Manitoba Council for International Cooperation

Applications for the Community Solidarity Fund (CSF) are now open.

If your organization is involved in international development work, we invite you to join an upcoming information session to learn more about the funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, and application process.

The Community Solidarity Fund is part of the Manitoba Government Matching Grant Program and supports Manitoba not-for-profit, community-based groups working with partners around the world.

Two identical information sessions will be offered on June 17, 2026, at 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Attend the time that works best for you and bring your questions.

The deadline for this round of CSF applications is June 24, 2026.

Learn more and register here: https://www.mcic.ca/get-involved/upcoming-events/event/169

If you are unable to attend either session or experience difficulties registering, please contact Abdal, Global Partnerships Manager, at [email protected].

Sometimes we take the little things for granted.

I (she/her) biked to our MCIC offices in downtown Winnipeg yesterday without a second thought (aside from remembering to fill my water bottle). But women riding bicycles is not acceptable or encouraged everywhere.

There are deep rooted stigmas surrounding women and girls biking in many countries. Things like perceived immodesty and access and freedoms to move. There are other barriers like safety and education that exist worldwide and here at home.

The young women shown in this photo are from a village in northwest Bangladesh where many consider it inappropriate for girls to ride bicycles. But this group were apart of a cycling rally to raise awareness about the dangers of child marriage with Nijera Kori. By simply riding bicycles around their communities, they are making a radical political statement.

The next time I get on my bike, I won't wonder if I'm allowed or if it's appropriate for me to be cycling. I won't be making a political statement, but I will be thinking of these inspiring young women. And I won't take it for granted.

Photo by award-winning activist and photographer Taslima Akhter. This photo is apart of Inter Pares photo exhibition "daughters, mothers, grandmothers and other sexual outlaws".

What is Africa Day? 🌍

It is celebrated every year on May 25, Africa Day recognizes the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 and celebrates the diversity of people, cultures, histories, and leadership across the continent.

Did you know? Around 28% of the world’s young people live in Africa, making it one of the youngest regions in the world.

Across the continent, communities are leading important work in climate action, healthcare, entrepreneurship, education, renewable energy, and community development.

This Africa Day, we’re also highlighting some of the ways MCIC members work alongside local partners across African countries through community-led initiatives and long-term partnerships.

Read the full article 🔗 https://www.mcic.ca/news/114/hope-and-resilience-across-africa

We know the final stretch of the school year can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a time when so much creativity, leadership, and community care shines through. 🌎✨

If you haven't already, we hope you can find a few moments to nominate a fellow educator or administrator who is a leader in your community for a more just and sustainable world.

And for our student friends - if you led a Take Action Project in your Global Issues (40s) class this year, we want to hear about it! Apply for MCIC's Outstanding Take Action Award.

Applications and nominations are open until May 22!

Link for nominations and application 🔗 https://www.mcic.ca/educators-and-youth/educator-student-awards

Need some inspiration? Meet a few of our past award recipients! 👇
1. Brooke (shown here) and Ayesha from St. John's-Ravenscourt School (SJR) wrote and illustrated a children's book called “Periods are red?” Their book aims to reduce period stigma and encourage conversations around menstrual health. It is available in the SJR main library. 📚

2. Peyton created Shoot To Inspire to connect young athletes with female basketball coaches and mentors, helping make sports more inclusive for girls. 🏀

3. Ms. Eckton supports 28 schools in Seven Oaks School Division through climate justice, sustainability, and global citizenship education, helping students turn eco-anxiety into hope and action. She believes that when young people leave school with a “North Star,” they can create “constellations of hope.” 🌱✨

Let us know how you're taking action for a more sustainable and just world.

From Manitoba to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, communities are facing many of the same challenges around climate change, food security, and caring for local land and water. 🌱

In Pek District, the Strengthening Land Rights Project helped communities improve food security, strengthen local leadership, and support women leaders.

The project included:
12 solar-powered irrigation systems 💧
Climate training for farmers 🌾
Training for local water user groups and mediation committees 🤝
Legal awareness workshops with the Lao Women’s Union ⚖️

One activity during a workshop left a strong impression on participants. A community member wore a blindfold and had to rely on others to guide them.

The exercise reflected how difficult life can be when people do not have access to legal knowledge or information, and highlighted the importance of community support and women’s leadership. ✨

This project was led by Mennonite Central Committee - MCC MB and its local partner, helping communities build safer, stronger, and more sustainable futures. 🌍

MCIC loves to read 📚🌱 do you?

This month, we’re highlighting thoughtful reads (in English and French) from our 2026 Reading Lists that explore youth action, resilience, and creating change in our communities.

For adult readers, Essential Work, Disposable Workers by Mostafa Henaway is featured on our Reading List for Global Citizens. It explores systems of inequality and challenges us to think critically about labour, migration, and justice.

For students in Grades 4–6, Little by Little: You Can Change the World by Sonya Ballantyne, Rhael McGregor and Toben Racicot is featured on our Reading List for Global Students. It follows a young person learning to speak up and challenge misinformation in their community.

Pour les élèves de la 7e à la 9e année, le livre Comment tout peut changer par Naomi Klein et Rebecca Steffof explore un mouvement mondial de jeunes qui refusent l'inaction et se mobilisent pour un avenir plus juste. Ce livre est un appel à l'action, offrant des pistes concrètes pour lutter contre les injustices sociales.

These stories highlight how change often begins with small actions, courage, and a willingness to question the world around us.

Find these book lists and other classroom resources on our website 🔗 https://www.mcic.ca/get-involved/idw-resources

We cut out the negativity this week at Winnipeg School Division "Taking care of the planet and each other" event!

Climate anxiety is a heavy burden and sometimes we may feel powerless. So, to craft some positivity, we brought our Art for Climate Action workshop! 🎨

Students visualized the future they want to see and created their own postcard with bold imagery. Together we wrote a message to the Premier, asking for care and consideration for the planet when making decisions. You can read the final messages on photos 1 and 2. 💚

Thanks to all the students for your hard work! And special shout out to our awesome intern from Seven Oaks Met School who helped out.



Sargent Park School Climate Action Team Manitoba