Project Description – Education for Change

“Education for Change» refers to the idea that education should not only transmit knowledge and skills but also foster positive societal, cultural, and personal transformations. It emphasizes that education should be a tool for promoting social justice, equality, and positive change in individuals and communities.

CONTEXT

Efforts to address post-conflict situations often involve complex and lengthy processes with no guaranteed success. Prioritizing actions that address the root causes of conflicts is more effective than merely treating the symptoms. Youth represent a pivotal force in shaping a nation’s future, and education serves as the primary tool for societal transformation.
Consequently, leadership educational programs tailored to youth are crucial for steering conflict transformation and fostering harmony. It’s important to recognize that education can both enhance divisions by dehumanizing others and serve as a powerful means to re-humanize and promote reconciliation.

“Education for Change» is based on the idea that we must do the latter. Hence, education should not only transmit knowledge and skills but also foster positive societal, cultural, and personal transformations. It emphasizes that education should be a tool for promoting social justice, equality, and positive change in individuals and communities. All of this program is inspired by Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr – their life and legacy.

TARGET GROUP

This educational program is designed for individuals aged 19-23 residing in conflict areas or communities facing issues such as ethnic conflicts and crime. This demographic represents an important stage in their life journey, where they are making significant decisions regarding their education, career prospects, and societal engagement. Furthermore, they are actively shaping their values, ethical beliefs, and maturing their interpersonal relationships.

AIM

Education for Change aims to foster positive environments in conflict zones by engaging young aspiring leaders in a three-year educational leadership program. The program includes and encompasses a concise process designed for impactful community interventions. The program builds on two decades of experience in training, facilitating, and overseeing leadership programs.

We aim to equip the next generation of young leaders with essential knowledge, skills, integrity and personal insights through self-improvement and concrete tools enabling them to lead.

METHODOLOGY

Our methodology is based on creating a reflective learning environment where the students are challenged to develop both the inner and the outer aspects of a listening, transformational leader. The courses are built on the idea that good leadership is performed by leaders who are in sync with their self-image, their relationships, their fellow citizens and the values that guide their decisions and direction. The program is based on the King way of non-violence, dialogue, commitment and courage. The ideals and ideas of Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr. are an integral part of the course. 

The course has seven modules (one for each gathering):

• Introductory Course (Basic)
• Conflict Resolution
• Life Mastering
• Self-image
• Leadership
• Social Engagement
• Values

Each gathering will include one of the above courses, in addition to a more extensive program leading up to the theme, with activities, guests and social time. An important addition to this is the innovative group work, developing sustainable projects together as part of the course program.
The program will be tailor-made for each group going through the program. 

ABOUT THE TEAM

A highly experienced team is working on this project (teachers, entrepreneurs, researchers and consultants) who have wide-ranging networks and have developed and implemented educational programs for more than twenty years, such as The Pursuit of Harmony (US, PT), SkoleGård (NO), Red Cross Street Mediation Program (NO and international), Middle East Program for Young Leaders  (IL, PT, US, NO, JO), Summer School for Innovation and Conflict Transformation (NO, UG) and more.

Our Education for Change Program has been developed to respond to a complex, modern society with increasing challenges and rising fear and conflict. Young refugees around Norway, youth in Oslo and young people sentenced to community service have all gone through the program since we started the educational program during the pandemic in 2020. 

PROCESS & TIMELINE (see image above)