This advanced e-learning course introduces staff members of (international) development agencies and NGOs to child rights programming. A child rights-based approach is a conceptual framework for the process of human development that is normatively based on international children's rights standards and operationally directed to promoting, protecting and fulfilling children's human rights. Essentially, a child rights-based approach integrates the norms, standards and principles of the international human rights system into the plans, policies and processes of programme development for children.
Participants will deepen their knowledge about project and programme development from a child rights perspective. They will learn how to apply the principles of children's right to be heard, non-discrimination, and best interests, as well as about accountability to various phases of project planning and implementation. The course will focus on practical tools for child rights situation assessment, programme planning, implementation, child rights indicators, and monitoring and evaluation within the child rights-based conceptual framework.
This certificate course involves approximately 50 hours of reading, on-line working groups, interaction with students and instructor, webinars and assignments, and is offered over an 11-week period. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on critical reflection and peer-to-peer learning. The course instructor will provide individualised feedback where appropriate. Participants will do the required readings, prepare interim and final assignments and participate in group discussions. The maximum number of course participants is 25. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation. It is also possible to be an auditor of the course.
Course outline
Week 1: Introduction to the Human Rights-Based Approach and Child Rights Programming
Week 2: Children's Rights Standards and Principles
Week 3: Child Rights Systems and Institutions
Week 4: Key Components and Principles of Child Rights Programming
Week 5: Child Participation - Children as active agents in their own development
Week 6: Open week
Week 7: Child Rights Situation Analysis
Week 8: Programme Design
Week 9: Monitoring and Evaluation
Week 10: Child Rights Programming: Case Study
Week 11: Becoming a Child Rights Focused Organisation
About the instructor
Peter Dixon has been an independent consultant and trainer on child rights and child rights programming since 2002 providing support and advice to national and international NGOs, and UN Agencies in over 25 countries. Mr Dixon conducted numerous workshops on child rights situations analysis, child rights programming, human rights-based programming, and monitoring children's rights and has been a lead author and contributor to the development of several internal and interagency child rights programming training and resource tools. From 1994 to 2002 Peter served as Country Programme Director for Save the Children in Sri Lanka and Nepal. He has been a trainer and course instructor for HREA since 2008.
Who should apply
The course is intended for staff members of development and children's rights/social justice organisations, including development NGOs and UN specialised agencies like UNICEF. Candidates should have a good written command of English and have high competence and comfort with computer and Internet use. It is assumed that applicants are familiar with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and with the basic concepts of programming (e.g. the programme cycle, including: situation analysis, setting priorities, implementation, monitoring and evaluation), and have a basic understanding of good practice in child advocacy or relief and development work. HREA aims to ensure equal gender and geographical distribution across the selected participants.
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