PASCAL Observatory is pleased to announce that the Latin American Cities of Acapulco (Mexico) and Medellín (Colombia) have become members of the Learning Cities Networks (LCN) initiative.

These member cities are the first ones to join PASCAL Learning Cities Networks from Latin America. Both are making significant efforts to involve a range of stakeholders in the planning and implementation of lifelong learning programmes for all citizens. As part of this commitment, they are collaborating with the University of Glasgow to carry out the research project entitled “Educational Peacebuilding in Medellin and Acapulco: Understanding the Role of Education, Culture and Learning in Responding to Crises” within the British Academy’s  GCRF Education and Learning in Crises Programme.

The project seeks to investigate the circumstances, policies and practices through which Medellin (Colombia) has been able to develop and implement an inclusive, life-long learning strategy, and to transfer that learning and expertise to Acapulco (Mexico). By working alongside politicians, community members, young people and stakeholders in both Medellin and Acapulco, the project team will work to put forward recommendations for responding to crises of violence.

The cities will benefit from being part of this international network of dynamic learning cities by exchanging their knowledge and experience in educational policies and lifelong learning programmes. Through this network they will promote their work in the learning city field and will be able to exchange good practices in selected sub-areas according to the city’s interests. Another benefit is that they will be receiving regular weekly newsletters from PASCAL that provides information on relevant news and events but they will also have the opportunity to share information of the city’s own activities on the PASCAL website. Finally, the cities will have access to webinars and workshops that will allow them to gain deeper understanding about lifelong learning policies that are taking place in the world.

With the admission of both cities, PASCAL has grown its presence and influence in the Latin American region and will be looking forward to expand its scope to promote lifelong learning policies in that area.