Humber International Development Institute

09/25/2026

On September 22nd, CAP Youth Empowerment Institute in Kenya celebrated the closure of the STEM Education for Empowerment Project (STEEP) in Kenya! 🎉

STEEP was a four-year, $4M initiative funded by the Government of Canada through Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada and The Barrett Family Foundation. Humber Polytechnic led the project in a triangular partnership with CAP Youth Empowerment Institute in Kenya and HaHuJobs in Ethiopia. STEEP focused on increasing the participation of adolescent girls in and out of school in STEM education to transition into STEM careers.

STEEP demonstrated that lasting change requires collaboration across the entire ecosystem, from girls, teachers and families to communities, training institutions, government and employers. Through this partnership, the project has helped strengthen more inclusive pathways into STEM and create opportunities for girls and young women to turn their skills into education, employment and livelihoods.

As STEEP comes to a close, these partnerships, lessons and strengthened pathways provide a foundation for continued progress and a future where more girls in Kenya can access, succeed in and build careers in STEM.

09/15/2026

🏆 Humber’s International Development Institute (IDI) has been awarded the 2026 Internationalization Award at the Humber Polytechnic's President’s Breakfast for the Bhutan Education and Skills Training (BEST) Project.

The team was recognized for advancing Humber’s internationalization efforts through contributions to curriculum development, student engagement and employment pathways for youth in Bhutan, as well as strengthening the skills of Bhutanese trainers to deliver labour-market and industry skills that support employability and improved livelihoods.

This achievement would not have been possible without the faculty, staff and students who have contributed their knowledge, expertise and experience to the project.

To celebrate the people behind this work, IDI is launching The International Development Institute (IDI) in Practice: People & Perspectives, a spotlight series highlighting the cross-institutional, multidisciplinary and multi-level collaboration that drives IDI’s international development projects.

Faculty of Applied Science and Technology faculty Liane Cook and Anna Santilli share their experiences travelling to Bhutan as part of the BEST Project, where they supported capacity building for trainers at technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.

🎥 Hear Liane and Anna’s testimonials from their time in Bhutan: https://youtu.be/vdmQ1qGshUY

Bhutan Education and Skills Training - BEST Humber College, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology

Humber Polytechnic's Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology fac...

08/19/2026

08/06/2026

Fadheela Ahmed, one of Humber Polytechnic's Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship recipients, recently delivered a presentation on Green Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to the environmental sustainability committee at the Royal Institute for Tourism and Hospitality, one of the 10 TVET institutions participating in the Bhutan Education and Skills Training (BEST) Project.

As a recipient, Fadheela is one of the QES Young Leaders for Climate Action in Bhutan, where she is building the knowledge and skills to help address climate change.

Her presentation focused on raising awareness of sustainable practices that can be implemented at RITH. The session encouraged participants to foster a culture of sustainability among students by highlighting the importance of our shared responsibility to protect the environment.

To make the learning practical and culturally relevant, Fadheela facilitated an interactive workshop where participants used local snack packaging to practice sorting waste into the appropriate recycling categories.

We look forward to seeing these practices at RITH in the future!

The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) Program is funded by Fondation Rideau Hall Foundation and administered by Universities Canada/Universités Canada.

07/29/2026

07/25/2026

Today we celebrate International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent under the 2026 theme “Rising Together: Women and Girls of African Descent Leading with Strength.”

Women and girls of African descent continue to face barriers to education, gender inequality, healthcare, and representation in leadership roles. Despite these challenges, they continue to rise, excelling academically, advocating for gender equality and healthcare, and setting an example, leading the way for women and girls.

Across Humber Polytechnic’s International Development Institute-led projects, women and girls in East Africa are enhancing their skills and knowledge for opportunities to lead in their communities and pursue meaningful careers, shaping a more inclusive future.

In Kenya and Ethiopia, adolescent girls aged 14-18 are gaining STEM skills, life skills, and the confidence to transition into tertiary education, STEM careers, and entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, in Tanzania, women and girls are undergoing training, gaining access to business and labour-market-relevant skills, and gender and human rights training.

