Making sense of rural development in the 21st century — the digital capital upgrade
By Wayne Kelly- September 14, 2019
As I began my Ph.D. research, I needed a more comprehensive model or framework to guide my research on rural development, and I turned to the community capitals framework. The community capitals framework is a group of connected community assets or strengths that can be harnessed by communities for development.
Why should rural communities teach their kids to code?
By: Wayne Kelly- August 28, 2019
In today’s society, digital skills are a must have. Through my research in rural communities, it’s clear that skills which match the reality and needs of the 21st-century are an absolute necessity at work and home. In the future, the need for digital skills will only increase.
My ongoing quest to better understand rural broadband data and realities
By: Wayne Kelly- June 24, 2019
On June 3rd, I was honored to be invited to the R2B2 (Regional & Rural Broadband) workshop on Broadband Analytics at the University of Guelph. I have been interested in working on understanding rural broadband connectivity, speeds, and utilization rates since the early 2000s and as a result, I was very excited to take part and to find out the latest on rural broadband data in Canada. The workshop consisted of two distinct parts related to rural broadband data. The first focus for the workshop was an overview and discussion of M-Lab.
The role of education in rural communities
By: Farheen Sajjad- February 14, 2019
Education is important for everybody, whether they are learning new facts, skills, or trades. Having the opportunity to learn always benefits the individual. Over the past years, we have seen a focus on providing education to females all over the world, arguing that girls receive an education no less then men.
Manitoba Matters VIII: A Policy Event: Communication, Accountability and Policy Development
By: Adams Abdul Salam- December 15, 2018.
Under the theme of “Communication, Accountability, and Policy Development,” the annual Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) Policy event took place on November 24, 2018 in Headingley, Manitoba. The event brought together Liberal electoral district association representatives from across the province.
Impress the Press tips
By: Georgette Nyankson- December 15, 2018.
The Rural Policy Learning Commons (RPLC) sponsored four secretariat members to partake in media training on November 16, 2018. The aim was to gain insights on effective ways of promoting RPLC activities and resources to the media. As a communication officer and rural engagement assistant for RPLC, I took part in the training and offer highlights of what I learned.
CRRF Conference 2018-How I spent my first week on the job
By: Georgette Nyankson-October 29,2018.
As a newly hired Rural Engagement Assistant at the Rural Policy Learning Commons (RPLC), I got the opportunity to spend my first week on the job at the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) Conference in Saskatoon. It was a great opportunity for me to network with scholars, researchers, and policy makers, which I believe will help me in my career.
My first CRRF Conference; Reflections and takeaways on rural policy
Adams Abdul Salam-November 9, 2018
The 2018 Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) conference under the theme “Health and Shared Prosperity” was held in Saskatoon. This was my first conference as a new Rural Policy Assistant at the Rural Policy Learning Commons (RPLC). It was exciting and full of amazing speakers with varied ideas, stories, and perspectives about rural communities. The conference comprised of plenary sessions, boardroom presentations, panel presentations, and concurrent sessions.
Best Practices for Community-Campus Engagement
By Aimee Coueslan- August 29,2019.
In their core strategic planning, universities across Canada are now identifying community engagement as a core function of research, teaching, and learning. Universities are also recognizing the power of engagement to enhance learning and research. In terms of learning, community engagement can provide students with a new sense of purpose for their education, as well as a sense of belonging that can transform young lives and support student mental health.
Engage businesses to retain newcomers
By: Bill Ashton- March 23,2018.
Atlantic Canada needs immigrants even with high unemployment. Employers have a skills shortage and newcomers can be part of the response. Besides short term aim of employment there is a need to pursue a policy that retains newcomers.
Being digitally savvy in a digital world
By: Wayne Kelly-February 26, 2018.
In today’s digital world, having access to the right technology is just the first step in being able to reap the benefits of our digital society. Once you have the technology, the next essential question is: Do you know how to use it?