, and was the editor of The Sustainable Times, a magazine on environment and international development issues sold at 350 newsstands across Canada. Sean has produced radio documentaries that have been heard on the CBC, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and National Public Radio in the U.S. He has been published in many magazines and has won a National Magazine Award in Canada and a Gabriel Award for Documentary in the U.S. Seiku Diakite New Brunswick Seiku is a social work student at St. Thomas University with a keen interest in International Development. Seiku aims to address systemic barriers affecting vulnerable populations in society, create awareness on how International social work can promote social justice and advocate for structural changes in society. Shelagh Savage Nova Scotia Currently a lecturer with the International Development Studies department at Dalhousie University, Shelagh Savage teaches a course on Development in Practice. Prior to that she was Associate Director of Partnerships at the Coady Institute (2009 - 20019) where she focused on how important collaboration is in ensuring social change. Working for many years in international cooperation, she has been privileged to learn with – and from – amazing mentors in communities, institutions and organizations around the world. Shelagh currently serves on a number of boards and advisory committees (including ACIC and Royal Roads University) and worked for many years n the CIDA/DFATD/GAC environment – including co-chairing the first year of the GAC CSO Policy Advisory Group (CPAG). Teresa Lush Nova Scotia Teresa considers herself a global citizen and has been fortunate enough to have traveled the world. She believes that we are all interconnected and that support for one another, no matter the geography, is imperative for us to move forward as a species. She is involved, and would like to be more involved, in furthering international development. She has volunteered in Guatemala for over seven years on her own. This has primarily been with Casa Guatemala, a jungle based orphanage and school on the Rio Dulce. She has also become involved with Ahicam, a home for adolescents and babies in Poptun and more recently, a startup school in Punta Brava, Guatemala. Valeri Pilgrim Newfoundland and Labrador Valeri Pilgrim is the Manager, Aboriginal Resource Offive at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) in St. John’s. She has been associated with the Aboriginal Resource Office of MUN since January 2011. She was first hired by Memorial University as the Aboriginal Liaison Officer with the Aboriginal Resource Office for three and a half years. In June, 2014 she took the position of International Student Advisor with the Internationalization Office (IO) where she remained until November, 2018. When the opportunity came up Valeri returned to the Aboriginal Resource Office as Manager in November, 2018. She considers her experiences working with Indigenous and international students extremely valuable, and has always felt enlightened and humbled by students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. In the 1990’s Valeri studied her undergraduate degree in anthropology & sociology at UNB, Fredericton and later completed a Master of Philosophy degree at the University of Oslo in Norway where she lived for two and a half years with her then 7 year old daughter, Kirsten. She self identifies as a Kablunângajuk which is essentially a mix between Inuk (singular for Inuit) and European settler in Labrador. She feels blessed to have grown up in the Inuit community of Nain in Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) and is a beneficiary of the Nunatsiavut Government. Last but not least, Valeri is the proud mother of 2 children, Dominic 12 & Kirsten, 24. Wilhemina Welbeck Nova Scotia Wilhemina Welbeck is a nonprofit professional based in Halifax, currently affiliated with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. She brings strong administrative, communication, and multicultural collaboration skills developed through her work with the NS College of Nursing and the John Howard Society. Wilhemina is committed to social justice and excited to contribute to ACIC’s committees and community.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Paul Farran Director of Policy and Advocacy Cooperation Canada About Paul Paul Farran is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Cooperation Canada, where he leads efforts to advance an impactful international cooperation agenda. He has deep experience in government, NGOs, multilateral organizations, and academia—driving impact on political, development, and humanitarian fronts. He’s worked in crisis and development contexts across Africa and Asia, bringing both global insight and field-tested expertise. A natural collaborator, Paul works to unite diverse stakeholders to solve complex, high-stakes challenges. His core experience span diplomatic engagement, partnership building, strategic planning, and program execution. He’s developed hands on experience in advancing peacebuilding, climate action, and development effectiveness, while advising high level leaders.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Shelly Whitman Executive Director Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security About Shelly Dr. Shelly Whitman has dedicated her career to advocating for children's rights in conflict zones, serving as the Executive Director of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security since January 2010. Under her leadership, the institute has gained international acclaim for its commitment to preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. A prominent subject matter expert, Dr. Whitman has played a crucial role in establishing key international agreements and policies for child protection. She is often invited to speak at global forums and provide media commentary on issues surrounding children, peace, and security. Her impactful work includes lobbying for Canada's signing of the Safe Schools Declaration and contributing to the development of NATO's Standard Operating Procedure on Children in Armed Conflict, along with the first Policy on Children for the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Before joining the Dallaire Institute, Dr. Whitman worked on the inter-Congolese dialogue and the OAU Rwanda Genocide Report, while based at the UNICEF HQ in New York. Her academic career includes teaching International Development Studies and Political Science at various universities, where she introduced courses focused on children and armed conflict. Dr. Whitman's efforts have led to the establishment of over 20 memorandums of understanding with countries and institutions worldwide. She has co-authored pivotal documents such as the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, which now has 106 endorsing nations. Her contributions to child protection have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Canadian Progress Club Women of Excellence Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Meritorious Service to Children and Veterans. With a steadfast commitment to inspiring change and hope for vulnerable populations, Dr. Shelly Whitman continues to lead the charge in advocating for children's rights in conflict zones globally.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION DeNel Rehberg-Sedo Professor Department of Communication Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University About DeNel DeNel Rehberg Sedo is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University. She teaches critical media literacy at the undergraduate and graduate levels and is known by her students for her engaging and participatory teaching style. As both a professor and a researcher, DeNel believes in the power of stories and storytelling.

