A Neohumanist Forest School in Portugal
By Veronica Greco
In September 2023, Pequena Ilha Verde, a Neohumanist Education Association based in Portugal (a department of Ananda Kalyani Master Unit) opened its doors for the first time to children from the local and surrounding area. Started in 2021, the educational service is growing and developing a strong partnership with the community.
A fundamental aspect of a forest school is the connection with the area where the children grow up because it is an important part of the environment that shapes the person. The connection to the land allows them to know and interact with the nature around them and learn how to live in harmony with it.
THE EVOLUTION OF PEQUENA ILHA VERDE
Since November 2022 we have been participating in the Education working group of Cova da Beira Converge, a movement of organizations and citizens who come together to create a Participatory Development Plan for the region with the aim of defining concrete actions that increase the resilience of the bio-region, boost the local economy, and increase the population’s standard of living and quality of life.
THE TEAM
CELEBRATION – NHE Teacher Preparation Graduates
We are happy to celebrate the graduation of two members of our team from the 2 year NHE Teacher Preparation Program at the Neohumanist College of Asheville in June 2023. Another member just started the course recently.
NEW LAND
We bought a piece of land, an amazing cork forest, where we are establishing ourselves and preparing the space to welcome the children. We call it “Bosque das Bolotas” (Acorn Forest), an amazing corner of land close to the river in Ourondo village.
ADDITIONAL TRAININGS
In February 2023 all the team of Pequena Ilha Verde attended a Neohumanist training of 3 days in Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, where we visited Zonnelicht. In the training we observed, learned and experienced Neohumanist Education through a blend of seminars and creative workshops. The program was based on these topics:
- Layers of the mind and Yama and Niyama
- Brahma Chakra: drama and biodiversity
- Storytelling based on Brahma Chakra
- Examples of new possibilities and needs for sustainable education.
In April 2023 all the members of the team joined a deep immersion in the forest school methodology of learning in contact with nature, facilitated by the team of Aprende na Floresta. It was 5 days of intensive training with 35h of theoretical and practical sessions, learning through immersion in the methodology and experimentation.
In May 2023 one member of our team started the intensive course of Forest School Leader Training Level 3 that includes paediatric certification and an outdoor first aid course
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY AND FUNDRAISING
In September, a fundraiser was launched to kick-start and support the project in its initial phase open to the public. To help us grow, please click here!
As we prepare for the rainy days ahead, we’re working on building a 12-meter diameter cover dome that will serve as a safe haven for activities and school materials. Your donation will also go towards implementing compost toilets and basic infrastructure to ensure a comfortable and sustainable learning space.
Join us in shaping a brighter future for young learners. Become part of the association and help us nurture the growth of our dream. Together, we can provide children with a caring and safe environment where they can thrive.
We’re sowing the seeds of a brighter, more interconnected future.