Several free events are taking place this week to celebrate the launch of the Kawarthas region as a Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on Education for Sustainable Development.
Earlier this year, the United Nations University designated Peterborough-Kawarthas-Haliburton as an RCE on Education for Sustainable Development, one of 149 worldwide, eight in Canada, and the third in Ontario (along with Toronto and Sudbury).
The RCE designation recognizes regions that demonstrate leadership in addressing complex sustainability challenges.
Events celebrating the launch take place on the morning of Tuesday, June 6th at Fleming College’s Frost Campus in Lindsay, on the morning of Tuesday, June 7th at the Haliburton School of Art and Design, and on the afternoon of Friday, June 9th at Trent University’s Gathering Space in Peterborough.
Each event will feature presentations from inspiring youth and educators, video presentations, reflections from political and community leaders, and dialogue with community members to demonstrate the area’s expertise in sustainability education. Discussions will explore how local knowledge, expertise, best practices, and technology can be shared across the region and across the world through this new network.
Fleming College in Lindsay on June 6
This event takes place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Auk’s Lodge on the Frost Campus and will begin with welcoming words from Elder Dorothy Taylor.
There will be presentations on inspiring sustainability initiatives and partnerships including Nature Camps with Tania Clerac from Fleming College, Jessica Middleton from Kawartha Conservation, Envirothon, and Rangers Camp, Derrick LaPlante regarding Sustainability Leadership as a Fleming and Trent Graduate, Robert Monico, and music from the Leslie Frost Public School Children’s Choir.
Reflections will be offered from the Dean of Frost Campus, Brett Goodwin, and Mayor Andy Letham, among others.
For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.ca.
Haliburton School of Art and Design on June 7
This event takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Great Hall at the Haliburton School of Art and Design. It will feature welcoming words from Dean Sandra Dupret of Fleming College and a discussion with inspiring leaders of community-based sustainability initiatives representing Fleming’s Sustainability Building, Design, and Construction Program, Abbey Gardens, U-Links, and Outdoor Learning.
The focus of this event will be on community dialogue on what this international designation means to Haliburton County.
For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.ca.
Trent University on June 9
This event, which takes place from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Gathering Space at Trent University, will begin with opening words from Professor Dan Longboat and Elder Dorothy Taylor, along with remarks from Fleming College President Tony Tilly and Trent University President Leo Groarke.
The event will feature an inspiring Youth and Educators Panel including two Youth 4 Water leaders, innovative educators and students from Edmison Heights Public School, and a student leader from Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute.
UNESCO Chair in Education for Sustainable Development Charles Hopkins and Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, along with local leaders, will offer reflections.
For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.ca.
