Now that we have settled into our new offices, CCI activities are in full swing.

Great news! CCI was just now been granted Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This "special" status recognizes CCI’s particular expertise in certain sectors of activity covered by the Council which could conceivably seek our expertise and advice on issues related to our organisation’s special skills. In addition, this allows CCI to be informed in advance of ECOSOC’s agenda and participate in United Nations meetings, events and conferences. This is good news for CCI, whose credibility is thereby enhanced.

Portraits of Children

Since our children are CCI’s priority, we decided to share through each newsletter the portrait of one child among the many we support. You can follow their life journey and share with us the joy we feel at seeing them fulfill their potential.

Dhana

Dhanalaxmi's father being ill, she could no longer work. Her mother sold fish at the market and her little brother suffered from mild mental retardation.

Dhana could only see her parents once a month when her employer gave her permission to leave the factory.

She was 12 when she arrived at the Rainbow Centre in 2003. At that time, she worked in a shrimp factory cleaning production lines using chemicals that were harmful to her health. She was working to repay the 1,400 rupees her mother had borrowed to compensate for the loss of paternal income. Upon her arrival at the centre, she suffered from respiratory problems and a recurring cough and fever.

Photo : Dhana, 12 years old, 2003.

Today at 18, Dhana attends Gayathri High School where she is finishing her 10th grade. She is one of the best students in her class, obtaining excellent results in grammar, English, mathematics and science.

While a few years ago her life expectancy was less than 18 years, today she is radiant with health. From now on, because of her regained self-confidence, she can plan for her future, and would like to become an engineer. CCI is also supporting the local school where her brother goes in order to allow all children from that village to attend school.

Photo : Dhana today.

Activities in Canada

The Educational Toolkit is ready

Free and easy to download, the educational toolkit is ready for the back to school season! Designed for high-school students, it includes five Learning and Evaluation Situations (LES) on various topics related to the exploitation of child labour. LES was developed in accordance with the Quebec Education Programme (QEP).

For a great many children, it is simply not possible to grow up in peace, eat one’s fill, have a roof over one’s head and access to education, live with one’s family and be free of exploitation. About 215 million children are forced to work in violation of their fundamental rights. This issue concerns all of us because it is rooted in injustice, inequality and an uneven distribution of wealth between rich and developing countries.

It is to raise awareness of this reality that CCI has created and produced this educational toolkit. The goal is to help students discover and learn about the issue of child labour. In the context of globalisation, it is essential to have a critical and nuanced understanding of child labour.

With this kit, CCI hopes to contribute to the education of students in Quebec on this issue.

To download the package (French version only).

Quebec International Solidarity Days (QISD)

In the Province of Quebec, the public is invited from November 2 to 12, 2011, to participate in many activities to help better understand the current challenges faced by international solidarity. This year, the 15th QISD campaign focuses on civic engagement.
For more information about QISD (French only)

CCI invites you to its happy hour

As part of the QISD effort, CCI invites you to a happy hour held in partnership with FEM International. Check out our photo exhibition and talk with the founders of organisations, students, and members of the international aid community to learn about why they stay committed. This is an excellent opportunity to share your own experiences with others!
Date : Thursday, November 3, 2011
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: 6050 St-Hubert, Montreal (offices of FEM International)
Cost: Free

Projects Undertaken by our Volunteers

Bijoux Bazar

A dozen artists have created hundreds of unique and original pieces of jewellery, which will be sold at a low price (from 5$) for the benefit of CCI. This is the third year we hold this event in the hope of raising $4,000 towards helping children who are victims of slavery.


Date: Sunday, November 6, 2011,
Time: 9h30 h from 15h30
Location: Vieux Presbytère de Saint-Bruno-de Montarville (15 rue des Peupliers).

For more information (French only)

A Glance at…

Modern-day Slavery in Thailand

Read more about it (article in French only from Le Figaro)

The human cost of chocolate

Read more about it

News about our Team!

We're hiring!

The position of Head of Fundraising is currently vacant. Our Managing Director will be busy interviewing in early October.

CCI has moved!

We have left our previous office for a larger and brighter one! Our new address is as follows:

150 Grant St., Suite 314
Longueuil QC J4H 3H6

To contact us, dial 514 871-8088 or email us at info@aipe-cci.org

A motto that inspires us:

"Responsibility implies solidarity." Victor Hugo

  Help us out!

Buy our New CCI T-Shirts!

CCI’s new tee-shirts (fair-trade and eco-conscious) are here. All sales profits will be used to support our projects in India and Thailand. Make a stand against child labour!
Where to buy and how to order your T-shirts

Buy CCI's Greeting Cards

Learn more about it

Buy the CD “Coeur d'enfants” by the students of l’École Tourterelle!

École Tourterelle, a public primary school situated on Montreal's south shore (Brossard) has recorded a musical CD entitled “Coeur d'enfants” (a play on words: coeur meaning heart, and choeur—pronounced the same way—meaning choir). This project required the participation of 145 children aged 5 to 12 years of age (including 51 soloists) directed by three musicians (Anne, Carol and Hélène). The songs on the soundtrack celebrate childhood and the importance of protecting children throughout the world. To order your CD .

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