Dear Friends of ELIANT,

In 2015, the UN set out its vision for the future in its 2030 Agenda. The interim stocktake – especially in these particularly turbulent times – is sobering. Where does the problem lie? After all, these goals are of global importance: who does not hope that the gap between rich and poor will slowly but surely begin to close? That planet earth be treated for the benefit of all its creatures? That the squandering of energy is stopped and that, instead of a growth-orientated throwaway society, we transition to a resource-conserving circular economy? The disappointing thing about the interim stocktake is that for all the fine words, global problems continue to grow despite a growing comprehension of why the realisation of these goals faces so many systemic obstacles to economic and political understanding. It is obvious that no drastic change can be achieved if our attitude towards life and the development of human beings on earth does not fundamentally change.

This, however, is an educational issue! But the education system in most countries is stuck in a cul-de-sac. The digitisation of kindergartens and primary schools, which has cost billions, has also proved to be counterproductive. Almost every day, we read about countries where those responsible for education are already beginning to backtrack. It is clearly impossible to solve problems with the same way of thinking which led to them in the first place. Rudolf Steiner foresaw this development when he founded Waldorf education in 1919, immediately after the First World War, as an education ‘that does not appeal to human egoism’, but is oriented towards the developmental goals of freedom, health and peace skills.

We have already outlined the new democratic and systemic approaches which we at ELIANT are so enthusiastic about in our last newsletter. The rethinking that is necessary for this begins with a gentle revolution in the education system and schools. To join this revolution – that is what we warmly invite you all to do.

Michaela Glöckler will discuss with André Schmechel, our ELIANT consultant for Waldorf and Steiner education, in a webinar dialogue on 20 November 2024 how the educational tenets of Waldorf education can create an environment for children and young people that enables healthy physical, emotional and spiritual development.

It will be the fifth ELIANT webinar on the topic of contributions to a culture of peace. To wage war, weapons and strategic skill are needed – to foster peace, developmental ideals and the energetic will to do what is possible for its realisation.

If you would like to join this live discussion at 16:30 CET on 20 November, which will be streamed on YouTube, simply click on the ‘Subscribe’ button (it’s free). You will be notified when the webinar begins. We would be delighted if you would forward this invitation to anyone you know who might be interested.

With warm greetings on behalf of the ELIANT team
Michaela Glöckler

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