Join Extended Education's UM Homecoming 2024 Webinar on Sept. 16.
Creating an inclusive culture for lifelong learning
Homecoming webinar explores equity and the futures of education
Overcoming inequities in education ensures fairness for individuals, and success for all.
“Inequities cost us lost opportunities, and lost talent. Society loses out. We need everyone at the table, to solve the world’s challenges. We need a well-educated, diverse workforce, so businesses can get the best employees,” says Ute Kothe, Dean, Extended Education, moderator for University of Manitoba (UM) Extended Education’s UM Homecoming 2024 webinar, Futures of education: equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Registration is required to join the Sept. 16 event.
The webinar topic is inspired by a 2021 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report, Reimagining Our Futures Together: A new social contract for education. According to the report, “This new social contract is our chance to repair past injustices and transform the future. Above all, it is based on the right to quality education throughout life.”
Education is a human right, and everyone has a right to education, from children to older adults. “UNESCO proposes the right to education should include the right to lifelong education- the key mission of Extended Education,” says Kothe.
“The report looks at the evolution of education, and how education can help us to adjust to our rapidly changing world.”
Education for all
Everyone has the right to education, no matter who they are and where they come from. We must create inclusive education and learning where everybody feels welcome. Fully implementing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) principles is crucial to the futures of education, or we will miss people and possibilities.”
Education isn’t what it used to be, and it should continue to be transformed to engage humanity so we can create better futures together.
“We in Extended Education want to inspire people for lifelong learning, so they can relate education to their work and everyday lives. And importantly, we all have to contribute to inclusive workspaces that allow everybody to participate and strive. Through inclusive education, we can learn how to achieve this goal.”
The webinar will discuss what it means to provide inclusive education, and showcase Extended Education’s approaches to providing it. The panelists will share their perspectives, and share practical approaches to creating inclusive learning environments.
EDIA
Robin Attas, project lead, EDIA credential, will discuss how the University of Manitoba is working towards an inclusive culture with our new equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility (EDIA) micro-certificate and Foundations course for the UM community. It is focused on developing competencies (skills) rather than knowledge, and offered for students, staff and faculty. Perhaps there will be interest in developing an external version shortly.
Indigenous support
Carlos Miranda García, Personal Counsellor, Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs, will share how we engage the Indigenous community through our Access Program. “We are mindful of past problems, of silenced voices and significant harm through residential schools. We have an obligation to make good. He will look beyond education to a holistic pedagogy of care, supporting mind, body and spirit, with Indigenous knowledge and support from our Grandfather (Unkan), Wanbdi Wakita.”
Intercultural teaching and learning
Vicki Hatt, instructor, Academic Language Support, and Applied Business Management graduate, Ogadimma Onyike will explore intercultural teaching and learning. “It’s important to embrace the value of diversity. Education had become more international through global challenges and immigration. Community and individual supports are key.”