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< Back Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Celebrates and Welcomes Canada’s Recognition of the State of Palestine Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Sep 24, 2025 The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) celebrates and welcomes the Government of Canada’s historic decision, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on September 21, 2025, to recognize the State of Palestine. This recognition, made in coordination with the governments of the United Kingdom and Australia, reflects a long-overdue commitment to international law, human rights, and the dignity of the Palestinian people, and represents an important step toward lasting peace and justice in the region. In his statement, Prime Minister Carney affirmed that Canada’s recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter, and consistent with Canada’s longstanding policy of supporting a two-state solution. This coordinated recognition underscores the urgent need to preserve the possibility of a viable, sovereign, and democratic Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel. "This decision marks a significant milestone for Canada and for global solidarity," said Heather Dicks, ACIC Board Chair. "We celebrate and welcome this recognition, and we urge the Government of Canada to build on this momentum, leading by advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and guaranteeing effective humanitarian aid reaches those in need." ACIC calls on the Government of Canada to work with international partners to: Press for an immediate and permanent ceasefire; Guarantee unrestricted and effective humanitarian access to Gaza; Support international accountability mechanisms for violations of international humanitarian law; Advance peacebuilding initiatives that uphold dignity, security, and justice for all people in the region. As a coalition rooted in global solidarity, ACIC affirms that recognition of Palestinian statehood is a vital first step, but peace requires continued commitment to justice and human rights. Canada’s recognition, while historic, must be followed by concrete measures that ensure the protection of civilians, the delivery of effective humanitarian aid, and the realization of a just and sustainable peace. About ACIC The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) is a coalition of more than 50 organizations and individuals working in global cooperation and solidarity from across Atlantic Canada. ACIC supports its members in building more equitable, just, and sustainable communities at home and around the world. Contact: Mateo Gomez Angulo, ACIC Communications Officer communications@acic-caci.org Previous Next

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Bright Kwame Fiaga Founder and President International Council for Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Employment (ICIEE) About Bright Bright Kwame FIAGA is the Founder and President of the International Council for Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Employment (CIIEE International), and President of the National Commission of Inquiry and Investigation of the Consumers League of Togo (LCT). Winner of the Pan-African Young Exceptional African Award, Bright is a dedicated entrepreneur and an active member of both Togolese and African civil society. He is deeply involved in advocacy and awareness-raising efforts with the African Consumer Organization (OAC), and is an alumnus of the Africa Youth and Governance Convergence (AYGC) in both 2019 and 2023. Bright believes that civil society is the best space for preparing the next generation of citizens to live impactful lives. Since 2018, he has served as the Peace and Security Officer of the AfriKa Youth Movement (AYM), Togo hub. With over twelve years of experience in entrepreneurship and business management, Bright provides professional advice and entrepreneurial training to youth and women in his community. Recognized for his commitment, in 2018 he was selected by the U.S. Embassy in Togo to participate in the country’s first high-level international conference on social enterprises. Bright is especially passionate about the issue of irregular migration. “The sea has made too many mothers cry in Africa and elsewhere,” he says. Since 2017, he has actively worked to discourage risky and illegal migration, raising awareness among young people about the dangers of irregular immigration and the benefits of safe, informed, and responsible pathways. In December 2023, he founded CIIEE International, through which he continues to champion youth entrepreneurship and legal migration strategies. In July 2024, he received an international honorary distinction for his work in Nairobi, Kenya.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Kirsten Larson PhD Researcher Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), University of Galway About Kirsten Kirsten Larson is a second-year PhD researcher at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), University of Galway. She previously served as a research assistant to Siobhán Mullally, the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children. Kirsten holds a BA in Human Rights and Social Justice with a minor in Law from Carleton University, Canada, and an LLM in International Human Rights from the ICHR. Her doctoral research focuses on child trafficking in the context of armed conflict, with a particular focus on Northeast Syria.

