MINI -EDE
MINI -EDE
Ecovillage Design Education programmes, often referred to as ‘EDEs’, provide participants of all ages with the knowledge and practical skills to start on the journey of designing a regenerative society. Through this experiential course, we explore social tools, different world views, an equitable economic concept, and more efficient ways to use energy, waste, and materials. And even more importantly, we deep dive into rebuilding community. It is truly a transformational process!
However, for some it is not possible to take time off work/family/school for a four-week immersion programme.
Our new mini-EDEs offer the possibility of experiencing the taste of a full EDE, maintaining the core values and following the 4D mandala, but in a shorter version.
Mini-EDEs are for everybody and particularly suited to young people. They can be held as youth camps or school clubs. Check out below some examples of mini-EDEs around the world!
Certify Your Programme
Since 2006, Gaia Education has successfully supported delivering more than 350 programmes in 55 countries over six continents, reaching over 22,000 students. Ecovillage Design Education programmes, often referred to as ‘EDEs’, provide participants of all ages with the knowledge and practical skills to design a regenerative society. Through this experiential course, we'll explore social tools, different world views, an equitable economic concept, and more efficient ways to use energy, waste, and materials.
Our new mini-EDEs offer the possibility of experiencing the taste of a full EDE, maintaining the core values and following the 4D mandala, but in a shorter version.
All mini-EDE applications are invited to submit the listed forms in the certification or re-certification processes to receive Gaia Education Certification.
After re-certification, the mini-EDE certification is automatically renewed for 3 years, as long as no significant changes are made to the programme. Nevertheless, the schedule and proof of payment must be sent to certification@gaiaeducation.org for each programme.
Programme Criteria
If your course meets the following criteria, your organisation is eligible to receive Gaia Education certification and the ESD Contributor stamp.
- A minimum of 8 contact hours per dimension (a total of 32 hours min.)
- A strong intention to cover all four dimensions of sustainability (download here the 4D curriculum below)
- A minimum of 4 hours devoted to applying design methods and processes into real-life scenarios
- A skilled team of educators with sufficient knowledge and experience, and at least one who has completed a full EDE (Certificate as an EDE Designer, ideally also ToT and GEDS)
- An appropriate venue, ideally demonstrating an integrated application of design for sustainable settlements
- A commitment to complete and submit course evaluations and reports
- A commitment to follow international branding guidelines
- A commitment to contribute to Education for Sustainable Development activities in your region
Certification price: £200
Recertification: £100
After re-certification, the mini-EDE certification is automatically renewed for 3 years if no significant changes are made to the programme. Nevertheless, the schedule and proof of payment must be sent to certification@gaiaeducation.org for each programme.
Previous MINI-EDEs reports
GEN-Japan Gaia Youth
The GEN-Japan Gaia Youth for 18-29 year olds was successfully held in an intensive camp format, at As One Suzuka Community from January 4th to 8th in 2023. The 16 participants and several associate staffs of Gaia Youth graduates could join.
They were inspired by the innovative self-exploration-conversations as the key experience throughout the camp. They could observe that the effectiveness of this conversational formula is evidenced in a practical community living at As One. They learnt it as a base for the sustainability in building flexible relationships, managing businesses, and organizing and running communities; it works very well to transfer from relationships of division and conflict to those of harmony and cooperation towards the realizing regenerative societies.
