Masterton City council’s Te Hiringa i te Mahara Education Strategy was published earlier this year.
Last year they consulted with stakeholder to identify those aspects of education considered most significant for the future development of the Masterton District and its people – all its people.
The core themes identified were as follows:
- Meaningful Transitions and Coherent Pathways: Promoting and supporting effective transitions and pathways from senior secondary school (and/or foundational education) to further education, training, employment or work.
- Educational Equity: Promoting and supporting solutions for overcoming the barriers that lead to inequitable educational outcomes.
- 21st Century Teaching and Learning: Promoting and supporting the competencies, pedagogy and tools necessary for success in the 21st Century.
- Life Long Learning: Promoting and supporting the provision of, and ease of access to, relevant and effective lifelong opportunities for all.
- Communities of Learning (Kāhui Ako): Promoting and supporting the establishment of complimentary and effective communities of learning.
The council noted that UNESCO’s Learning Cities or Learning Communities is a ‘compelling model. They note:
“UNESCO defines a learning community as one that: effectively mobilises its resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education ; revitalises learning in families and communities · facilitates learning for and in the workplace; extends the use of modern learning technologies; enhances quality and excellence in learning, and; fosters a culture of learning throughout life
In doing so, the community enhances the concepts of: individual empowerment; social inclusion; economic development · cultural prosperity, and; sustainable development
Lifelong learning is key to creating sustainable cities and societies.”