ECOVILLAGE DESIGN EDUCATION


The Ecovillage Design Education (EDE)  Program is inspired by the Gaia Education methodology. African Way's Technical Team is able and licensed to deliver this program.

The Ecovillage Design Education (EDE)  program is meant for those wishing to learn about sustainability principles, and especially for those who might like to plan a an ecovillage in their local community.

The main objective of this program is to develop non-formal education courses with a philosophy of change and evidence-based spiritual, moral and cultural transformation of mindfulness and consciousness, which will work as an intervention point for systemic change in sustainable agricultural systems and community development.
In addition, we also aim to:
  • To research and propose ways of working together in partnership covering details such as partners’ engagement, funds management, and effective participation from all stakeholders in the development of the Bafut Ecovillage model in Portugal;
  • To join the national and continental hubs of EDE course teaching, by connecting, establishing partnerships, and sharing of best practices with other communities and educational groups who impart similar EDE courses;
  • To formulate and formalize partnership agreements with the local and regional municipalities as a supporting program for communities’ transformation and maintenance/restoration of local ecosystems.
  • Program based on GEN “Living and Learning”

    EDE courses generally take place in sustainable communities where local citizens live what they learn, based on the principles of the Global Ecovillage Network “Living and Learning” - theoretical teaching material illustrated by local fieldwork, exercises, games and based learning in projects.





    The Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) Course is a 120 hours comprehensive curriculum developed and certified by Gaia Education. It has been slightly adapted by Better World Cameroon (BWC) to meet the needs of local communities and the climate realities in Cameroon. It includes the main 4 areas relevant to Climate Change Adaptation practices - Social, Culture, Economy, and Ecology.

    A team of AFRICAN WAY that has undergone and helped deliver the EDE course at BWC will serve as co-facilitators on the first EDE in Portugal.

    Some topics / activities of the EDE Program:

  • Principles and ethics of permaculture;
  • Soul healing and meditative practice;
  • 4 dimensions of sustainability (worldview, ecological, social and economic aspects);
  • Water: erosion control, retention and water management;
  • Land: compost, earth building, herb walking.
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    Kosha Joubert, consultant of GEN international, speaks about transition of traditional villages to ecovillages and the role of GEN in supporting this work. Filmed during EDE Bafut 2016 hosted by Better World Cameroon.
     

    Stay tuned!

    We will soon be releasing more information about upcoming editions of our Ecovillage Design Education Courses.

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