The New Horizons Project
Project Rationale:
The population of the Outer Gulf Islands in British Columbia (Pender, Mayne, Galiano, and Saturna) is aging. There are relatively fewer school-aged children every year, and opportunities for school aged children and senior citizens to interact and form the constructive relationships that infuse and support healthy communities are diminishing.
The knowledge requirements of Canadians’ jobs are growing rapidly. Despite the successes of Canadian schools, a gap remains between the demand for workers with strong literacy and numeracy skills and the supply of Canadians who possess them.
(Source: Canadian Council on Learning )
Canadian cities—now home to 80% of Canada’s citizens—offer economic, educational and cultural opportunities, but also face problems related to equity, maintenance of social cohesion, and civic engagement. Pioneered in Europe and Australia, the creation of “Learning Cities” recognizes that optimal social and financial well-being occurs under conditions that favour lifelong learning for all.
(Source: Canadian Council on Learning)
Science is playing a growing role in public policy and in the daily lives of most citizens. As a result, science literacy skills are becoming increasingly important. Free-choice science learning is a form of non-sequential, self-paced and voluntary learning “that is guided by a person’s needs and interests.”
The Composite Learning Index is a practical measurement tool that can help Canadians identify their community’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to fostering the best possible environment for lifelong learning. The CLI results offer community leaders and decision-makers a unique and valuable opportunity to help shape how their community can achieve the economic and social benefits that come from lifelong learning.
(Source: Canadian Council on Learning,published in both English and French)
