VANCOUVER – April 6, 2017 – Additional resources in Asia Pacific studies are coming soon to schools throughout the province, thanks to a new partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada).
Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism Teresa Wat and representatives from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, including Chair David L. Emerson and Vice President of Research and Programs Dr. Eva Busza announced the partnership today.
Through this partnership, the Ministry of Education is providing $250,000 in matching funds to help APF Canada develop new resources for teachers and students. These resources include teaching materials and professional development workshops, empowering B.C. teachers to learn and teach contemporary Asian studies and history.
The Asia Pacific curriculum resources project will introduce grades 6-12 students to Asian history, culture and issues, encouraging them to think on a more global scale while acquiring the skills they need to succeed in the ever changing and connected world.
The new resources, developed in support with B.C. teachers, will be made free and fully accessible online at www.asiapacificcurriculum.ca
New materials will be added to the interactive website over the course of the project.
This project supports B.C.’s new curriculum, which is designed to help improve student achievement and success. The curriculum provides a flexible and innovative plan to help B.C. students gain the knowledge and skills they need in a rapidly changing world.
Quotes:
Mike Bernier, Education Minister –
“We know the Asia Pacific is a key global economic region, and one that our youth need to be familiar with for future success in a competitive, changing global market. With help from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, we are empowering teachers with new and innovative resources that support our redesigned curriculum, creating even more opportunities for our students.”
Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism –
“Asian business literacy is an important component of government’s Asia trade strategy. Our established partnership with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada helps B.C. businesses to increase their business and cultural literacy in Asian markets and sharpen their competitive edge. This new Asia Pacific curriculum resources project goes one step further in providing B.C. students with the tools they need to ensure future success as business leaders.”
David L. Emerson, Chair of APF Canada –
“Our Board has identified Asia competence as an important driver of Canada’s future success and we are delighted to partner with the Government of British Columbia on this vital education initiative. With the continuing global shift from west to east, it is absolutely imperative that we prepare the next generation of Canadians with the Asia-related skills and knowledge that will help them thrive in the new global economy, and establish Canada as a vital and engaged participant in the Asia Pacific.
Stewart Beck, President and CEO of APF Canada –
“The Asia Pacific Curriculum Project, with its forward-thinking goal of building a broader foundation of knowledge and understanding about Asia in B.C. classrooms, is a critical first step in advancing a domestic strategy of Asia competence in Canada. We thank the Government of BC for its generous support, and encourage all B.C. residents to explore and engage with this new initiative."
Learn More:
Explore B.C.’s new curriculum at: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is a not-for-profit organization focused on Canada's relations with Asia. Learn more about the foundation at: www.asiapacific.ca
Media contacts:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250-356-5963
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Michael Roberts
Communications Manager michael.roberts@asiapacific.ca 604-630-1527
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
