About the CILC

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

History of the Children's International Learning Centre

UNICEF News

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.

25th anniversary of the United Nations

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.

Class visits

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 a 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.

Present

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!

Summary

• 1970 - CILC began as an Information Centre on Children's Cultures
• 1972 - 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 granted a charity registration number
• 1990 - Opened 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

Board of Directors

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