education in small steps and full circles
Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on the belief that every human being is
precious and has great potential. The job of education is to uncover or
"draw forth" that potential. We believe that school is a part of
education, but that education is far more than school alone. The world
has many needs. True education can create citizens with vision, parents
with vision and this will lead to children with vision.
We believe that giving is a natural act (as is receiving) but that all
too often the giving of charity creates unintended side effects. We feel that if the
right atmosphere is created, both the giver and the recipient of a gift
will be uplifted. This is our approach, this is the work we have
undertaken and we hope you will join us in your own way.
We also believe that our work should not be "one-way" but rather should
be circular in nature. As Saint Francis of Assisi said, ".. it is in
giving that we receive." In the same way teaching is collaborative in
nature. When we teach we learn and the most effective learning is
teaching.
In all of our projects we consider the integrative of the whole. Every
element, every action is more than charity - it is education.
Mission
Micro Steps uses education to nurture the most fundamental and positive characteristics of human beings. It does this by:
- stimulation of creativity with the aim of lasting social change,
- providing educational opportunities to underserved communities
- and through research into new educational paradigms.
In the process of undertaking its mission, Micro Steps adheres to the following principles:
- that every human being has potential to make the world a better place
- that the donor / recipient relationship should not create new problems
- that every culture is worthy of respect
- that both formal and informal education have equal value