Concept
Our work is based on humanitarian values and is inspired by anthroposophy, given by Rudolf Steiner. It generated many practical endeavours, including special education, Waldorf Education, bio-dynamic agriculture and anthroposophical medicine. It aims to reform society through maintaining and strengthening the independence of the spheres of cultural life, human rights and the economy.
Social Therapy
Social therapy centres or communities based upon anthroposophy, provide special persons an opportunity to live and work together for each other and for the environment. Through social therapy, special adults can recognize, nurture and educate their personalities with the help of their social environment. It makes use of their abilities in such a way that they feel physically, socially and spiritually engaged in their community. The residents are encouraged to apply their personal skills and creativity to make traditional and handcrafted quality products, preferably from natural materials.
These communities are based on mutual care and respect, regardless of disability or religious or racial background. Social therapists, physical structures and systems provide supporting instruments for special members in the communities to help them live independently. Social therapy centres give equal importance to the wishes of the special adults. They are allowed to take part in decision making and suggesting ideas so that they can consider themselves to be active members of their communities. Moreover, neighbours and friends are regularly invited to different cultural events to make the special persons feel more socially included in the society.
One example of such an idea is the Camphill Movement, which is also inspired by anthroposophy. It started in 1939 near Aberdeen by a group that included Austrian paediatrician, Karl König. Today there are over 100 communities worldwide, in 23 countries, mainly in Europe, but also in North America, Africa and India. (For more details visit: www.camphill.org)
Waldorf Education
Waldorf education is pedagogy based upon the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. Waldorf Education aims to educate responsible global citizens that can take up the challenges of tomorrow. Students are given time to discover the world and to learn at their own pace. This non-competitive environment leads to better learners in the end and it has been proven that Waldorf educated students show higher results in standardized tests around the world. It provides education with sensitivity and a deep understanding of children and their needs. Artistic as well as creative skills are essential and children develop a sense of proportion, balance and clarity of thought. These are abilities they will profit from in their entire lives. Moreover, through farming and gardening, students get a deeper understanding of nature while learning valuable techniques.
The first Waldorf school was founded in 1919 to serve the children of employees at the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart, Germany. As of now there are more than 1000 independent Waldorf schools, about 2000 kindergartens and 600 centers for special education world-wide. (For more details visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldorf_education)