Durham College (DC) took part in Global Affairs Canada’s International Development Week (IDW), established in 1991, as a uniquely Canadian tradition that celebrates contributions to poverty reduction and international humanitarian assistance in the developing world. DC celebrated this event with a full program for students and employees emphasizing Global Affairs Canada’s theme “Partners for a Better World”, encouraging Canadians to build an more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world.

DC’s IDW events began with a message from Member of Parliament Celina Caesar-Chavannes who congratulated the college’s internationalization efforts and reminded us of the responsibility DC has to mobilize global citizens. Other activities included a Global Class on access and equity in education, where guest speaker Christian Mutalamuna, who is a DC alumni from the Democratic Republic of Congo, encouraged a packed room of DC students, as well as participants from Russia, Zambia, Ghana, Mexico and Toronto to push through external and internal limitations in the pursuit of education.

DC also hosted a Marketplace, which featured 14 non-governmental organizations, local artists and fair-trade vendors.  Students and employees also heard of the many opportunities the college offers for international experiences from education abroad, to participating on DC’s international projects and partnerships. Other highlights included the screening of a thought-provoking documentary on climate change, hearing the stories of peer’s international experiences, a presentation from Limerick Institute of Technology on degree completion in Ireland and cultural dance lessons facilitated by DC alumni.