There is a need to provide alternatives to conventional schooling accessible to everyone, no matter their socioeconomic status, that focus on the holistic development of children, including academic, cognitive, emotional and social wellbeing.
We practice a "negotiated curriculum" approach, focusing on the development of learning to learn skills (executive functions) rather than solely on the curriculum topics, youth participation in decision-making, age-mixing as a tool to promote scaffolding and the development of empathy in young people, and free play as a primal evolutionary learning mechanism. In this sense, we provide enough time and access to resources for your people to explore their interests, learn how to solve conflicts with others, and take initiative in regards to their own academic and social responsibilities.
The response has been very positive, mostly among parents, the media and social institutions. There is still some skepticisms in educational sector, but participation in Erasmus+ funded projects and collaboration with higher education institutions and international organizations is developing. Young people have shared with us their appreciation of such a learning environment that values them for what they are, respects their interests and helps them develop learning skills at various levels.
It is essential to get together with other people, such as school leaders, university professors, progressive educators and institutions, and parents. This initiative demands a collective effort and the development of excellent communicative skills where challenges are positive and can become learning experiences. It is also fundamental to listen to young people and include them in decision-making
