Vision PEI will begin regular postings on this page titled IMAGINE IF. A series of concise vignettes over the next days and months on a variety of topics we hope are of interest to all Islanders. The postings are intended to provoke thought and actions to assist us in influencing public policy on Prince Edward Island for decades to come. We hope you are inspired. Your comments are welcome.
IMAGINE IF: our young Mothers and Fathers could return from Alberta and earn a good living on PEI. Most all Islanders realise that our economy is weak and dependant on the generosity of other Provinces. Proud Islanders desire to forge our own, new economy built on our strengths: our people, our size, our jurisdiction. Just imagine if our government were to embrace a vision of excellence as the foundation of a new, made in PEI economy. Just imagine a vibrant economy able to pay livable wages.
Dale Small
IMAGINE
Imagine learning that has not been institutionalized—imagination running free, curiosity encouraged, smiling, chatting, motion and doodling allowed. Imagine facilitators encouraging exploration, questioning, the process of trial and error, figuring things out for yourself combined with learning from the mistakes and wisdom of our elders.
Imagine an environment that allows you to take your time with things, to mull things over, to move away from something when you are stuck and come back to it after a healthy break. One in which there is room for mental sorting, space to learn at your own pace, allowing each to learn in the way best suited to their own personal learning style.
Imagine heart centered learning; training our children in paying attention to their intuitiveness and cultivating their own wisdom. Imagine how highly respectful of children such an environment could be; respectful of children’s keen need to move their bodies, to dance, to sing, to be quiet, to spend time outdoors by themselves or in small groups.
Imagine an education system that grants children exposure to the many wonderful things of this world and lets them choose to pursue learning in areas where their own interest lies. Imagine a learning environment that allows kids to honour the curiosities and enthusiasm innate to childhood: their deep sense of wonder, their insatiable need to know, their desire to run and scream when the first snowflake falls or the first butterfly of spring flutters by.
Imagine a learning environment that teaches life skills, and values kindness, sharing and gentleness over competition. One which naturally encourages a holistic approach to well being and reverence for life!
Imagine a culture that recognizes that we are all learners and teachers both at any given point in our life. Imagine a world in which pursuing your innate desire to learn about those things in which you are keenly interested and which are meaningful to you is prized! Imagine a system where no one is graded but instead all recognize that the greatest reward is learning itself! Imagine the possibilities! Imagine if…
Jill MacCormack
IMAGINE
In 2021 my granddaughter will be 18 years old and in 2029 her little brother will be 18. When they, and other 18 year olds, wake up on their birthdays what will Prince Edward Island be like? What choices will they have?
Imagine them drawn into politics because the system is honourable and collaborative. Imagine their first vote having the power to help create the community/society that is needed in their time. Imagine them knowing that no Island child lives in poverty and that Prince Edward Island is a safe, healthy place to build their future.
Gerry Hopkirk
IMAGINE IF: our streams and rivers ran clear and dark as they once did. Many older Islanders remember the days of clear running streams, shaded by overhanging trees: pristine waters supporting a multitude of wild creatures. Old trout fishers in particular can recall streams with clean, gravel bottoms ideal for spawning fish; trout, salmon, smelts, gaspereau and other species. These gems, these beautiful, quiet places have been destroyed, by lack of awareness, and by lack of vigilance by governments over decades. Yet, we can repair and restore our heritage if we can imagine and insist.
Dale Small
IMAGINE IF: our governance was recognized for integrity and responsibility and served as a model for the rest of Canada. Although not unique to PEI, for too long Islanders have suffered, or in some cases benefited unfairly from patronage. Patronage is a sickness or perhaps an addiction. It makes some fearful and others temporarily elated…some disheartened and others grandiose. We can end it. We are small enough that Islanders from tip-to-tip can recognize it, and call foul. Let us rise above the pettiness and set an example instead.
Dale Small
visionpei 