History
The Regional Educators Program was formed in 1991. Its purpose was to assist the Black Learners Advisory
Committee (BLAC)
in meeting its mandate to report on education and offer community initiatives to benefit Black learners in Nova Scotia.
In 1994, the Black Learners Advisory Committee completed its mandate with the release of the BLAC Report. However, it was felt
that the Regional Educators were still necessary to implement and monitor future educational changes. Thus, a new
governing body was needed
to oversee the Regional Educators Program.
In 1995, the Black Educators Association (BEA) was chosen to handle the management responsibilities of the Regional Educators Program.
Being a grassroots organization in existence since 1969, BEA has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing strategies for a more equitable education system for Black learners.
Under the auspices of the Black Educators Association, the Regional Educators Association, the Regional Educators program continues to work
towards improving the education of Black learners in Nova Scotia through ongoing community initiative and institutional involvement.
Community Involvement
The primary focus of the Regional Educators is to encourage active participation in the community by:
Working with Black communities to form Education Committees consisting of parents
students and representatives from community groups
Assisting the Education Committees in establishing an agenda of educational concerns and developing a plan
of action to address these concerns
Helping Black communities organize tutoring programs, conduct workshops and invite guest speakers to discuss issues relevant to Black learners
Monitoring the progress of Black learners and encouraging students to strive for excellence through education
Encouraging Education Committees to be proactive and work with the education system to
develop race relations policies which address issues such as racial name calling, assaults and discrimination of Black learners
Encouraging Parents to help their children to achieve higher levels of education
Institutional Involvement
In addition to community initiatives, the Regional Educators coordinate their efforts with the Department of
Education and Culture, the African Canadian Services Division, the council on African Canadian Education, local school boards and other educational bodies to provide
a higher standard of education for Black learners in Nova Scotia. The Regional Educators involvement includes:
Working with the Education System to promote change which will assist Black learners in gaining equal access to education
Assisting in the efforts to increase the number of Black teachers and support staff employed in the education system
Conducting workshops for teachers and students on race relations and issues
related to the education of Black learners
Encouraging communication and cooperation between the education committees and the education system
