Spirit in Education Movement (SEM) Bangkok Office - 29/15 Soi Ramkumheng 21, Ramkunhend Rd., A. Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310 Tel: (66-2) 3147385 - 6 ; Fax: (66-2) 314 7385 - 6 E-mail: Contact Person: Mr. Preeda Rungwichaton and Ms. Poonchawhee Rungwichaton Wongsanit Ashram Office (GLT Programme) - PO Box 1, Onkharak Nakhorn Nayok 26120, Siam (Thailand) Tel: (66-37) 333-183; Fax: (66-37) 333-184 E-mail: Contact Persons: Jane Rasbash and Pracha Hutanuwatr

SEM is an alternative college founded in 1995. It offers a spiritually based, ecologically sound, holistic alternative to mainstream education. Its philosophy is rooted in Buddhist wisdom and deep concern for ecological sustainability and social justice. The founders realise that the mainstream education in South East Asia is not in tune with the realities of the changing world. This is especially the case when related to the paradigm shift from mechanical world view to a more holistic one that is more inclusive and less Euro-centric, a way of thinking which has dominated the elites of these societies since the colonial times. So SEM has run many courses that promote the interaction between the alternative thinkers of the West and the best minded of Asia. Examples of these are:

• Bishop Labayan (culture and globalisation)
• Satish Kumar (spiritual ecology)
• Rajagopal & Varma (Ghandian Philosophy)
• Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon (deep ecology)
• George Lakey (community building and non-violent direct action)
• George and Lillian Willoughby (conflict resolution)
• Stephen and Martine Batchelor (contemporary Buddhism)
• David Loy (Buddhist Economics)
• Jakob van Uaxell

A significant portion of SEM's field activities in Siam and in neighboring countries deals with the concepts of empowerment and sustainability. SEM provides training and workshops on such subjects as community building, NGO management, meditation and social action, conflict resolution, Deep Ecology, leadership skills, and sustainable agriculture. SEM seeks to establish strong and independent yet participatory, compassionate, and responsible communities among the forest dwellers - Karen or PgazK'Nyau, other ethnic nationalities, and Assembly of the Poor.

From the success of these grassroots leadership training courses, Our Dream is to establish an alternative college running a two year course for leaders of marginalised communities in Siam and in the South East Asia.

SEM not only works for a change of world view and values and grassroots empowerment but also work for policy change at the national level. Beside organising seminars on various topics related to ecology and justice, we are working closely to influence the government health policy so that the national health service truly serves the poorer sectors of the society.