PhotoVoices 2025 ACIC's PhotoVoices Program enables youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos, and connects youth from Atlantic Canada and the Global South in an experience of storytelling, skills building, providing them a space to explore social justice, while learning from experts in the field. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program About the Program Racial inequality remains deeply entrenched in our society, limiting opportunities for people of African descent and other racialized communities to participate in decision-making and leadership roles. Systemic barriers perpetuate disparities across all social determinants of health, as research and statistical data consistently demonstrate inequities faced by racialized groups in every sector of Canadian society. These inequities are not abstract—they manifest in tangible, measurable ways that affect access to education, employment, healthcare, and housing. Racial discrimination is a persistent and pervasive force that undermines individual potential and stifles collective solidarity. Addressing these challenges requires not only recognizing the reality of racial injustice but also committing to meaningful action that promotes equity, inclusion, and justice for all. ACIC is currently seeking participants for its PhotoVoices Program! Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos. This years PhotoVoice program has a specific focus on realities facing youth from African Diaspora and Black communities living in Atlantic Canada. Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from our program partners abroad use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore various topics related to social justice, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. The purpose of this program is to help budding photographers/journalists build their skills and portfolios while taking part in an intercultural program. The program will include youth 18-29 years from Atlantic Canada and youth from the partner organization/s country. Why get involved: Share, network, and collaborate with like-minded youth living in Atlantic Canada and abroad Develop skills in photography, communication, social justice action, storytelling, and more! Opportunity to learn how to address community needs, concerns, planning, and other lived realities Important details: All activities will take place online. Participants must have access to a stable internet connection and laptop or desktop computer or tablet. If stable internet access or equipment access could be a challenge but you are interested in applying, please mention this in the application form below. The program will run for 10 weeks from February 9 and March 23, 2025 (Sunday afternoons). Upon completion of the program youth will receive a certificate of completion and a $150 honorarium for the time and commitment. For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org To achieve program goals, the PhotoVoices Program uses Participatory Action Research and the process of photovoice as a visually effective and transforming process, which helps to communicate diverse understandings and needs. It is most useful in: Empowering marginalized and underserved individuals & communities Connecting disparate community voices Raising awareness & action on community issues Evaluating collaborative initiatives Reaching and motivating decision makers (McRuer, J (July 2020). Photovoice: A Basic Guide to Support Participatory Action Processes for Transformative Community Building) Application Process Application Process Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. To apply for our Racial Inequality-focused PhotoVoices program, please apply at this link. Important Dates Important Dates The program will run for 10 weeks from February 9 and April 13, 2025 Virtual meetings will take place weekly on Sundays For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org Eligibility Criteria To apply for this program, participants will: Be between the ages of 18-29 Be living in Atlantic Canada Depending on the PhotoVoices program you are applying for:Be a person of African descent (Including, but not limited to Black Canadians, People of African ancestry living in Canada, People of Afro-Caribbean ancestry, People of Afro-Latino ancestry) Be available for approximately 2 hours/week over the course of 10 weeks between February 9 to March 20th, 2025, for Zoom sessions and program work such as taking photos, connecting with group members, and reflecting on the program process Show interest in learning from others and sharing aspects of their own lived experiences, communities, and analysis with youth from other regions of Atlantic Canada and other countries Application Details Apply by: February 8, 2025 Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Kai Audi Programmes Officer Jinsiangu Kenya About Kai Malakai ‘Kai’ Audi is a seasoned Human Rights Advocate with over eight years of experience in Kenya’s SOGIESC movement. Currently a Programmes Officer at Jinsiangu Kenya, Kai leads initiatives in programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, and emergency response, while also coordinating the Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) programme. Their advocacy spans community mobilization, digital media, research, and artistic expression. Kai has contributed to qualitative and participatory research with local and international organizations and is also a published writer featured in several queer African literary anthologies.