Certificate Course on Care and Protection of Children with
Global Classroom Initiative in Sri Lanka

Collaborative effort of  the Programme on Forced Migration and Health of the Columbia University, the Open University of Sri Lanka and the Programme Learning Group/CPC Learning Network  of  the Institute for Participatory Interaction in Development.

The CPC Learning Network/Programme Learning Group of the Institute for Participatory Interaction in Development is in the process of providing technical support in initializing the training course. During the course of the time, the PLG would facilitate the curriculum development and lessons formulation to suit to the local context. Currently, the CPC Learning Network/PLG explores the sources of funding for initial provisions.

The Programme on Forced Migration and Health of the Columbia University would provide a 13 weeks Course (Global Classroom) on Care and Protection of Children with a range of online learning modules including illustrative videos, audio lectures and electronic version of articles and space of the website for class discussions and assignments.
The Global Classroom is grounded in the concept of “distributed learning” that will mobilize the power of a diverse set of learners in different parts of the world to collectively explore the multifaceted challenges associated with organized efforts to protect children and promote their well-being in emergencies.  It will emphasize global standards and best practice; the value of local, culturally-grounded voices/experience; collaborative work spaces and networked communications; locally-informed investigations or assignments; a common resource bank/library; and, shared calendar of events or syllabus.

It is envisaged that the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Open University Sri Lanka would develop the course curriculum, lessons and reading materials and convert the Global Classroom materials into Open University approved format. Further, the Open University would provide space for the course with adequate technology, internet access and computer facilities in the Open University, its Regional Centers and Study Centers, enroll students, coordinate lecturers, conduct classes and assessments and ensure the sustainability of the Course.