Launch of the Institute for Global Citizenship and Equity a bold step forward
for Centennial College

TORONTO , Oct. 19 /CNW/ - Centennial College is advancing its equity and social justice agenda with the launch of the college's Institute for Global Citizenship and Equity on Tuesday, October 20 .

With one of the most ethnically diverse student populations in Canada , Centennial saw the need for a leading-edge Centre for Global Citizenship and Equity, developing academic programs that focus on global citizenship and social justice. The Institute is an outgrowth of the college's Signature Learning Experience, which took shape five years ago. It provides a critical understanding of global citizenship, equity, diversity and social justice issues, and gives students cultural competencies that prepare them for living and working in a changing world.

All full-time Centennial students already take a mandatory course in global citizenship as part of their programs. The Institute will be undertaking research on global citizenship and equity, as well as publishing an academic journal. In addition, the Institute has created an internal magazine, Global Citizen Digest, following issues related to global citizenship and equity.

Centennial is only the second postsecondary institution in Canada to join the United Nations' Scholars At Risk Network; the network aids international scholars whose work is threatened by mass or individual displacement, discrimination, censorship, harassment and intimidation. Centennial plans to host a scholar this year.

The launch of the Institute will involve a number of academics speaking on various aspects of global citizenship and equity at Centennial's four campuses tomorrow.

Dr. Nombuso Dlamini , who will speak on youth engagement, is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education and holds the position of Research Leadership chair, University of Windsor. Dr. Moain Sadeq , a visiting professor at the University of Toronto , will speak about the cultural legacy of the ancient Middle East .

Ms. Naba Saleem Hamid , a former professor of Parasitology and Invetebrate Biology in the College of Education at the University of Baghdad , will be discussing women's and children's rights in modern Iraq . Mr. Robert Antone is Turtle Clan, Oneida Nation , involved in First Nation community development for over 30 years and is presently a PhD candidate in American Studies at the (SUNY) University at Buffalo, New York. His topic is First Nations peoples as global citizens seeking equity.

For further information: Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, [phone], ext. 7142, [email protected]