Global Skills Development and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Fund Proposal

On January 9^th, GAC launched a call for proposals for organizations or consortia to manage a global Skills Development and TVET Fund. In anticipation of this call, CICan is planning to respond in a consortium with WUSC and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, which could position CICan members to take advantage of opportunities for global partnerships in the TVET sector.

Les ISSAT pour une économie verte et inclusive en Tunisie proposal

CICan submitted a proposal to GAC on November 1st, 2024, for a project entitled, “Les ISSAT pour une économie verte et inclusive” (ISSATs for a Green and Inclusive Economy). The Ministère de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche scientifique (MESRS) invited CICan to work with Tunisian Higher-Level Institutes of Applied Sciences and Technology (French acronym “ISSATs”) across six regions, each with specific social and environmental challenges, and which offer technical degrees in the fields of engineering, biodiversity and computer science. By drawing on the expertise and experience of CICan members, the project will 1) strengthen and diversify programs related to the environment to make more responsive to the Tunisian labour market, with a particular attention to reaching women; 2) strengthen the capacity of ISSATs to in partnership with their communities to solve environmental challenges through innovation and applied research, and 3) develop a culture of sustainability to train informed and committed citizens in the fight against climate change. As we publish this update, we have just been informed by GAC that funding for this 5-year $5 million program has been approved.

CanExport Associations funding for International Business Development proposal

Each Year, Global Affairs Canada issues a call for proposals to industry associations to help their members expand their presence and service export in new international markets. CICan has submitted a proposal with four packages of activities targeting a mix of support for marketing and international student recruitment, and business development focused on finding contracts or cooperation partnerships with governments, industry, or institutions. This year, CICan is also requesting support to explore partnerships in the context of the Horizon Europe program. GAC typically informs applicants of funding decisions in April of each year; save the date messages will be sent to CICan members as soon as possible in the Spring. The proposed packages focus on:

• Indo-Pacific: The Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia. Target dates: mid-October 2025.
• West Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon. Target dates: mid-January 2026
• Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands. Target dates: September 2025
• Turkey and Uzbekistan. Target dates: March 2026.

SKillShift Mongolia proposal

In November, CICan submitted a proposal to Global Affairs Canada for a project entitled the SkillShift Mongolia Program. By drawing on the expertise and experience of CICan members, the project will lead to youth, especially women and people living with disabilities, being equipped with relevant skills to contribute to economic and social development in Mongolia. SkillShift Mongolia will build the capacity of the Ministry of Education and Science (MOES) and the Mongolian National Center for Education Accreditation (MNCEA) staff to develop National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) within Mongolia’s newly drafted National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The project will work directly with Polytechnics in Ulaanbaatar, Tuv and Khovd provinces to develop and deliver a standardized, national curriculum for pre-service and in-service TVET teacher training and pilot it at each of the three polytechnics. Finally, SkillShift Mongolia will work with the three partner polytechnics to develop and deliver Mongolia’s first national TVET leadership training program. The program will be implemented by Colleges and Institutes Canada in close partnership with the Mongolian Ministry of Education and Science (MOEAS).

Vietnam Resilient Innovation for a Sustainable Environment Program (RISE) proposal

In December, CICan submitted a proposal to Global Affairs Canada for a project entitled the Vietnam Resilient Innovation for a Sustainable Environment Program (RISE). By drawing on the expertise and experience of CICan members, the project will support Vietnam’s economic growth by improving its cleantech innovation ecosystem. Vietnam RISE will establish the Canada-Vietnam Green Innovation and Technology Hub (CVGITH) and build the capacity of the Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue Universities of Science and Technology to establish innovation hubs focused on developing and commercializing climate-smart solutions in the energy, transportation and agriculture sectors. The program will be implemented by Colleges and Institutes Canada in close partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the National Innovation Center (NIC), and the Vietnam Network of Higher Education Innovation Entrepreneurship Center (VNEI).

Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to the Indo-Pacific region

Alain Roy, CICan’s VP Programs & Partnerships, participated in the recent TCTM in Indonesia and the Philippines in December 2024 with the objective of assessing business prospects, developing relationships that could lead to potential partnerships, gaining market exposure, particularly in the Indonesian market, and positioning CICan members as partners for Canadian businesses considering investments in those two countries. GAC has already announced an upcoming TCTM to Thailand and Cambodia in May 2025, and an additional TCTM to Brunei and Laos sometime later in 2025.

Global Engagement Mission: Pacific Alliance | February 25 - 27, 2025 | Bogota & Mexico City

In collaboration with the Embassy of Canada and Trade Commission service CICan invites members to participate in business-to-business events in Mexico City, Mexico and Bogota, Colombia. These full-day events will offer participating members opportunities to build partnerships with vetted key regional recruitment partners.

The mission will include briefings session from the Trade Commission Service and IRCC, while providing opportunity for members to share their valued programs and opportunities when choosing Canada as a study destination. For more information, please visit our website.

National IUT Research Congress | March 26 – 27, 2025 | Bayonne, Basque Country, France

The Congrès National de la Recherche des IUT brings together stakeholders in applied research across France’s network of Instituts Universitaires de Technologie (Technical University Colleges) to exchange on topics of mutual interest related to applied research, technology transfer and innovation. CICan is working with l’Assemblée des Directeurs d’Instituts Universitaires de Technologie (ADIUT) to showcase members’ strength in applied research, to highlight common themes and partnership/funding opportunities. Though normally a closed event, up to 10 CICan member institutions are invited to participate with a view to networking with potential partners for applied research initiatives and funding proposals, including in the context of Horizon Europe.

Please contact Andrew Champagne to express your interest in attending this event.

Leadership Institute for leaders in International | June 21 – 26, 2025 | Lord Elgin Hotel Ottawa

Leading in an ever-changing landscape of international education requires strong skills and tools to be effective and successful. This Leadership Institute for Leaders of International is designed to provide an intensive training and development in leadership techniques, strategic and business management practices and other key skills for individual growth and peer learning.

It will be an opportunity to gain expert and peer insights into the challenges and opportunities you face and to create new partnerships and expand your network. This year’s core faculty is led by Camille Khoury, Manager Partnerships & Knowledge Development at CICan, Katie Orr, Director NSCC International at Nova Scotia Community College, Geoff Wilmshurst, VP Enrolment and Community Engagement at Camosun College and Wendy Curtis, Dean Fanshawe International at Fanshawe College. Registration is now open! For more information, please reach out to Revy Hoenjet.

Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030)

The implementation of the 39 scholarship projects in Canada selected during the two calls for projects in 2023 and 2024 is underway.

These scholarship projects, totaling $19.7 million, will enable more than 695 scholarship recipients (students and professors), 63.5% of whom are women, to study in Canada as part of customized training projects, regular study programs or mobility and research stays that meet the needs of partner countries’ labour markets and development priorities.

The first scholarship recipients arrived in Canada in August 2024, and nearly forty will be on Canadian soil by January 2025. 14 Canadian colleges and 33 universities are working closely with 73 higher education institutions in 20 BCDI 2030 partner countries to implement these scholarship projects, which support the employability of scholarship recipients and their return to their home countries.

Three initial leadership institutes for UEMOA Commission management staff were also held in June 2024 in Burkina Faso.

Upcoming calls for proposals: 
– February 2025: Institutional partnerships in leadership and governance, professional integration, employability development (leadership, entrepreneurship, etc.) for scholarship recipients, and the development of gender-sensitive teaching and learning programs and environments.
– February – March 2025: Institutional partnerships in the development of gender-sensitive teaching and learning programs and environments.

Stay tuned with the program developments and all the innovative projects by visiting our website www.bcdi2030.ca!