In Kenya, youth are being equipped with knowledge and industry-relevant skills to generate employment opportunities and economic growth in the blue economy, while youth Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) are bridging skills gaps, recognizing skills acquired outside of formal learning environments to discover employment and entrepreneurship within Kenya’s blue economy.

By investing in education, skills development, and leadership opportunities, we are empowering women and girls of African descent to shape stronger communities and inspire future generations.

07/15/2026

Today we celebrate 2026 under the theme "Skills for a Shared Future,” highlighting the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in employment and entrepreneurship. It also brings together youth, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, industry, development partners, and governments to recognize the vital role of skills development in building a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Across Humber Polytechnic’s International Development Institute-led projects, youth are developing industry-relevant skills that prepare them for employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.

In Bhutan, the Bhutan Education and Skills Training (BEST) project is strengthening youth competencies through TVET and 21st-century skills that respond to labour-market needs and support the country’s socio-economic development.

Through the STEM Education for Empowerment Project (STEEP), girls in Kenya and Ethiopia are gaining STEM skills and the confidence to pursue higher education, careers, and entrepreneurship.

Under the Empowerment Through Skills Program in Tanzania (ESP-04), women and girls are gaining access to business, skills, and gender and human rights training.

Meanwhile, TVET institutions in Kenya are strengthening pathways to employment and entrepreneurship and also bridging the skills gap by recognizing competencies acquired through non-formal and informal learning under the Kenya Blue Economy Skills Training Projects.

Investing in youth skills is creating a shared future where young people are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute to sustainable development in their communities and beyond.

07/15/2026

Bhutan is advancing inclusion by creating greater opportunities and access for persons with disabilities. Organizations across the country continue to strengthen support systems that promote participation and belonging.

Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) is a public benefit organization that focuses on supporting families by providing direct early intervention and assistance to children living with diverse abilities and their families.

With the support of ABS, children with disabilities receive guidance to enhance their diverse capabilities, and families in Bhutan strengthen their skills to empower their loved ones living with diverse abilities in their care.

ABS's support, guidance, and intervention build confidence, equip children with disabilities with various skills, and create opportunities for independence, growth, employment, and self-employment.

Let’s through access and opportunity, proving that with the right support and systems in place, !

The Bhutan Education and Skills Training (BEST) project is a five-y...

07/15/2026

Bhutan is advancing inclusion by creating greater opportunities and access for persons with disabilities. Organizations across the country continue to strengthen support systems that promote participation and belonging.

Draktsho Vocational Training Center for Special Children and Youth Bhutan is focused on supporting persons with disabilities in Bhutan actively and equitably participating in Bhutan’s socio-economic development and living a fulfilling life.

Draktsho VTC provides training in life skills, basic literacy, and numeracy to persons with disabilities for daily and future needs. Through it’s state-of-the-art training, support services, and dedicated trainers, the institution ensures quality opportunities for developing skills for life and vocation to overcome barriers for improved livelihoods.

Let’s through training and empowerment, because with the right support and opportunities, !

BEST is funded by the Government of Canada through Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada. Humber Polytechnic leads the project in partnership with Bhutan's Ministry of Education and Skills Development and RENEW, a Civil Society Organization in Bhutan.

The Bhutan Education and Skills Training (BEST) project is a five-y...

06/24/2026

Bhutan is advancing inclusion by creating greater opportunities and access for persons with disabilities. Organizations across the country continue to strengthen support systems that promote participation and belonging.

The Disabled People's Organization of Bhutan-DPO was founded by a group of persons with disabilities to recognize their voices.

Focused on creating an inclusive society that recognizes, respects, and promotes the rights and needs of persons with disabilities in Bhutan, the DPO empowers persons with disabilities through advocacy, awareness, accessibility, capacity building, and inclusive community initiatives that promote equal rights, participation, and opportunities for all.

This support and access offer a wide range of possibilities for persons with disabilities and their families to thrive in their communities.

Let’s by building a more inclusive future where every person is empowered to succeed because !

BEST is funded by the Government of Canada through Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada. Humber Polytechnic leads the project in partnership with Bhutan's Ministry of Education and Skills Development and RENEW, a Civil Society Organization in Bhutan.

The Bhutan Education and Skills Training (BEST) project is a five-y...