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In Memoriam
 

Youth Association for the Advancement of Science, Innovation & Technology (YAASIT/SciberLink)

"Science (scientia, or the building of knowledge and skills), as a bridge to the future, is the universal property of all people. The goal of science is to make sense of the complex diversity of Nature. We use intuition, imagination and observation to shape ideas, gather information about the world and turn clues into testable hypotheses. Modern science is in part a continuation of the human effort to understand and give meaning to our existence.

Of all intellectual activity, science, in its civilizing and humanizing role, has turned out to have the kind of universality among humans which the times require. Science is far from a perfect instrument of knowledge, but it is the best we have in the field of inquiry that yields knowledge."

From PAEP Science International (member of Forum UNESCO)

"Direct investment in the future of young women and men, through the continual strengthening of our educational, cultural and scientific foundation, is the key for sustained societal competence, a stronger workforce, and sound economic progress in a rapidly changing world."

From PAEP Mission Statement – Minding Our Future

Background. In 1996 we discussed the idea of establishing a Youth Association for the Advancement of Science, Innovation and Technology (YAASIT) with Michael Smith (1993 Nobel Laureate for Chemistry). He was very enthusiastic about this project and volunteered to obtain input from among his fellow Nobel Laureates and colleagues. Michael Smith (1932-2000) was one of our first Canadian International Youth Forum speakers in 1994, and also a member of the PAEP Advisory Council.

The YAASIT/SciberLink project, a new, Canada-wide initiative of PAEP and partners in education, was introduced at the 2001 Canadian International Youth Forum (ScienceSphere) under the theme, "Preparing Youth for the 21st Century – Linking New Ideas to New Knowledge for New Skills and Careers." The inauguration at the Ontario Science Centre was marked by the contributions of York University student Jennifer Corriero, and distinguished scientists of the University of Toronto, including,

  • Ulli Krull, Ph.D., Professor of Analytical Chemistry, AstraZeneca Chair in Biotechnology, Vice-Principal, Research
  • Kim Vicente, Ph.D., P.Eng., Director, Cognitive Engineering Laboratory, Dept. of Mech. & Industrial Engineering
  • John Polanyi, D.Sc., P.C., C.C., F.R.S., 1986 Nobel Laureate, Professor, Department of Chemistry His opening lecture was entitled, "On Becoming a Scientist: If we want today to give tomorrow's world a real chance, then we must give science its rightful place."

The goal of the YAASIT/Sciberlink project is to serve as a medium and catalyst for encouraging Canadian youth to learn to build the future using the tools of science, innovation and technology in the context of a productive sustainable society.

These aims are accomplished through initiatives in two key, interrelated spheres.

1. YAASIT providing the forum for social interaction.
2. SciberLink, which utilizes the potential of Information Technologies.

YAASIT builds on the innovative, interactive transdisciplinary Canadian International Youth Forums (ScienceSpheres). The successful youth forums serve as the foundation for the YAASIT project by utilizing established contacts with boards of education, community colleges, universities and libraries, to develop Canada-wide branches and to familiarize the wider community with the project.

SciberLink is a unique, interactive resource forum serving as:

  • The communication network for YAASIT
  • On-line access to information from Canada and around the globe, about the sciences and technology, education, career paths and culture.
  • Telecommunication link beyond the classroom, between students, teachers, science educators, scientists and engineers, as well as contributors from public life, the arts, the humanities and social sciences, ensuring YAASIT keeps pace, scientifically as well as culturally, with our increasingly knowledge-based world.

The objectives of the YAASIT/SciberLink project are:

  • To help young people access the world of the new sciences and emerging technologies, and prepare them for the 21st century by linking new ideas to new knowledge for new skills and careers.
  • To provide information, expertise, guidance and contacts to help young people understand the links between knowledge, technology and the impact of these areas on the evolution and coherence of their society.
  • To stimulate and develop comprehensive ideas in youth for the new knowledge and skills needed for designing a sustainable future as being a vital part for Canada's long-term economic growth, the well-being of our society and the success of future generations.
  • To motivate and involve young people so that they explore and recognize their potential through lifelong learning and advance their capabilities through the application of new knowledge to improve their skills to meet current and future employment prospects.
  • To inspire young people to become innovators and to gain a far-reaching vision and empowerment to ensure their full participation in Canadian society, for the common good of Canada and the global community.

The YAASIT/SciberLink project uses the successful, transdisciplinary Canadian International Youth Forum concept, developing and expanding its ideas into youth initiatives across Canada. The project is communicated and advanced across Canada through 486 school boards (2700 secondary schools), 95 universities, and 112 community colleges, including Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, and Assembly of First Nations.

The activities and initiatives of the YAASIT/SciberLink project are to:

  • Plan and organize community-based, career development Canadian International Youth Forums.
  • Develop and establish YAASIT/SciberLink branches in cities, rural areas, and native reserves.
  • Organize field visits to scientific and industrial facilities to enable students to familiarize themselves with the wide variety of opportunities for future careers.
  • Build partnerships and plan quality community programs with organizations of a similar mandate.
  • Support community events such as National Engineering, Science and Technology Weeks, and other programs with a similar mandate.

YAASIT/Sciberlink is advanced through:

Additional links:




A message from the Rt. Hon. Lester B. Pearson and the Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien.







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