What does Kawartha World Issues Centre do?
KWIC promotes dialogue and understanding of world issues through special events and educational programmes in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Since 1989, KWIC has served the Peterborough community and Kawartha region by promoting awareness and analysis around issues of vital importance in the world today. This is achieved through collaboration with local and international organizations to organize special programmes and events designed to highlight specific world issues.
Some of the issues KWIC works on are
- Environment
- Hunger and Food
- Poverty
- Women's issues
- Sustainable Development
- Human Rights
- North-South linkages
- County and regional concerns
KWIC's program currently focuses on environmental and social justice issues, particularly environmental racism, climate change and food, and with a focus on youth engagement.
In addition to our annual program, KWIC remains responsive to opportunities for community collaborations and interests to address local and global concerns.
Public Programmes & Networking
KWIC organizes public meetings to discuss global and local issues, offers workshop planning and facilitation sessions, and provides support to local educators for global education programming in the classroom. In co-operation with other groups and individuals, KWIC is involved in annual activities around special international events including:
- Person's Day Breakfast (October)
- International Development Week (Jan/Feb), which kicks off with Peterborough’s own Traveling World Community Film Festival, and closes with the One World Dinner :The World's Largest Vegetarian Potluck'
- Global Youth Day conference (April)
KWIC networks with community-based and educational organizations in the Peterborough and wider community.
Resources
KWIC’s Global Education and Resource offers a free-of-charge, lending library which is open to the public and contains current and historical materials on global issues. Books, resource kits, local and international magazines and videos can be signed out from the centre.
KWIC volunteers support and sit on local organizing committees, such as the Women’s Events Committee.
KWIC currently hosts the Community Calendar, assisting groups with the posting and distribution on local events.
Who does KWIC work with?
- Community educators
- Teachers
- Youth
- Inter-faith community
- Women's groups
- Labour groups
- Environmental groups
- Social justice & peace groups
- Health & social service professionals
- First Nations communities
- Service groups & institutions
- Community members of all ages