Global Skills Opportunity (GSO)

The Fall Economic Statement was an important milestone for the sustainability of Global Skills Opportunity. With the support of project leads from colleges and universities, students, and Advisory Group members, Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada pursued a robust advocacy strategy throughout the summer and fall.

More than 700 students, participated in a letter writing campaign reaching MPs in 80 ridings, and close to 2,000 individuals signed a petition in support of program renewal – a remarkable demonstration of commitment and engagement. While a renewed funding commitment would have allowed a new phase to be initiated with minimal disruption, CICan will now focus on closing the pilot phase and final reporting and evaluation.

Despite this outcome, CICan remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this important initiative in partnership with Universities Canada and with your invaluable support. Together, GSO has helped nearly 14,000 Canadian post-secondary students gain critical global skills to advance their careers and lives. It has also served as a catalyst for many institutions to expand their internationalization efforts and forge meaningful partnerships in over 100 countries.

By all measures, GSO has been a resounding success. We intend to celebrate these achievements and focus on impact as we continue delivering through the pilot phase and explore new opportunities for its continuation, including through ongoing and renewed engagement at the federal level.

Egypt Green Skills for the Climate-smart Agribusiness Network Program (EGYCAN)

EGYCAN is a $9.9 million program funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by CICan in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Technical Education of Egypt. This new program officially started in April 2024.

During the last few months, several key activities took place to set up the program, including:

• Signature of the Subsidiary Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Egypt.

• Egyptian delegation, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, Global Affairs Canada and Embassy of Canada in Egypt, and the Private Sector, came to Canada in November 2024. The purpose of the mission was to visit Canadian colleges, institutes, and polytechnics to have a better understanding of the Canadian post-secondary system and the Canadian approach to TVET, notably in relation to climate change, agriculture, applied research, post-harvest management, and industry engagement.

• EGYCAN was officially announced on November 6 at the CICan offices in Ottawa. The key speakers of the event included: (Canada) President and CEO of CICan, Minister of International Development via video, Acting Director of the Middle East Development Desk at GAC; (Egypt) Ambassador of Egypt to Canada, Deputy Minister of Education and Technical Education, and the Chairman of Daltex Corporation. The event was successfully held and attended by representatives from the Government of Canada and Egypt, Canadian colleges, institutes, and polytechnics and Canadian organizations.

• Completion of the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) and submission to Global Affairs Canada in December 2024.

Upcoming Calls for Proposals: CICan will make calls for proposals for six EGYCAN partnerships, starting with the first one this coming this Spring.

A Thousand Women: I am Woman, I Exist, I Participate Senegal (FEP)

Results of the call for proposals launched in September 2024 were recently announced:

• MIN_03: Women’s leadership and mentoring, in partnership with CCNB and Cégep St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
• ÉTS_03: Women’s entrepreneurship, in partnership with Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles.

The 2024 year concluded with:

• The Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum held in Dakar in December, with 155 participants, including 18 from Canadian colleges.

The coming months will be marked by several important actions:

• Launching the selection of the second cohort of women beneficiaries of the project between February and March 2025.
• Training of 14 greening ambassadors from partner ÉTSs in January 2025.
• Technical training at partner ÉTSs by Canadian colleges.
• Forum training on Gender Sensitive Pedagogy (GSP) in February by the ETS_02 partnership.

For more details, follow our Facebook page: CICanFEPSenegal

Empowerment through Skills Program Tanzania (ESP)

In the last 6 months, CICan members traveled to Tanzania to advance collaboration with local partners:

• ESP 01: Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) delivered training on the integration of information, communication, and technology (ICT) in the classroom as well as digital marketing in preparation for the launch of new short courses.
• ESP 04: Humber College, Cégep de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick provided training on pedagogy, life skills, entrepreneurship, gender-sensitive curriculum development, and technical training in food production.
• ESP 05: Seneca Polytechnic and Niagara College facilitated Train-the-Trainer workshops on Cookery, Tailoring and Entrepreneurship and delivered a student workshop on gender and marketing.
• ESP 06: Durham College, Centennial College, and Sault College College delivered training strategies, conducted classroom assessment, and provided capacity building training.

