Alternative Education Gathering

In December 2001 the Alternative Education organising group is planning a third international seminar. Around 60 - 100 participants will be brought together in the inspiring environment of Moo Bahn Dek - Children's Village School, Siam, an organisation pioneering alternative education for orphans, maltreated and underprivileged children. In an informal and creative atmosphere educators from Asian countries, supported by participants from other continents, will be challenged to design a realistic approach leading to provisions for alternative teachers training and Teaching Of Teachers (TOT). These training provisions to be based on collaboration among the great diversity of educators involved in the grassroots level realisation of alternatives. This will not only benefit children and their families, but will contribute to the common good within the perspective of transformation towards a 'Culture of Peace'. Previous international Alternative Education gatherings were organised in 1997 and 1999. Participants came from a variety of Asian countries, Africa, Europe and USA. While a countrywide meeting for Thai participants was held for the first time in December 2000. The initial meeting emerged from the Alternatives to Consumerism gathering induced by Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa, Right Livelihood Award recipients and founder of the Spirit in Education Movement (SEM). The Alternatives to Consumerism gathering was held in December 1997.

For further information:

• An overview of reports of all previous meetings and related events is available on request from the Suan Ngeun Mee Ma Company at .

• Moo Bahn Dek - Children's Village School is the leading light of alternative education in Siam. To learn more about them then visit their website at ffc.or.th/mbd (opens new window.)