The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute engages and empowers members of the African Canadian/Nova Scotian communities with opportunities to create the necessary changes needed to improve educational experiences, opportunities, and outcomes.
The Institute’s goals include:
Supporting and promoting both emerging and established research on topics, models, and practices which advance the academic achievement of African Canadian learners
Conducting research on topics and issues related to the lifelong learning achievements of the learners of African descent
Research Collaboration
We seek research collaboration with research institutions, communities, regional centres of education and schools. Our research collaborations include:
“Ubuntu Pedagogy of the Community”
Designed to engage community Elders in developing framework for teaching strategies with teachers.
With Professor Susan Brigham, Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU).
Attendance and Engagement Policy
With the title, “Developing Data Systems for evidence-based policy making and implementation: A study of the Nova Scotian Student Attendance and Engagement Policy” Project will also assess the impact of the policy on African Nova Scotian students.
With Professor Joyline Makani, Dalhousie University, in Partnership with Tri-County Regional Centre for Education (TRCE).
Building Africentric Model from Community Voices
“Embracing Transition to College: Building Africentric Models from the Learning and Voices from Community” will assess and develop an understanding of how a transition program (African Canadian Transition Program–ACTP) in NSCC can work for African Nova Scotians.
With Dr. Terrah Keener, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).
Making Community Voices Count
“Improving education for African Nova Scotians: Making community voices count” will profile historical education policies and practices for African Nova Scotians.
With Professor Lisa Borden, St Francis Xavier University (StFX).
Using African Nova Scotian Elders to Support Educational Experiences
“Using Elders to support the educational experiences of Black Communities” —a three-year SSHRC project involving Black communities in Toronto, Halifax, South Africa and Ghana.
With Professor Sefa Dei, University of Toronto.
Social Justice Experiential Education Program
Intended for students of colour to explore Canadian Black history, current context, community resilience, and identity, among other themes. Part of this program will take place in Guelph, and part will take place in Halifax—DBDLI will work with two students on their project.
With Professor Jade Ferguson and Cassie Wever, University of Guelph.
“Africentric School Discipline Model” — to explore the experiences of African Nova Scotian students with school discipline.
With Professor Johanne Jean-Pierre, Ryerson University.
Promising Schools
“Using Data to track Promising Educational Experiences of African Nova Scotian Students”—that will help us identify schools where all learners including minorities such as African Nova Scotians are successful.
With Dr. Marlene Ruck-Simmonds, African Canadian Services Branch (ACSD).
Black Excellence in STEM
Event intended to bring together scholars and students of African Ancestry in STEM and engage high school students in STEM activities. The conference would lead to the production of short videos designed to develop the interest of AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN learners in STEM.
With Professor Pemberton Cyrus, Professor Kevin Hewitt both from Dalhousie University and Sidney Idemudia, Imhotep Legacy Academy.
Africentric-Focused School in Nova Scotia: Lessons from the Toronto Africentric Alternative School
Visited the Toronto Africentric School and developed a report that documented the challenges and the invaluable experiences of the staff and the principal on Africentricity. We expect the report to inform the development of an Africentric-Focused School in Nova Scotia. DBDLI expects this school to serve as a research hub for developing Africentric ideas and products for the Nova Scotia education system.
With Luther Brown Principal of the Toronto Africentric Alternative School.