Learn is a word full of promise. By itself, it opens the door to a universe of knowledge, sometimes theoretical, sometimes practical, essential to individual development, but also collective.
Posted at 11:00 a.m.
From early childhood to the end of life, learning serves as a link between humans and their environment, an environment that extends beyond the school setting. When our employment sector goes to automation.
When, at the turn of a pandemic, we have to quickly assimilate new concepts and demonstrate our adaptability. When misinformation strikes. When you have to enforce your rights. Learning is a defense mechanism. A way of being, of thinking, of reacting, of creating.
A society’s ability to generate and maintain this state of mind among its citizens is a guarantee of creativity and innovation, two qualities often attributed to Quebecers.
Is lifelong learning inscribed in our collective DNA? Can we do more? Better ?
For the Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Québec (BAnQ), the answer to this question is unequivocal. Not only can Quebec do better, but it must do better.
Alongside its partners in documentary circles, BAnQ also considers that it has a leading role to play in the democratization of knowledge.
Through its collections and funds, the activities it offers or the spaces and equipment it makes available to the population, it wishes to contribute to the cultural, social and economic development of all Quebecers, and thus work to build a society where learning early is valued.
A society where curiosity and critical thinking are encouraged, where respectful debate is taught, and where being on the school bench means first and foremost learning to face the complex issues imposed by a changing world. perpetual movement.
A society where one learns throughout life, sometimes in contact with an elder who shares ancestral knowledge, sometimes thanks to the support of his employer, or even independently. A society where aging is still synonymous with exploration and contribution.
A society where the sum of possibilities is limited only by the audacity we can demonstrate.
The construction site is huge. For it to be carried out successfully, everyone’s contribution is essential: stakeholders from the world of early childhood, school, cultural and aboriginal, political, community and economic circles.
On BAnQ’s initiative, on June 15, representatives from these various backgrounds will take part in a day of reflection on the learning society. Under the title “The audacity of possibilities – A day for a learning Quebec”, the event is an invitation to lay the foundations for a concerted vision and action capable of supporting lifelong learning. .
As observers from the various mobilized milieus, we will take note of the exchanges that will be provoked by the pooling of points of view and will try to identify the essentials.
Something, hopefully, like the promise to make Quebec a benchmark in knowledge development. Something like a promise for the future.
Let’s be bold.
Let’s work now to consolidate a Quebec that learns for all!
* Co-signers: Mia HomsyExecutive Director of the Institut du Québec; Regine Laurentpolitical analyst and president of the Special Commission on Children’s Rights and Youth Protection; Kim O’Bomsawinsociologist, filmmaker and president of Terre Innue