In addition, CICan members hosted Tanzanian partners in Canada for experiential learning and training:

• ESP 01: NSCC hosted six Folk Development Colleges (FDCs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) and provided leadership training, local government / industry partner tours, and a campus visit.
• ESP 02: Fanshawe College and Cégep de Trois-Rivières hosted six FDC and CBO staff members, offering training on educational leadership, pedagogy, curriculum development, gender initiatives, and industry engagement.
• ESP 03: NorQuest College welcomed nine FDC and CBO representatives for leadership training, industry engagement strategies, and technical skills development ahead of course launches.
• ESP 04: Humber College and Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick facilitated a benchmarking mission for six FDC and CBO staff, featuring industry visits, training on career counseling, and experiential learning integration.

In November, the ESP team, with support from Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, renovated and equipped daycare centers at all 12 FDCs. These daycare centers aim to reduce educational barriers for young mothers by providing safe childcare while they attend classes.

In December, the ESP team delivered $835,000 worth of ICT equipment, including modern computer labs and portable devices, to all FDCs. Installation and staff training are scheduled for February 2025.

Lastly, the ESP looks forward to welcoming Canadian and Tanzanian partners to a Partnership Forum in May 2025 in Tanzania to review progress, share best practices, and explore emerging opportunities.

Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training (KBEST)

The selection process for three partnerships was recently completed and we are pleased to announce the selected member institutions:

• KBEST 12 Thematic Partnership on Online Blended Learning – Algonquin College in partnership with Camosun College and Georgian College.
• KBEST 13 Institutional Partnership on Capacity Building and Marine Courses – Nova Scotia Community College in partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
• KBEST 14 Thematic Partnership on Recognition of Prior Learning – Humber Polytechnic in partnership with NorQuest College.

A two-day orientation session for Phase 2 KBEST Partners will take place in Nairobi at the beginning of February 2025.

CICan members have initiated their partnership activities and finalized the course/program selections for KBEST. They also traveled to Kenya to collaborate with Kenyan partners on the following activities:

• KBEST 02: Nova Scotia Community College conducted graduate profile and occupational standards workshops and industry consultation meetings.
• KBEST 06: Fanshawe College and College Boreal conducted training on learning materials development and CBET and held meetings with industry representatives.
• KBEST 11:Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture and College of the North Atlantic held industry meetings and performed infrastructure/equipment needs assessments.

In September, KBEST hosted a workshop to develop a framework for short courses, micro-credentials, and partial qualifications. Representatives from Kenyan TVET agencies, polytechnics, and industry stakeholders collaborated to create a guidance note for program partners ensuring alignment with regulatory standards.

KBEST has also launched partnerships with Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs), including KEFEADO and Akili Dada, to implement gender responsive community outreach campaigns. These campaigns are designed to foster support for young women and marginalized group to participate in Blue Economy TVET programs and careers. Additionally, KBEST is collaborating with the Forum for African Women Educationalists-Kenya (FAWE) who delivered gender-responsive pedagogy training, ensuring that curricula and program delivery will be inclusive and equitable.

Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE)

The period saw all partnerships completing program deliverables as the program enters its final year in 2025.

