The
School for Wellbeing initiates action-research,
dialogue and public debate. The aim is
to understand and further explore historic
and contemporary paradigm shifts and social
movements in order to transform our materialistic,
economically driven public policies towards
societies shaped by wellbeing-centered
world views, democracy and alternative
development practices.
The
School for Wellbeing’s Summer Course
is to contemplate contemporary cultural
dilemmas, poverty, injustice and environmental
degradation from a holistic
point of view. To explore
happiness that it is not in the first
place, as we are made to believe, a need
that should be satisfied by external factors.
But rather, to understand happiness as
“life’s most important skill”,
a capability to overcome suffering and
structural violence.
The
course consists of a four-week participatory
learning experience, including a study
visit throughout Bhutan,
the country of GNH - Gross
National Happiness (www.gnh-movement.org),
and excursions to new paradigm projects
of social development in Thailand.
Resource
individuals for the course include Nic
Marks (NEF) and Sulak Sivaraksa (prominent
Siamese Buddhist & social activist;
author of The Wisdom of Sustainability:
Buddhist Economics for the 21st Century),
among others.
This
course is intended for 35 participants
who are independent academics, researchers,
social entrepreneurs, potential leaders,
students, persons on sabbatical, responsible
managers, policy development officers,
activists and agents for change.
Please
find more information at the School for
WellBeing Web
Site
The South Africans who could make best use of this course, who would make the greatest social difference with it, and for whom it would make the greatest personal difference, will most likely not be able to afford to go; thus, if you have any ideas about setting up bursaries, or would be willing to contribute to one for one or more, please contact chairman@sane.org.za to discuss. Thank you.
Or
kindly email info@schoolforwellbeing.org
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