Furthermore, the group of educators affirmed that "wholeness" has significant implications for the ecumenical search for unity. Engaging in holistic education, therefore, implies enabling people to join in a process of knowing, doing, living together, accepting differences and being transformed by the unity, in spite of differences, we share in Christ.
What exactly does this mean? Where do such processes take place? How can we learn from them? How can we help promote a holistic approach to education?
A study on the understanding, nature and practice of holistic education is now underway in nine different contexts and will continue through 2002. The aim is to reflect upon and analyse educational initiatives based on holistic methods, specifically the values and perspectives that undergird these processes. It is hoped that the study will bring new life, particularly at the local and regional level, to the ecumenical search for unity.
Africa
Towards a Culture of Peace
How to build a culture of peace is an ongoing challenge for many churches in Africa where conflicts relating to ethnicity, economy, governance, etc. are prevalent. Focusing on young people, the study aims:
- to help build a culture of peace which is relevant to African cultures and experiences of faith; and
- to enable young people to be agents of peace by enhancing their capacity to contribute to wholeness in their communities.
This will be undertaken mainly through the All Africa Council of Churches (AACC). Contact person:
Dr Setri Nyomi
All Africa Council of Churches
P.O. Box 14205
Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya |
Tel: (+254 2) 441 483
Fax: (+254 2) 443 241
Email: aaccsetri@insightkenya.com
|
Asia
Living Together in a Pluralistic Society
What does wholeness mean in a multi-religious and multi-cultural context? How do educators help build inclusive communities? Implemented in cooperation with the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), the study involves gathering information on the education programmes, particularly with children, supported by Asian national councils of churches and the Curriculum Writers’ Associations in Asia. Contact person:
Rev. Glynthea Finger
30 Kenneth Street
Tarragindi 4121, Queensland, Australia |
Tel: (+61 7) 3848 5292
Fax: (+61 7) 3378 1530
Email: glynthea@telstra.easymail.com.au
|
Caste and Identity in India
Casteism in India has complex historical and cultural roots. It continues to be a problem, reflecting fragmentation and division in Indian society. How do Indian churches deal with the inter-related issues of caste and identity? What changes are taking place? How do churches enable communities to be inclusive in the midst of such strong divisions? This is the subject of a study which is undertaken in cooperation with a variety of local congregations and the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI). Contact person:
Dr Godwin Shiri
P.O. Box 4600
73 Miller’s Road
Bangalore 560 046, India |
Tel: (+91 80) 333 2981
Fax: (+91 80) 333 0335
|
Central America
Sustainable Communities in Mexico
In thinking about alternatives to dominant economic models, especially in terms of promoting sustainable communities, it is important to learn from the experiences and perspectives of those who work closely with the land. This study in Mexico will focus on Indigenous communities in Mexico. How do peasants and Indigenous people sustain their communities? What is their concept of wholeness? What significant dimensions emerge out of their understanding and practice of education? What insights can be gained? How can we learn from them? Contact person:
Rev. Carlos Tamez Luna
CLADEC
Apartado Postal 6-624
Col. Juárez, CP 06600, Mexico D.F. |
Tel: (+52 5) 661 1800
Fax: (+52 5) 662 1800
Email: cladec@df1.telmex.net.mx
|
Europe
Global Learning in Germany and Northern Ireland
In Europe, Protestant schools are developing a new profile in response to the growing pluralism of European society. Using research, field visits, interviews and questionnaires, the study aims to discover new approaches to global education in schools in Germany and Northern Ireland. What is the global dimension of how people live? In an increasingly pluralistic Europe, what is the place of religious education in schools? Are the approaches used holistic? How do they bring about changes in perspectives and in lifestyles? How are they models of ecumenical learning? The study will involve the Comenius Institute and the Inter-European Commission on Church and School (ICCS). Contact person:
Mr Peter Schreiner
Schreiberstr. 12
48149 Münster, Germany |
Tel: (+49 251) 981 0125
Fax: (+49 251) 981 0150
E-mail: Schreiner@comenius.de
|
Innovative Theological Education in Greece
In Eastern Europe, innovations in theological education are emerging as a result of new forms of research, consultations, theological discussions, dialogue and exchange programmes among students. Known as the ERASMUS project, these initiatives have led to new currents in theological thinking, particularly among Orthodox churches. This study aims to examine these initiatives, identify significant elements and draw-out insights as to their ecumenical and holistic dimensions. How can these contribute to ecumenical learning processes in other contexts? Contact person:
Mr Dimitris C. Passakos
45 Thisseos Street
15234 Chalandri Attiki, Greece |
Tel: (+30 1) 681 7129
Fax: (+30 1) 681 7129
E-mail: artos@otenet.gr
|
North America
Courses for Leadership in Lay Training (CLLTs)
The project aims to: identify principles and components of holistic learning in the Courses for Leadership in Lay Training (CLLTs); to determine their impact on local situations; and to discern ways in which the CLLT model could be strengthened, improved or changed. The project will be undertaken in cooperation with NARDA (an ecumenical association of Christian retreat and renewal centres and leaders in North America) and OIKOSNET. Contact person:
Rev. James Palm
NARDA
P.O. Box 465
Cornwall, NY 12518, USA |
Tel: (+1 914) 534 4467
Fax: (+1 914) 534 4467
Email: JPalmNARDA@aol.com
|
Pacific
Women and Theology in Tonga
In the Pacific, the focus is on women and theology, a relatively point of interest in the region. What are these initiatives? How do they address women issues? How do they bring about wholeness? The study will be conducted in cooperation with the National Council of Churches in Tonga (NCCT) and the Sia’atoutai Theological College. It is hoped that the process itself will help contribute to the articulation of a theology from the perspective of women in the Pacific. Contact person:
Ms Lynette Fuka
P.O. Box 658
Nuku’alofa, Tonga |
Tel: (+676) 22 581
Fax: (+676) 25 191
Email: lfuka@theology.edu.to
|
South America
Still to be organized is a study in Argentina. Contact person:
