Interested in learning about mine action? Interested in participating in a mine action study tour of the Balkans?
The Youth Mine Action Ambassador Program (YMAAP) is pleased to invite colleagues to participate in its two-week summer training program and/or 11-day study tour of mine action in a post-conflict region.
Training: August 23 – 28 & August 30 – September 4 ($350/week or $650 for two weeks)
Study Tour: September 7 – 19 (subject to change) ($1950 + airfare)
Note: All costs are in Canadian dollars.
Since 1998, YMAAP has trained 51 interns to design and deliver education and outreach programs on landmines issues across Canada. YMAAP has proven expertise in preparing young professionals to raise awareness and catalyze action on global issues. The program has developed a unique and intensive training program which provides young professionals with the technical knowledge and background on landmines issues, as well as the skills and expertise to successfully educate others and facilitate action.
YMAAP and its partner organizations Mines Action Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Mine Action Team of Foreign Affairs Canada are pleased to open the intensive training session and mine action study tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia to other young adults interested in developing expertise in landmines issues.
Space is available for up to three participants to join each week of the training session along with the six Youth Mine Action Ambassadors (YAs) starting their nine-month internship. The mine action study tour to a post-conflict region will include 7 days in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 4 days in Croatia. Space will be available for up to three participants to travel with the six Youth Mine Action Ambassadors and two YMAAP staff.
Note: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia are post-conflict countries, the effects of which will be visible throughout the study tour; tensions between the various ethnic groups remain in the region and infrastructure is poor in many areas. Participants must be prepared for an intense physical and emotional experience.
*English will be the working language of training and study tours.
Who should attend?
- NGO workers involved in mine action and post-conflict issues;
- NGO workers interested in mainstreaming landmines into different fields within international development;
- NGO workers responsible for delivering education and awareness raising programs;
- Young professionals interested in mine action, peacebuilding, social justice, reconstruction and in exploring the links between post-conflict and international development;
- Participants should be under 30 years of age.
What you will gain by participating in training:
- Expertise on the Mine Ban Treaty, Ottawa Process, and technical issues around landmines;
- Knowledge on mine action, including demining technology, survivor assistance and mine risk education;
- Understanding of the developmental impact of landmines and its connectivity to post-conflict issues;
- Knowledge of post-conflict issues, including peacebuilding, social justice and reconstruction;
- Facilitation and presentation skills;
- Skills in engaging the media;
- Fundraising skills and ideas;
- Time management skills;
- Volunteer management skills;
- Connections to an active and dynamic network of individuals and organizations involved in global education and mine action.
What you will gain by participating in a study tour:
- A totally unique travel experience in the Balkans;
- First-hand experience of mine action in action, including mine risk education, survivor assistance and demining;
- Knowledge of demining technologies and techniques;
- Knowledge of Canadian and international organizations involvement in mine action;
- Connections to an active and dynamic network of individuals and organizations involved in global education and mine action.
Training
Participants may join the six Youth Ambassadors (YAs) at one or both weeks of training. Training is held at the National Office of the Canadian Red Cross in downtown Ottawa.
Concepts covered during Week 1 (August 23-28)*:
- History of YMAAP
- On-line landmine resources
- Key players in the Ottawa process and YMAAP (Mine Action Team – Foreign Affairs Canada, Mines Action Canada, Canadian Red Cross)
- Military Utility of Landmines
- Mine Technology
- International Humanitarian Law
- Even Wars Have Limits Campaign
- War Affected Children
- Community Partnerships
- Resources: Gender and Landmines, Agriculture and Landmines, Landmine Monitor
- Understanding the Ottawa Convention
- Landmine Floor Game
- Outreach Target Groups
- Facilitation Workshop (2 days)
- Work Plan/Time Management
- Introduction to Study Tour
Concepts covered during Week 2 (August 30 – September 4)*:
- Survivor Assistance
- Mine Risk Education
- Mainstreaming Mine Action
- Info Notes and Key Messages
- Engaging the Media: Op-Ed pieces, press releases, radio and TV interviews (2 half-day sessions),
- Mine Clearance
- Mine Technology
- Fundraising
- Group Dynamics
- Mine Action Technology Competition
- War-Affected Children
- Landmine Jeopardy!
- Canadian Landmine Awareness Week
- Volunteer Management
- Presentation practice
- Landmines as a Development Issue (2 sessions)
- Community partnerships
- Study tour briefing
* Agenda subject to change.
Study Tour
September 7-19 (dates subject to change)
The study tour will include:
- Visits to mine-affected areas
- Meetings with organizations involved in demining, such as Canadian International Demining Corps, Norwegian People’s Aid and UNICEF
- Meetings with organizations involved with mine risk education and survivor assistance
- Visit to Canadian Armed Forces base
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia are post-conflict regions; tensions remain between local ethnicities and flare-ups may occur without warning. YMAAP staff are responsible for the safety and security of YAs and guests and therefore reserve the right to modify travel plans if necessary.
*Interested candidates should be comfortable traveling as part of a group.
Space is limited to 3 (non-YA) participants in each week of training and 3 (non-YA) participants in the study tour—REGISTER SOON TO SECURE A SPOT!
Contact Alicia Berthiaume at aberthiaume(replace with at sign)dangermines.ca for an application form. All applications must be received by 13 August.
