03/08/2024
PEOPLE CREATING THE NEW WORLD – EUDEC 2024
This week I had the pleasure to visit for one day the European Democratic Education Community Conference.
Since Dario was 2.5 years old, he has been attending a Democratic School called “De Vrije Ruimte” (Free Space).
We were really lucky to have found this really amazing school that feels more like a big family than a school.
In the next few days, I will be writing more in detail about these kinds of schools.
They are called Democratic Schools because they are characterized by COLLECTIVE DECISION MAKING where all community members, regardless of age or status, have an equal say over significant decisions such as school rules.
I think a lot of people don’t know that this kind of education is even possible.
And I truly believe that if we want to make a real change in the world, new ways of education are very necessary.
Democratic Schools are places where kids can be as they are.
Where students are not put into boxes but celebrated by their unique differences and qualities.
And they are free to pursue their passions.
I was invited to organize a talk by the really inspiring Professor of Psychology Peter Gray.
Peter Gray has dedicated all his career to research about Self-Directed Education and has written a really amazing book called: “Freedom to Learn” where he explains all the crucial things that children learn by FREE play.
Some years ago, he visited The Netherlands, and I had the pleasure of organizing a big lecture where 120 people came.
This time, he did an online talk.
He has also two amazing TED talks; YOU CAN FIND THE LINKS IN THE COMMENTS.
As a good Abraham Hicks, I don’t like to push against anything or focus on the negative.
But his work is a great example of step 1 moment, where we realize what is not working and create what we DO want instead.
It was so beautiful and inspiring to be in this conference filled with people creating the NEW, caring so much about the rights and future of our kids and the world.
There were people from 31 countries, families, teachers, and kids of all ages, who came together to share experiences, knowledge, and a really fun time together.
So many nice people in one place in a great relaxing atmosphere. 💜
Next year, it will be hosted in Belgium and it will International one, gathering people from Democratic Schools all around the world and we are planning to go there with Dario!
