Challenging Education Privatization: World Café Event Sparks Critical Dialogue at U of M
Investigating the impact of privatization on public education
Privatization is rapidly reshaping public education systems across Canada. At a recent World Café hosted by the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Education, students, educators, and community members came together to examine this growing trend—and to strategize around defending and strengthening public education.
The event was part of the Public Education Exchange (PEX), a national initiative funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Partnership Development Grant and co-led by Principal Investigator Dr. Sue Winton (York University), Dr. Ee-Seul Yoon (University of Manitoba), and Dr. Lana Parker (University of Windsor). The project is the first of its kind in Canada to investigate the impact of privatization—particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—on public education policy, schools, and communities.
“Our goal was to foster informed, collaborative dialogue about what’s happening in public education right now,” said Dr. Yoon. “This issue affects students, teachers, families—entire communities—and we need to talk about it.”
Why a World Café?
The team selected the World Café method for its ability to support meaningful, small-group discussions. Unlike formal presentations or panel talks, this approach is designed to surface diverse perspectives and encourage open dialogue.
“This format allows people to connect and reflect together,” said Yoon. “It’s especially effective for complex topics like privatization, where the solutions aren’t simple and everyone brings something valuable to the table.”
A Team-Based Approach
While the event was facilitated in part by Research Assistant Nicole Gomes, Yoon was quick to highlight the collaborative nature of the effort. “Our University of Manitoba research team—including Nicole, Ellen Bees, Emily Livingston, and others—worked together to create an inclusive and participatory environment. The event’s success was truly a team effort.”
Centering the Public Good
The focus on education privatization stemmed directly from the goals of the PEX project: to understand how privatization is unfolding across Canada and to support public dialogue that can shape future education policy.
“Increasingly, we’re seeing public resources redirected toward private interests—through corporate partnerships, standardized testing regimes, and school choice policies,” said Yoon. “This shift has real consequences for equity, access, and the public mission of education.”
Participants left the event with a clearer understanding of these dynamics—and with ideas for how to respond. Conversations explored strategies for strengthening public schools, increasing community advocacy, and challenging narratives that treat education as a commodity rather than a public good.
What’s Next?
Insights from the World Café will contribute to academic publications and inform policy recommendations. But the event was also about grassroots action.
“We hope this is the beginning of something bigger,” Yoon said. “These discussions can spark new collaborations, community initiatives, and advocacy campaigns that push back against privatization and reaffirm the importance of public education for all.”