• SAGE 01 (Belize) Completion of career development training and indigenous mentorship program led by Suncrest College.
• SAGE 02 (Dominica) Algonquin & Dalhousie will be in Dominica in February for a grant writing workshop and closing ceremonies.
• SAGE 03 (Grenada) Marine Institute was in Grenada for closing ceremonies in December.
• SAGE 04 (Guyana) Graduation of prep program occurred at Essequibo Technical Institute and closing ceremonies will take place in March.
• SAGE 05 (Jamaica) Working on Applied Research projects and developing an applied research process both with Moneague and Ebony Park which is being completed with College of the North Atlantic . Plans for Closing ceremonies in February.
• SAGE 06 (St. Lucia) Dalhousie will be in St. Lucia in February and will be working with SALCC on applied research and along with Algonquin will be offering a grant writing workshop as well as closing ceremonies.
• SAGE 07 (Eco-Tourism) NSCC, Seneca & Niagara College have completed the deliverables of this consultancy. A workshop is planned in January to share the results and discuss sustainability of the Eco-Tourism micro-credentials.
• SAGE 08 (Educational Technology) Durham completed the training in development of online courses & instruction and through the SAGE field office a workshop is planned in January in Grenada to share country results. CANTA members have been invited to discuss developing a framework for online delivery across the CARICOM countries.

SAGE launched a new pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship program in Guyana. The Women in Mining pre-apprenticeship program began in August 2024 with 13 women enrolled and is being conducted at the Mines Commission’s Mining School’s training facility. This initiative focuses on sustainable mining, marking a critical step in integrating green skills into Guyana’s mining sector and offering a transformative opportunity for women who often face barriers to decent work in this male-dominated industry. A second apprenticeship program for heavy equipment technicians with Genequip in Guyana also started. A second phase of the successful apprenticeship program in construction in Grenada also began during this period.

19 Indigenous students and three faculty from Guyana, Dominica and Belize participated in an Experiential Learning Tour to Alberta and Saskatchewan, visiting Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Garbriel Dumont Institute, Saskatchewan Indian institute of Technology, Red Deer Polytechnic and Norquest College who all offered the students a rich program of activities and the opportunity to exchange with students on a range of issues including indigenous identify, cultural pride, history and contemporary issues.

South African Skills Training Enhancement Program (SASTEP)

The selection process for four thematic partnerships was recently completed and we are pleased to announce the winning member institutions:

• SASTEP-01 Thematic Partnership on Online and Blended Learning – Durham College in partnership with Fanshawe College and the Marine Institute of Memorial University.
• SASTEP-02 Thematic Partnership on Gender and Inclusion – North Island College in partnership with Nova Scotia Community College and Suncrest College.
• SASTEP-03 Thematic Partnership on School-to-work transition – Suncrest College with NorQuest College.
• SASTEP-04 Thematic Partnership on Partnerships and Applied Research – Mohawk College in partnership with College of the North Atlantic.

In February, SASTEP will be holding a partner orientation forum in Pretoria to kick off members’ activities in the program.

Young Africa Works – Kenya: Youth Employability Through TVET (YAWK-TVET)

Young Africa Works had the honour of having the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E William Ruto commission Kabete National Polytechnic’s Industrial Automation and Robotics equipment during celebrations to mark 100 years of TVET in Kenya. This was the culmination of several years of technical and pedagogical support by College of the North Atlantic. The Principal Secretary of the State Department for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria commissioned Taita Taveta National Polytechnic’s new, state-of-the-art Gemology workshops and a smart classroom, making TTNP the first TVET institution in Kenya to offer Gemology courses.  This work has been supported by Vancouver Community College and Nova Scotia Community College who developed the courses and trained instructors. The program supported trainees and trainers from six partner TVET institutions to participate in Kenya Innovation Week 2024. A major highlight was a visit by the President of Kenya to the CICan booth where he had a one-on-one engagement with some innovators.

Kisumu National Polytechnic and Friends National Polytechnic have set up daycare centers to accommodate trainers and trainees who need daycare services as they go about their training or learning. Finally, the program completed 10-day CBET training sessions for 1,264 TVET trainers in 10 TVET institutions based on training originally developed by the Kenya School of TVET and TVET Authority in partnership with Algonquin College, Durham College, and Camosun College. Cumulatively this training has reached 6,668 trainers so far. The program is now in its final year.