Public Education

Education is a fundamental human right and responsibility.

Preamble

Every individual and organ of society should strive by teaching and education to promote respect for human rights and freedoms
Universal Declaration of Human Rights

To meet this responsibility, the commission provides public education to promote the principle that every person is free and equal in dignity and rights.

Human rights education encourages behavioral change through examining personal assumptions, developing skills to live and work in an environment of diversity. The goal is to empower Nova Scotians to bring about social change as it affects issues of human rights, justice and dignity for all.

Human rights education involves providing learning opportunities to Nova Scotians to shape social change, values and attitudes in the direction of embracing human rights for all. This is to encourage Nova Scotians to value human rights and take responsibility for respecting, defending and promoting human rights.

Race Relations Equity and Inclusion provides consultation, training programs, workshops and outreach activities to members of the public by request or as part of dispute resolution.

Consultation

The human rights education process begins long before training sessions. Educational activities use adult learning principles and participatory models. Facilitators and participants must work together to deliver a successful training program.

Staff at the commission will meet with parties interested in training to discuss needs and specifically target activities to meet those needs.

Learning also continues after training sessions as individuals interact further with diverse staff in organizations, business clientele and general members of the public. Commission staff also provides follow-up sessions for interested parties following the implementation of programs.

Training Programs

There are many areas covered by human rights education programs including race relations, diversity, discrimination, harassment and respectful workplaces.

The commission is committed to delivering quality, up-to-date information for the Nova Scotia public. The Training and Education Officer has experience delivering training workshops on human rights issues facing our province.

Human rights education has an emphasis on action and offers meaningful ways to effectively respond to issues. Training also focuses on building skills of negotiation, mediation and consensus building.

A recent program evaluation showed that our human rights education programs are highly respected and comparable to other leaders in the field of Human Rights Education nationally and international.

Learn more about training workshops.

Mandated Training

Training can be mandated as part of a settlement agreement following the filing of a complaint. These training sessions are required by law as a result of the approval of the settlement agreement. They are confidential and usually based on specific issues related to the complaint. The cost associated with this type of training is $150 per person, per day (excluding meals).