The Cork Learning City has reported good progres in the two Learning Neighbourhood pilot projects being undertaken in Cork. The concept of Learning Neigybourhoods came out of the experience of PIE as a strategy to bring learning city development down to local streets and neighbourhoods. Pilot projects are being conducted in Cork and Taipei

The Cork projects are being undertaken with the support of University Follege Cork which has provided financial and human resources.  A city wide steering group provides advice. The project was initiated with a brainstorming workshop to attract a network of interested volunteers across all areas of learning. Feedback from the workshop was positive. A set of photos from the workshop was provided for local newspapers.

The importance of localising learning city initiatives has been demonstrated in the experience of Beijing and Shanghai where incentives are provided for good local efforts. While much is likely to come from the projects in Cork and Taipei, PASCAL welcomes other cities that may wish to conduct similar pilot projects. If interested, please contact me. Cork and Taipei will exchange experience when a small group from the Taipei Learning City visit Cork following the PASCAL International Conference in Glasgow next June.