News Release Archive
NEWS RELEASE (CNS651) -->> EDUCATION/CULTURE--AFRICAN CANADIAN SERVICES DIVISION OPENS EDUCATION/CULTURE--AFRICAN CANADIAN SERVICES DIVISION OPENS ----------------------------------------------------------------- The education needs of Black Nova Scotians are being better served due to a new African Canadian Services Division officially opened today by Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison. The new division will put policies, staff and programs in place to improve learning opportunities for Black Nova Scotians of all ages. "Today marks another important step in the road toward equality in education for all Nova Scotians," said Mr. Harrison. "The African Canadian Services Division will work in collaboration with other organizations to ensure the Black community has a voice in the system." The division was established as part of government's 1995 response to the Black Learners Advisory Committee (BLAC) report, which identified inequities in the education of Black Nova Scotians. The African Canadian Services Division is one of the cornerstones of the initiatives announced in the government's response. Other projects announced as part of the response have been progressing over the last year. A Council on African Canadian Education (CACE) has been established, and acts as an advisory body to the minister. Education programs to increase cultural awareness and improve learning opportunities for Black Nova Scotians, of all ages, are also under way with African Canadian Studies programs being piloted in seven schools, and eight adult and family literacy projects operating this fall. Funding has also been put in place to increase post-secondary opportunities and accessibility for Black learners. Seven students in the education, medical and engineering fields are receiving scholarships this year through the African Nova Scotian Scholarships Program. The program compliments an Incentive Fund Program which this year awarded funding to 130 recent high school graduates from across the province for the first year of post-secondary education. Work is also in place on a race relations policy, an affirmative action committee, teacher training and other issues affecting African Nova Scotian learners. Division director Robert Upshaw said establishing the African Canadian Services Division was a critical step in formalizing the relationship between the Black community and the Department of Education and Culture. "We are now in a position to have a real voice in directing the education of African Canadians in Nova Scotia. This will be important both in addressing past inequities and ensuring future opportunities," Mr. Upshaw said. Mr. Harrison said many people deserve acknowledgement in establishing the division. "Among those who should be thanked are the late Buddy Daye, Judge Castor Williams and the members of the Black Learners Advisory Committee, Premier John Savage, Environment Minister Wayne Adams and leaders of the African Canadian community. I look forward to continued good work from the division and the community," he said. -30- Contact: Catherine MacIsaac 902-424-2795 trp Oct. 10, 1996 - 2:10 p.m.