Building a Learning City on an historical island
Founded more than 500 years ago on São Miguel Island in the Atlantic Ocean, Lagoa enjoys a rich history and favourable natural conditions.
Vision and Motivation
By joining the Global Network of Learning Cities, the Lagoense City Council’s vision is to establish partnerships with cities sharing common interests, and thereby access, share experiences of and develop tools and strategies relating to education that will boost the municipality's development.
Challenges and Goals
Lagao faces two main challenges: limited resources and insufficient human capital. The City Council recognizes that education is key to economic and cultural prosperity. Hence, community development and the prosperity of local residents depend on providing the latter with educational and lifelong learning opportunities after they have completed formal education.
Plan and Implementation
To support its ambitious vision of developing as a Learning City, Lagoa is planning to expand its formal and informal learning opportunities to reach every public space in the city. It has established an organization that brings together local museums, cultural entities, education centres and municipal administrative bodies. Lagao believes that, by providing widespread learning opportunities, it will generate a citywide culture of learning and inspire residents to be more involved in lifelong learning. Additionally, the municipality organizes educational and cultural programmes focusing on specific topics throughout the year. Various initiatives and activities – such as reading activities, programmes to boost health and environmental awareness, and local cultural events – have greatly enhanced participation rates and interest among local residents.
Local libraries and community centres are being utilized to promote learning in families and communities.
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