10.2 | Development of the Learning City Approach forWaterfordMetropolitan Area
• Promotion and support for the visibility of Irish/ Gaeilge across the Metropolitan Area including in all signage and prioritise investment in educational and social infrastructure to support Irish/Gaeilge as a community language; • Developing a Learning City strategy to guide all agencies; • Investing in technology to facilitate inclusive learning; • Fostering a culture of learning across the major public service organisations in the city and all employers; • Supporting a network of innovation centres providing incubation space, business supports & links to training and skills development in HEIs; • Targeting supports for education and training in areas of critical mass and future potential. The enhancement of higher education provision in the city through the development of the Technological University of the South East is critical to the achievement of the goals associated with Learning City designation.
TheMASP is informed by a strong commitment to making Waterford an inclusive, innovative city. In this context, the MASP commits the City to seeking designation as a UNESCO Learning City, in common with partner cities in the Region. The linguistic diversity of the Metropolitan Area, including the Irish language, is recognised as an asset which can contribute to andenhance innovationpotential. Development of the Learning City approach will require: • Co-ordination across all educational providers in the city to ensure inclusive learning is promoted at all levels and in all communities; • Recognition of the value of linguistic diversity including Irish/Gaeilge in the Metropolitan Area and its potential for contribution to a Learning City and wider innovation potential;
Waterford MASP Policy Objective 23
Lifelong Learning and Skills It is an objective to support measures to develop Waterford as a UNESCO Learning City, including community education initiatives and support for lifelong learning and skills training, recognising the requirements for accessible Irish Language Learning for children and adults and linguistic diversity in a multi-cultural society through the development of the necessary infrastructure and facilities, subject to the outcome of environmental assessments and the planning process.
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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