HREA: Child Rights Programming

This distance 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 and learn how to apply the principles of children's right to be heard, non-discrimination, and best interests, and 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.

The course involves approximately 50 hours of reading, on-line working groups, interaction with students and instructors, chat sessions, webinars and assignments, and is offered over an 11-week period, beginning on 3 February 2010. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on critical reflection and peer-to-peer learning. The course instructors 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: Key components and principles of Child Rights Programming
• Week 4: "Child Participation" - Children as active agents in their own development
• Week 5: Open week
• Week 6: Child Rights Situation Analysis and Planning
• Week 7: Programme Design
• Week 8: Monitoring and Evaluation
• Weeks 9-10: Analysis of Child Rights Programming: Case Study 
• Week 11: Becoming a Child Rights Focused Organisation or Network

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.

Costs

The course tuition fee is US$725. Tuition for auditors is US$275. Unfortunately, there are no scholarships or discounted tuition fees available for this course.

Application

The deadline for applications is 1 December 2009. Applications received after that day unfortunately cannot be accepted. Successful applicants will be notified by 7 December 2009 at the latest. Full tuition payment for accepted participants is due on 21 December 2009.

Dates: 3 February - 20 April 2010

Online Application: Click Here.

For more information, click here.