Home

History of the Children's International Learning Centre

UNICEF began in 1946 as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, to help the children of war-devastated Europe. In the early 1950's, the General Assembly shortened UNICEF's name and enlarged the organization's mandate to address the problems of children in the developing world. In 1965, UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, linking work for children to world peace.

In an issue of "UNICEF News", 1968, there appeared a short article about the "Information Centre on Children's Cultures" which had been established by UNICEF volunteers in New York City. The Centre assembled a collection of children's books, toys, games, costumes, household articles, musical instruments and handicrafts from many lands.

With this idea in mind the Centre in Hamilton was established in October 1970 to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the United Nations. Originally, the Centre, housed in a single room and requiring untold volunteer hours to set up temporary displays in schools and libraries, dreamed of acquiring artifacts from every continent.

In January 1972, the group received the official approval of the Director of Education for Hamilton Public Schools for classes to visit. For many years, school classes and community groups visited the CILC in permanent space at the MacNab St. YWCA. By 1990, The Children's International Learning Centre, a free-standing not-for-profit organization with its own Board of Directors, was working from its own suite at 100 James St. S., using artifacts from over 92 countries to produce interactive educational programming for all ages.

The Children's International Learning Centre continues to grow and develop great hands-on programming. We are able to do this at our home at 189 King William St. We even have a green space in the urban downtown core!

The Children's International Learning Centre is a not-for-profit organization supported by grants, donations, admissions, membership fees, fundraising and volunteers.

Summary

  • 1970 - CILC began as an Information Centre on Children's Cultures
  • 1972 - Received the official approval of the Director of Education for Hamilton Public Schools for classes to visit the Centre in the YWCA.
  • 1988 - Incorporated as The Children's International Learning Centre (Hamilton) and was granted a charity registration number
  • 1990 - Opened a location at 100 James St. South, Hamilton from 1990 - 2000 (leased)
  • 2001 - Purchased a building at 189 King William St, Hamilton, which is the current CILC location.

The CILC has a Board of Directors, with a maximum of 15 members, which meets regularly. As part of their role as board members they are expected to serve on one or more CILC committees.

Please see "Who's Who in the CILC"

 
About Us
History
Who's Who at CILC
Programmes
Yearly Programmes
Special Programmes
The Children's International Peace Choir

How You Can Help
Programme Volunteers
Project Assistace
News
Newsletters
 
The Children's International Learning Centre, 189 King William St., Hamilton, Ontario, L8R 1A7
Phone: 905-529-8813 | Fax:905-529-8911 | Contact Us On Line