PASCAL International Observatory Board Member, Peter Kearns OAM FACE, headlined the 2016 International Conference on Visions for the Taipei Learning City. He spoke on taking the marvellous initiatives begun to 'new heights' as he opened discussions on 'objectives and strategies for the long haul'. Other international guest speakers were invited from Europe (Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France & Italy), Japan (Tokyo & Waseda Universities), China (Beijing & China) and Australia.

Practical presentations from senior officials in the Taipei City Government, Ministry of Education and Taiwanese Universities discussed the various contexts and trends within the new 6D (dimensions) for Taipei, the 10 learning cities of Taiwan, community college leadership, disability employment and social enterprises, healthy and smart initiatives, public library engagement, and promotions/strategy perspectives for learning cities. Panel discussions were presented and reported upon for community development, rural habitat, healthy cities and innovative enterprises.

Performances by lifelong learners through dance, tea arts and music were an enchanting feature through the Conference. An additional morning was devoted to the presentation of Lifelong Learning Awards for the year, which included performances, and selections for senior, long term, teacher and family learning. Community Colleges nominated candidates and had their own displays on programs and community activities. Two days of site visits followed that gave first-hand exposure of community and neighbourhood initiatives with volunteers derived through Community College partners for learning and implementation of projects.

Denise M Reghenzani-Kearns PhD

Photos from our visit to one of the Happy Farms (the first and biggest), there are also rooftop gardens and the advent of 'rural habitats' in the city. These shots are taken from the 'happy farm' initiative from Songshan Community College in its community work engaging city officials and citizen volunteers.

The photos feature Peter Kearns and Denise Reghenzani-Kearns with the Director Tsui-Chu Chang of the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences (Institute for Vocational and Adult Education) who was a Conference participant and speaker also.

Feature video (with English subtitles) provided by Christina Wang, who was part of the Taipei delegation to the 2016 PASCAL Conference in Glasgow:

 And lastly, a slide presentation about Happy Farm is featured below: