Project Context
Based in Hermel, Bekaa, Esprits Libres (Free Minds) School opens its doors to children from diverse backgrounds and with special needs, who have been excluded from other institutions. Established in 2019 by socio-educational activists, and as rooted in its name, the school’s ethos revolves around cultivating cooperation and democracy among students. Prioritizing values like cooperation and freedom, the institution selects teachers based not just on experience but also on their steadfast commitment to these core principles.
Project Description
As the school is predominantly situated in an agricultural area, they wanted to nurture the culture of community with a twist.
They collaborated with international permaculture experts, specializing in sustainable agricultural design. The project began by planting land adjacent to the school, which also provided water access, donated by members of the community.
The 100-day challenge involved grades one to three, where students took charge of planning, planting, harvesting, and distributing plants, fostering true student-centered learning. Teachers, acting as facilitators, encouraged hands-on exploration of permaculture and recycling, introducing sustainable agricultural practices and Inquiry-Based Learning techniques.
Initially conceived as a means to reconnect with nature, the project evolved into the integration of permaculture as a guiding philosophy within the school. Through practical experience, students extracted theories of collaboration and social cohesion, observing how plants protect and support each other in their growth. So the project not only contributed to sustainable agriculture but also became a profound educational experience, instilling values of interconnectedness and diversity among the students.
After harvesting, the students distributed some of their products to the members of the community in need. Students also learned math and rudimentary business skills as they participated in the weekly Friday farmers markets. This also empowered the students’ leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
Achievements to Date
- The students began enhancing their learning experiences by embracing and leveraging their differences, thereby influencing sustainability as evidenced by their test results and discussions.
- Teachers, in turn, acquired innovative educational strategies that they could further develop and apply in their teaching endeavors. The integration of permaculture principles fostered a more inclusive and diverse school environment, characterized by increased acceptance and motivation among students who mutually encouraged one another.
- This positive shift is reflected in the pre and post-test results, indicating a 16.7% rise in students’ environmental concern and 62.5% of students actively incorporating permaculture principles into their daily lives.
The Human Heartbeat
A child with autism joined the school that year, and even though he was the first student in the class with diverse needs, he was embraced by all other students and teachers. Whenever he felt frustrated and acted up, the students would gather around him and support him in what he needed. As plants protect each other from pests without chemicals, they believed kindness could do the same.
Watch the video to listen to the students share more about their transformative learning experience.