ColegauCymru is pleased to confirm the next stage of its international collaboration to tackle peer-on-peer sexual harassment and misogyny among learners in further education. As part of a Taith-funded project, a one-week learning visit will take place in Montreal, Canada, from 26 April to 3 May 2025.
This visit brings together Welsh and Canadian members of a transnational Community of Practice, which was established in response to the findings of Estyn’s June 2023 report, Peer-on-peer sexual harassment among 16 to 18-year-old learners in further education. The project, launched in early 2024, is fostering ongoing collaboration between colleges in Wales and Canada to explore how institutions can create safer, more respectful learning environments. The project is focusing specifically on tackling misogynistic behaviours and attitudes.
Strengthening the Community of Practice
The primary aim of the Montreal visit is to deepen the relationships within the Community of Practice by enabling members from Wales and Canada to meet face-to-face. The visit will provide opportunities to:
- explore and share best practice in preventing and responding to misogynistic behaviours in education settings;
- learn from Canadian institutions and organisations that have experience in addressing these challenges; and
- plan and co-develop activities and resources for the next phase of the project, scheduled from May to October 2025.
Participants will also take time to reflect collectively on their learning and how it can be applied effectively within the Welsh FE sector on their return.
Learning Through Global Perspectives
This visit marks an important milestone in the project. Since its launch, the Community of Practice has facilitated meaningful dialogue between professionals across both countries. This in-person opportunity will enhance those conversations, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of the systemic and cultural responses to harassment in differing education contexts.
ColegauCymru International Project Manager, Siân Holleran, said,
“This visit is an important moment in our international collaboration. It allows us to strengthen the relationships we’ve built so far, and to explore together how education systems can better support young people to feel safe, respected and empowered. The insights and ideas we gather in Montreal will be essential in shaping the next stage of the project in Wales.”
Visit participant and Coleg Sir Gâr Director of Learner Experience, Tom Snelgrove, added,
"I'm excited and optimistic about the upcoming Taith Pathway 2 visit to Montreal. It’s a valuable opportunity to explore innovative approaches to education and learner wellbeing, deepen cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen partnerships. I’m particularly looking forward to learning from our partners - sharing ideas, observing inclusive practice in diverse settings, and gaining insights into trauma-informed, learner-centred models that can inform and inspire our work in Wales."
Building a Safer Future for Learners
The project reflects the commitment of further education providers in Wales to tackle misogynistic behaviours and attitudes through evidence-based practice, international learning, and sector-wide collaboration. By working internationally, the Community of Practice members are deepening their insights into informed approaches that protect learners and support staff across the post-16 education system.
Further Information
Estyn Report
Peer-on-peer sexual harassment among 16 to 18-year-old learners in further education
June 2023
ColegauCymru Blog
Colleges in Wales and Canada to work together in tackling peer-on-peer sexual harassment in a new project funded by Taith
April 2024
Siân Holleran, ColegauCymru International Project Manager
Sian.Holleran@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
