Niagara College is sharing sustainability expertise with Caribbean partners through the Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) program to expand its global reach.
This fall, NC’s Global Education Projects (GEP) team will travel to Jamaica and Guyana to develop SAGE project activities. In June, the team participated in a SAGE study tour hosted by the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, with partners from Jamaica. Earlier this year, NC also hosted a delegation from the SAGE program at its Daniel J. Patterson (DJP) Campus and welcomed partners from Dominica, Jamaica, and Guyana on a Study Tour in Niagara.
Funded by the Government of Canada, SAGE is a five-year program implemented by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). The program enhances demand-driven, technical and vocational education training (TVET) offered by Caribbean institutions in climate-related sectors to meet regional economic and environmental demands.
Under SAGE, NC is currently engaged in two projects; SAGE 05 and SAGE 07. Through SAGE 05, NC is working with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), Moneague College and Ebony Park Academy in Jamaica to develop a modularized curriculum for an Associate Degree in Agro-Food Processing with profession certifications and a preparatory program. SAGE 07 involves NC working with Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and Seneca College and partners from all six SAGE countries (Jamaica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Belize, and Dominica) to develop six short courses / micro-credentials with a focus on Ecotourism.
NC and Seneca College co-hosted a Study Tour, welcoming seven representatives from Excelsior Community College (Jamaica), Dominica State College (Dominica), and Guyana Tourism Authority (Guyana) in May, 2023.
Bringing the world to Niagara
In April, NC hosted Ms. Pat Bidart, Senior Technical Advisor, CICan, SAGE program, and a delegation from the six SAGE countries, including TVET Council and Ministry of Education representatives, along with CICan SAGE program staff from the Caribbean and Ottawa.
In addition to hosting a tour of the DJP campus, NC shared its best practices in global engagement, environmental programs, and sustainability initiatives.
“In Jamaica, we have a saying that goes, ‘dance at home before you dance overseas, and that is what Niagara College is doing,'” said Nikeisha Sewell, Country Support Coordinator for SAGE 05 in Jamaica. “During the visit, we observed that what NC is accomplishing in Niagara mirrors its global initiatives. NC’s commitment to sustainability demonstrates its forward-thinking approach and aspiration to stay at the forefront of development.”
“Visiting NC gave me a comprehensive understanding as to what the College is doing in technical education, “said Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer-Technical of Guyana’s Ministry of Education. “NC adopts new methodologies, practices, principles, and uses emerging teaching and learning methodology so that students and trainees exit the institution with a high degree of new skills and competencies.”
“NC and the Caribbean partners built a lifelong relationship in which they learn from each other,” said Bidart. “Listening to NC staff talk about their work with such a passion was one of this visit’s highlights.”
In May, NC and Seneca College co-hosted a SAGE 07 Study Tour, welcoming seven representatives from Excelsior Community College (Jamaica), Dominica State College (Dominica), and Guyana Tourism Authority (Guyana). The group learned about sustainable practices and ecotourism at Bench Brewing, Flat Rock Cellars Winery, and White Meadows Farm in the Niagara Region.
At the DJP campus, NC’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Professors, Agnes Nowaczek and Jennifer Hall, presented the learning objectives developed under the SAGE 07 project for the short courses “Principles for Ecotourism Guides” and “Green Events”. The courses will be offered for tourism students and professionals, equipping graduates with skills that meet employers’ needs and contribute to successful local economies.
“I feel so lucky to be a part of this team of amazing educators and professionals,” said Hall. “One of the highlights of our partners’ visit was the chance to collaborate in person with them. Exploring sustainable tourism and ecotourism sites in Niagara made for an enjoyable and enriching experience.”
The study tour also included a Gender Responsive curriculum session led by Holly Catalfamo, NC’s Senior Director, Global Engagement, and a tour on the DJP campus hosted by the NC Sustainability team.
“Sharing the NC sustainability story with our Caribbean partners is always exciting,” said Taryn Wilkinson, NC’s Manager of Sustainability. “Engaging our partners in the on-campus experience, including DJP’s naturalized areas and wetland system, offers a unique opportunity to exchange best practices and foster a deeper mutual understanding. This collaboration accelerates progress in sustainability, with implications extending beyond our local community to a global scale.”
For more information about the SAGE program: www.collegesinstitutes.ca/programs/skills-to-access-the-green-economy-sage/
