10 places around the world to learn Ecovillage Design in 2015
Gaia Education programs empower change makers with inner and outer skills to redesign the human presence in the world.
Its transformative programs respond to the interlinked challenges of our times and disseminate grass-roots wisdom and practices through learning communities.
Gaia Education is part of the community of over 1,300 NGOs Associated with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations.
In 2015 more than 10 Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) programs will be held in Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Switzerland, Netherlands and Canada.
Italy. Damanhur
Training date(s): 1–29 Aug 2015
Language of instruction: English
Contact: EDE Damanhur
This EDE takes place in Damanhur, a Federation of ecocommunities with their own social and political structure in continual evolution eager to share 40 years of experience in creating sustainable society and building global consciousness for local action using an artistic approach that values the importance of spirituality.
Portugal. São Miguel Island, Azores
Training date(s): 15 Aug — 18 Sep 2015
Language of instruction: English
Contact: EDE Azores
During this EDE we will create a travelling community based in the Azores, connecting sustainability, communion, networking and nature. The EDE Azores will be a dynamic learning experience in the social, economic, ecological and worldview dimensions. A beautiful and powerful ecological place hosting crew, students and experts in a holistic education journey towards a bright future!
Switzerland. Fribourg
Training date(s):
6 Sep 2014–28 Nov 2015
Language of instruction: French
Contact: Mim & André Meilland
The first EDE in French will take place in Switzerland, in a co-working and co-learning center imagined during the economic dimension of an EDE in 2012! The 20 modules of the program will be covered during 10 thematic weekends in 2014–2015, followed by design studio.
Brazil. Gaia Escola
Training date(s): 30 Jul 2015–9 Jul 2016
Language of instruction: Portuguese
Contact: EDE Ecohabitare
School Gaia — Building Learning Communities for a Sustainable World, was born out of the encounter between the Gaia Education EDE program and Bridge School methodology, a global benchmark in pedagogical innovation. It is especially designed to provide educators a new didactic and pedagogical approach, which can be incorporated into their professional practice.
Netherlands. Overijssel
Training date(s): 1 Aug 2015–27 Feb 2016
Language of instruction: English
Contact: Monica Petter
This EDE in the Netherlands is oriented towards people interested in taking steps towards a more ecological and self-reliant lifestyle. The Eco Design Education will provide a basic understanding of the most relevant aspects that need to be addressed. The modular course set up offers flexibility and an effective support system.
Brazil. Chapada dos Veadeiros
Training date(s): 4–23 Jul 2015
Language of Instruction: Portuguese
Contact: Prem Magan
The EDE ‘Chapada dos Veadeiros’ will more than just another course in the life of the students. The purpose is to provide a transformational experience, to make the students feel and see the world from a different perspective, and to understand that it is possible to live in a comprehensive sustainable culture — broadly global in scope and local in application!
Canada. Québec
Training date(s): 10 Jul — 10 Aug 2015
Language of Instruction: French
Contact: Nébesna Fortin
The first EDE of Canada will be host at La Cité Écologique, a 30 years old ecovillage in Québec. In a dynamic environment, the participants will have the possibility of joining some experiential activities, lectures, field trips and participatory learning sessions. The course will be benefitting from the experience of the thriving host community and sharing inputs from the wider.
Brazil. Gaia Jovem Serrano
Training date(s): 7 Aug — 20 Dec 2015
Language of instruction: Portuguese
Contact: Aline Satyan
Gaia Jovem Serrano is a sustainability educational program for youths from the rural area. Through cooperative games, project design, greenbuilding and artistic activities, it stimulates personal and collective development. The program aims to contribute on strengthening networks of sustainability and social cooperation on communities impacted by natural disasters.
More programs: http://www.gaiaeducation.net/index.php/en/join-our-programmes
