Project Statement:

Education is the most powerful driver of change, and how we approach learning matters in improving and humanizing society as a whole. 

Project Description:

The goal of my project is to explore progressive educational institutions that are shaping learning structures that promote care, inter-relationships, collaboration, and participation in democratic processes.  I will focus on documenting, through photography, video, and in-depth interviews, the impacts of these experiential learning structures on both teachers and children.

My inspiration for this project came from observing how education has become increasingly more centered on test performance and grades, which narrows down a child’s prospect to explore their inner voice and develop personal ambitions. It has also created an academic inflation, narrowing our view of what are successful paths in life. This issue begs the question:  What kind of people do we envision these children to become and what kind of life and opportunities should they have? 

In order to foster empathy, curiosity, and resiliency in a child, the child must first-hand experience these qualities from their surroundings. A child’s joys and sorrows are part of their daily life and for adults to acknowledge and understand their emotions at their level exercises their ability to do the same. Through democratic principles a child learns to take responsibility for themselves, their actions and opinions, and society around them. It is a freedom guided by a responsibility that develops critical thinking and mutual respect with one’s peers, which ultimately develops a stronger community.

How can democratic principles be a guiding star in all processes, in the curriculum, schoolyard, working life, politics, environmental issues, relationships and friendships, where everyone is a participant who is seen and heard?