CCY 3910 6.0 - Children, Youth & Accessibility: Local and Global Perspectives | Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)

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CCY 3910 6.0 - Children, Youth & Accessibility: Local and Global Perspectives

This course examines the diverse experiences of children and young people living with disabilities and access needs across cultural, political, and social contexts, with a particular focus on Madagascar. Students will examine historical and contemporary perspectives on disability, with particular focus on inequalities shaping the lives of children and young people globally. The course combines interdisciplinary scholarship with experiential learning in Nosy Be, Madagascar, where students engage with local community organizations, including a center for children with disabilities and a school where children engaged in child labour are taught reading, writing, and math education.

Through these experiences, students connect theory to practice, examine educational and community-based supports in resource-limited contexts, consider the ethical and cultural dimensions of advocacy and inclusion, and develop a small but sustainable project that supports educational opportunities for young people in Nosy Be. In addition, students will also engage with the United Kingdom nonprofit, L.A.B. (Learn. Achieve. Become.), which funds and oversees programming at these organizations. L.A.B. is dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged individuals and communities in different communities around the globe through free education and sports projects. By combining interdisciplinary scholarship with cross-cultural, hands-on engagement in Madagascar, this course develops students’ critical, ethical, and practical skills for promoting inclusive and equitable practices for children and young people.

Please note that applicants to this course may be interviewed by Prof. Kael Reid and once accepted into the course, are required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check from their local police service, and all required vaccinations prior to travelling to Madagascar at their own cost.

Quick Links

Applications are open until 12:00 p.m. EST. on January 22, 2027.

Please note that all program dates and costs are tentative and subject to change. Final program fees will be determined based on enrolment numbers and the confirmed course itinerary.

Prerequisites: None. By permission of instructor for students outside of CCY.

Location: Nosy Be, Madagascar

Course Dates:
2 days per week, 3 hours per day (Semester 1), May 3 – May 26, 2027 at 91��ɫ; May 28 – June 13, 2027 in Nosy Be, Madagascar

Course Director:

Prof. Kael Reid, Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities (kaelreid@yorku.ca).

Enrolment: Min. 10 students, max. 16 students

Course Details

Must be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions, the presence of insects and small animals, and large animals on the streets.

Sleeping conditions can be either very hot and humid, or cool.

Must be prepared to walk or take tuk-tuks to get around (there is no transit system)

Must be prepared to be on site (schools) for 7 hours a day, Monday-Friday.

Must be willing to live with limited electricity and access to internet while in Madagascar.

Must be able to adapt to respect local cultural norms.

Must obtain all necessary vaccinations before departure.

Must obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Madagascar.

Must be willing to eat a diet that reflects local cultural norms (we can accommodate some dietary restrictions, but not all are possible)

Having a beginner’s grasp of French is an asset but not necessary

Students will stay at Hotel La Maison des Parfums in shared rooms.

Breakfast is included.

Some lunches are included.

Outgoing Global Learning Funding - 91��ɫ International):

The 91��ɫ International Mobility Award

LA&PS International Study Abroad Award

The Paulina Lau Scholars Program

Martin and Maria Singer Study Abroad Award

Please note that all student participants are required to depart on the same flight, as pickup for the group is prearranged on arrival to Madagascar. Students will be notified well ahead of time of the flight they will need to book.

Tourist visas are required for Canadian citizens staying in Madagascar for longer than 15 days. You can obtain a 30- or 60-day tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Madagascar.

Students are responsible for knowing Madagascar’s entry and exit requirements and ensuring they have the appropriate travel documents. Please refer to the  travel advisories and information for Madagascar.

Program Costs

Cost		Details
Estimated Program Fee	$1,556 (based on 10 students)	Included in program fee: hotel accommodation in Nosy Be, breakfast and some lunches, transportation, all site visits and excursions, most meals, professor-related costs (travel, accommodations, meals, incidentals). **Program fee subject to change based on final number of students and final course itinerary.
Additional Costs
Flights to/from Nosy Be	$2,500	Estimate. Depends on departure location and date of purchase.
Madagascar 30-day Tourist Visa	$60	Estimate. Depends on daily exchange rate. Required for Canadian citizens staying longer than 15 days.
Travel Vaccinations	$450	Estimate. Please consult with a travel clinic at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
Guard.me Travel Insurance	$100	Estimate. Students are required to purchase Guard.me insurance.
Toronto Police Vulnerable Sector Check	$26.72	Required for this course as students will be working with children.
Spending money	$600	Variable. All students should budget additional funds for souvenirs, meals, and other personal expenses.
91��ɫ Tuition (Domestic)	$1,486.02	Approximate based on for 6.0 credits in LA&PS courses. Subject to change based on program.
91��ɫ Tuition (International)	$8,147.52	Approximate based on for 6.0 credits in LA&PS courses. Subject to change based on program.
Approximate Total Program Costs (subject to change)
Domestic Students	$6,778.74
International Students	$13,440.24