The Coast has been awarded a $300,000 federal government grant to develop tailored adult learning opportunities through existing schools, governments and community programs.
The funding comes shortly after an action research project that identified a need for Coast-wide co-operation between agencies and a need for one-on-one learning opportunities. There was also a need identified for different methods of teaching.
"Many people prefer to learn hands-on in a one-on-one situation as opposed to taking formal classes," said Heather Gordon of the Lighthouse Learning Network, who will oversee the programs developed and implemented with the $300,000 grant.
The newly formed Lighthouse Learn-ing Network has been awarded the 30-month project funding. The network will formally introduce itself and its plans to the public on Thursday, Sept. 22, at their free event "How Do Communities Learn?" from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Roberts Creek Community Hall.
The evening will feature guest speaker Dr. Ron Faris, one of Canada's leading thinkers on how people and communities learn. There will also be an opportunity for those in attendance to contribute their ideas, suggestions and comments on the topic.
The Lighthouse Learning Network is made up of representatives from community schools, Capilano College, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, Sechelt Indian Band, Howe Sound Pulp and Paper, School District No. 46, Second Byte Computers and M. Magus Associates. These representatives will meet regularly to discuss, create and implement various learning opportunities for adults on the Coast during the next two years.
In its infancy, the network is taking its cues from the 2003/04 action research project. So far they plan to offer hands-on learning sessions for community organizations and businesses, leadership, conflict resolution and human resource training, informal mentoring and computer assistance during the next two years of their funded initiative.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity this funding brings. We have wanted for a long time to develop options for people to learn in various ways on the Coast, and now this funding has allowed us to do just that," Gordon said.
If you would like to register for the network's upcoming free event phone 604-885-2720 or email [email protected].
