When Doug Ford proclaimed that OSAP students should not pick basket weaving courses, most of us wondered what he meant. He said that students should focus on jobs of the future or “in-demand” jobs. He was reducing OSAP funding so perhaps this was a justification for the reduction from a maximum of 85 percent to 25 percent. He thinks that trades, healthcare and STEM-related fields are the ones to choose.
The rmany responses to this emphasized broader problem-solving skills learned in higher education vs job training courses. And then the Toronto Guild of Spinners and Weavers were vocal in protesting the belittlement of their art/craft.
I can say that I took a course in basket weaving about 10 years ago. Well, it was a one-day workshop, and I made potted woven willow trees for my garden. The workshop was at Lakeshore Willows in Wainfleet on Lake Erie. The owner was Lene Rasmussen, with a Danish background where willow weaving includes making living willow structures such as fences, hedges, arches and huts. It has a new owner, and the retail/workshop location has moved.
Denmark is internationally renowned for its willow weaving, combining ancient techniques and modern designs. They are global leaders in the tradition. The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts offers courses in textile design specializing in basketry and willow work. The Royal Danish Academy hosts advanced courses and research projects on the topic. Dedicated programs are offered in Adult Education Schools, apprenticeship programs exist, Vocational Education and Training (VET)includes these craft programs, and workshops are offered by renowned specialists such as Steen Hedegaard Madsen.
Sounds like there might be something For Doug Ford to learn about “basket-weaving” skills and jobs from the Danes. I wonder if he’ll travel through Greenland to get there for the visit.
No comments:
Post a Comment