LEARNING

Lifelong learning and educational achievement affect our ability to participate in a competitive workforce, achieve higher incomes, and escape the cycle of poverty.

Culturally and Visually Enriched Reading Spaces

Learning

Culturally and Visually Enriched Reading Spaces

Libraries have long been free, accessible, and supportive places to bring children. This year, Salt Spring Island Public Library was awarded a Victoria Foundation Community Grant to revitalize the children’s area, focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, safety, and Indigenous-focused design. 

The space is designed and scaled specifically for children to ensure accessibility, including those using wheelchairs. Clear sightlines enhance safety and maximize the area’s potential, supporting multiple programs, including science and technology and summer camps. A cozy nook dubbed “The Grotto” accommodates those who prefer smaller settings. Additional toys and literacy tools have also been introduced, and “the new flooring is durable, child-friendly, and carbon-positive,” shares Julia Wagner, Assistant Library Director of Salt Spring Island Public Library. 

Coast Salish artist Charlene Johnny adapted characters from an outdoor mural, wrapping them inside the library with a unique lighting effect. Indigenous characters are integrated into the library’s scheme. Each image represents different areas of the children’s section, promoting accessibility and cultural representation while supporting those with reading disabilities. 

SPONSORED BY
BC Scholarship Society 

Vital signs citizen survey grade

B

Last year's grade was B

Learning

Vital signs citizen survey grade

B
Sustainable Development Targets

4.1: Ensure all complete primary and secondary education 

4.6: Achieve literacy and numeracy 

Text here.

Text here.

Sustainable Development Targets

FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT 

In 2022, nearly 700,000 15-year-old students from 81 Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to assess their knowledge and skills in math, science, and reading. Results show the OECD average dropped by an unprecedented 15 points in math, 10 points in reading, and remained stable in science. The sharp declines point to the shock effects of COVID-19.

Average performance scores of Canadian students in 2022

497 in math (OECD: 472) down 15 points since 2018

507 in reading (OECD: 476) down 13 points since 2018

515 in science (OECD: 485) down 3 points since 2018

These scores are part of a downward 10-year performance trend (2012-2022).

Average performance scores of BC students in 2022

496in math

511in reading

519in science

SOURCE: ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT 

EDUCATION IN THE TRADES
0%

In 2021, 7% of the Victoria CMA population, aged 15 years and older, had an apprenticeship certificate, including a Certificate or Diploma of Apprenticeship, Certificate of Qualification, or Journeyperson’s designation.

8% BRITISH COLUMBIA

6% CANADA

Apprenticeship certificate rates by population group in the region in 2021, aged 15 years and older

0% 0%
men+
(11% of immigrant men)
12%
women+
(4% of immigrant women)
3%

SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TARGETS

4.1: Ensure all complete primary and secondary education 

4.6: Achieve literacy and numeracy 

HIGH SCHOOL NON-COMPLETION 

% Population, aged 15 years and older, who have not completed high school

Canada  |  
BC  |  
Victoria CMA
16
13
10
2019
15
12
11
2020
14
11
9
2021
14
12
10
2022
14
12
9
2023

SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA 

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT 

% Population, aged 15 years and older, who have completed some form of post-secondary education 

Canada  |  
BC  |  
Victoria CMA
59
59
63
2019
59
61
64
2020
61
62
64
2021
61
61
64
2022
62
62
66
2023

SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA 

COMMUNITY IN FOCUS

MICRO-CREDENTIAL FOR THE HOMELESSNESS SERVING SECTOR

Working effectively with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness requires specialized knowledge and skills. Fundamentals for the Homelessness Serving Sector (FHSS) consists of six online courses co-created with housing providers and peers to facilitate coordinated service delivery and standardized best practices. 

Offered through University of Victoria’s Continuing Studies, FHSS aims to develop critical competencies for paid or volunteer roles. Individuals completing all courses receive a professional development micro-certificate. 

  • Supporting Others, Caring for Yourself 
  • Mental Health and Substance Use 
  • Homelessness and Housing First Principles 
  • Person-centered Procedures 
  • Decolonization and Cultural Safety 
  • Gender and Sexuality 

University of Victoria Continuing Studies and the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region would like to acknowledge funding from the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home Program, administered by the Capital Regional District. 

SOURCE: ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS IN THE CAPITAL REGION AND UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA