An article in the Vegetarian Magazine - english version
In the pictures: Ruth, Wayne, Satish Kumar, Brigita and Juliana. Thank you!
In the pictures: Ruth, Wayne, Satish Kumar, Brigita and Juliana. Thank you!
The magic of the
most renowned environmental education schools of in the world
Text and
Photos: Izabella CeccatoImagine a school where life is daily magical. Where you learn not only in the classroom, but in the kitchen, with friends, in library and even at the bar! Where you do not get lost in books or on your own thoughts, but find yourself. Imagine a place where silence deafens you, where the green holds you, where the night will soothe rather than scare you. In a collaborative environment where learning, living, cooking, laughing and talking becomes a new and rich experience at all times. So it is at Schumacher College.
Located in south Devon, England, the charming little town of Totnes, distant 3 ½ hours from London, houses one of the most renowned schools of environmental education, Schumacher College, focused on interactive, experiential and transformation learning, which prepares students for the ecological, economic and social challenges of 21st century.
Everything here is very pleasant, green and full of history. The school is established in a building dating from the twelfth century and have one of the most respected teachers when the subject is sustainability, including Fritjof Capra, James Lovelok and Sthephan Harding.
Founded by Satish Kumar, a former monk and peace activist in 1991, the school's that name is a tribute to the German economist EF Schumacher, author of "Small is Beautiful". The school gained worldwide fame for unconventional methods of teaching holistic and today is one of the most sought after in education for sustainability. Hundreds of Brazilians have participated in short courses or Masters. After the United States, Brazil is the country with more representation in the context students.
The collaborative and multi-ethnic environment favors the teaching and learning. Students, volunteers, staff and teachers with the same convictions share experiences, plans and hopes. The routine starts at 7h15 AM with a meditation followed by breakfast. 8h15AM, all meet in the main room of the headquarters of the school for the morning meeting planning. The sequence of the day happens with lectures, experiences, work groups and immersion in the field. Classes are filled with new thoughts and knowledge, in order to connect or reconnect students to nature, bringing a sublime and subtle affection for our planet.
Schumacher College offers Masters courses in Holistic Science, Economics and Transition and Sustainable Horticulture, which have a duration of eight months. Besides them there are short courses ranging from 1 to 3 weeks and discuss aspects of sustainability, philosophy, gardening, holistic science, technology, economics, design, psychology, education, among other topics.Students residents and staff form a 60 people community in full connection. Here absolutely everyone, including the board, working to maintain the flow of life, which are as important as the classes and lectures to connect people with themselves, each other and the planet. Cook, clean accommodations, gathering or making compost are part of daily routine. There is always a multi-ethnic team in charge of any activity. We are people from all continents, races, languages and cultures, living, working and learning together, in the conduct of an example of sustainable community.
Healthy body - healthy mind
The school is one of the few completely vegetarian in the world. The gardens are amazing and the atmosphere of the birds singing all day fills all fulfill to the daily schedule. The food here is fantastic and fascinating process. Some in the community or alumni appear only for a meal! The in-house team of chefs, with the support of volunteers and students prepare vegetarian meals, organic and locally sourced in a delicious and surprising mix of flavors with each meal healthier.
