About
Schooling Humans is about telling stories - real stories of inspiration and innovation in education around the world.
If that sounds like something you might be interested in… keep reading!
Let me start with my story and why Schooling Humans was formed.
Stories are everywhere
After 14 years of teaching, in each school, there were many unique stories. Stories of students overcoming adversity. Stories of teachers who have seen it all and impacted countless lives. Stories of courageous ideas and programs that make a difference. But there was no place that I could find where all these stories were being shared.
That’s where Schooling Humans comes in.
I want to tell these stories.
Connecting schools through storytelling
Education has the power to unite us. Regardless of our country, our beliefs, our heritage, we all want a better life for the next generation. We want them to be happy and successful. Schools around the world may look different on the outside, but among them we can find unity and common goals. From 300-year-old institutions in England to a bush kindergarten in the middle of Namibia. From young Tibetan monks to orphans in India. We all share a bond of learning.
Our world can be easily divided, split apart by ideology, language, culture or religion. I want Schooling Humans to embrace our uniqueness, learn from each other and share our wisdom. Through education we are unified and interconnected.
Schooling Humans is about telling the stories of inspiring people, innovative schools and impactful programs.
If you’re a teacher, parent, coach, youth worker or student, Schooling Humans is for you. Even if you’re none of those things, my aim is to bring you stories that unite and inspire us from around the world.
I would be honoured if you would join me on this journey.
Where Am I Now?
Villa de Leyva, Colombia
When several parents in this touristy town in Colombia decided to start their own homeschool collective group, they quickly built up a following of other families who shared they same educational beliefs. This school gives students the ability to self-regulate their education, follow their passions, while still adhering to the expectations of the curriculum to record their progress and achieve their goals. The students participate in many hands-on activities from gardening, raising chickens, aquaponics and entrepreneurship.
Up Next:
Buenos Aires, Argentina
An international eco-conscious school that includes environmental education, Montessori philosophies and a focus on questioning and human justice.
Where I’ve Been:
Cabrera, Dominican Republic (Late January 2020)
Now in its inaugural term, The World School is an alternative school focused on community, shaped by the ideas of democratic education, Forest School and other philosophies that inspire creativity and put children at the forefront of their learning. With plentiful outdoor opportunities, children explore their natural environment and learn through exploration based on their interests and passions. The World School is set up in three-month terms, changing locations each semester and appeals to families who travel full-time or ‘worldschool’ with their children.
Mao, Dominican Republic (January 2020)
This English language school is providing high-quality instruction to the students of the region. Led by a Belgian teacher, they are leading the way in the Dominican Republic with innovative educational strategies and which have been adopted by other nearby schools.
Isithumba, South Africa (December 2019)
The Isithumba Community Development Movement (ICDM) works to create a social atmosphere where young people from the community can gather after school for activities in a safe and welcoming place. Primarily focused on sports, games and physical exercise, the ICDM fills a void in this rural community outside of Durban, South Africa. The isolation and financial constraints of this region means that there are not many opportunities for children to participate in organized sports or community-led activities.
Nchalo, Malawi (November 2019)
A human rights organization that works with vulnerable children and women to ensure their protection and survival. This organization works with courts, prisons, police stations, schools, and community leaders to prevent child trafficking, improve access to education, rehabilitation for youth involved in criminal activity, and outreach support to end child marriages.
Arusha, Tanzania (October/November 2019)
This education program near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro provides educational support to underprivileged youth and women in the surrounding areas. They are currently fundraising to construct two new classrooms so that they can provide additional learning space for the community. Since they receive no government funding, they rely on donations, volunteers and support from the locals to be able to continue to help the young people overcome the hardships and receive a quality education that gives them a better chance at a successful future.
Sofia, Bulgaria (October 2019)
A school in Sofia promotes experiential education, self-directed learning, global citizenship and travel to put its learners on the path to become the proactive and innovative change-makers of tomorrow.
Kyiv, Ukraine (September/October 2019)
An alternative school with around 70 kids and 20 adults, focuses on nature and outdoor play to encourage learning and creativity. Students learn several languages from volunteers at the school and participate in plenty of hands-on play throughout the day.
Barkava, Latvia (September 2019)
An international community-run school based in rural Latvia, the students live in dorms during the school week which fosters a strong family atmosphere. The children learn at their school facility, there is an adjacent apple orchard and bushes of currants, as well as a nearby organic farm that provides the chance to learn and take part in growing and harvesting their own food.
Cisnadie, Romania (August/September 2019)
A private children’s home in the heart of Transylvania provides support and love for children who have been abandoned, abused and neglected in their homes or state-run orphanages. Operated by a doctor and social worker, Finding Hope Ministries works to create a caring and safe environment while educating children to be self-sufficient, independent and contributing members of their community.
Ljubljana, Slovenia (August 2019)
At an animal sanctuary called In a Fairytale, the owners offer camps and programs throughout the school year and summer holidays for children to learn about nature, animals and related life skills. All animals at the sanctuary were rescued from neglect, abuse or poor living conditions and are learning to trust people again. In the beautiful setting of the Slovenian hills and surrounding forests, children get the opportunity to explore and discover the value of our environment and the animals they care for.
Hamilton, Bermuda (May 2019)
The Bermuda Sloop Foundation operates the Spirit of Bermuda sail training vessel for all Bermuda students to experience learning to sail the 112ft tall ship for one week. The students are immersed in the program on the first day, learning how to set and trim the sails for their 5-day voyage around the waters of Bermuda. Throughout the trip, students are actively involved in lessons about sail theory, mapping, navigation and maritime history. The ship serves as their school for the week and provides lessons in leadership, teamwork and responsibility.
Lake Hughes, California (February 2019)
Nestled in the Angeles National Forest, Camp Ubuntu is operated by the Harold Robinson Foundation, offering weekend camp experiences for students from the inner-city community of Watts in Los Angeles. The students who attend Camp Ubuntu come for challenging childhood situations, often from an unsafe environment and lacking positive role models. Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are”, is a philosophy that focuses on the connections that all individuals have with each other and the value of taking care of your neighbours. Camp Ubuntu not only brings together the students, but parents, teachers and community members so that the change and impact felt at camp can carry over to daily life back in Watts.
New York, USA (February 2018)
Portfolio School is located in the Tribeca neighbourhood of Lower Manhattan, New York. The goal of the school is to encourage students to explore their curiosities and delve into projects that guide their learning. Teachers act as guides and resources, while the students take topics such as class pets and turn it into inquiry-based learning around the domestication of animals and how to create safe and stimulating homes for their pets. Students are at the forefront of their own learning.