Learning Centres
A network of centres that provide learning through experience and participation. They provide skills training for local communities, and a potent experience for outsiders (students, community mobilisers, policy-makers, interested others). Each centre is unique in its location and type of course; but they share the common goal, for people to return home with the energy, commitment and inspiration to apply their learning.

The ECN enables a sharing of resources, teachers and experience, to strengthen these and other learning centres; and encourages fee-paying participants to subsidise bursaries and local community trainings.

We invite you to discover more about each Learning Centre, and especially the short-term residential courses, workshops or other events that are available. Many of the centres can also arrange special group visits or workshops, depending on your need.


Bija Vidyapeeth


explore and practice the art and science of sustainability, in northern India.

Bija offers courses in Ecological Education for Earth Democracy. It provides conference and seminar as well as residential facilities, at an organic farm in Doon valley, foothills between the Himalayas and Shivalik mountains. While dialoguing with leading ecological thinkers and activists, participants also get an opportunity to live as a community and engage in the practice of sustainability. All participants learn cooking, gardening, composting, yoga, the practice of music and theatre; and interact with local communities.

For more information please contact: bijavidyapeeth@vsnl.net

http://www.bijavidyapeeth.org


Lang’ata Centre
experience grassroots issues, environment and culture, with local communities in Africa.

Lang’ata is used for capacity building with local communities and for hosting residential learning courses. The centre has conference and residential facilities, set in a beautiful green and serene nine-acres in Nairobi. Participants discuss the historical and international dimensions of the environment crisis in Africa, and experience learning first-hand from local communities and nature. The content is adjusted to the needs and interests of the group, and can include community stays, safari trips and wilderness.

For more information please contact: gbm@wananchi.com

http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/about_us.htm#5

Rincão Gaia
regenerative agriculture and sustainable livelihoods, in the landscapes of southern Brazil.

Rincão Gaia (Gaia Corner), located 120km from Porto Alegre, provides a practical learning centre for sustainable development, regenerative agriculture, natural animal rearing and ecological landscaping. It surrounds a disused basalt quarry that has been developed and transformed through agricultural and landscaping activities. Guided visits, seminars, short-term residential courses and vacation breaks are available. Guests enjoy organic rice, honey, dairy and fruit products grown on site, and visit local farmers who receive training in sustainable agriculture from Fundação Gaia staff.

For more information please contact: lara@fgaia.org.br

http://www.fgaia.org.br/rincao.html

Schumacher College
an international centre for ecological studies, set in the beautiful Devon countryside.

Schumacher offers short-term residential courses with guest teachers those working at the leading edge of their fields, who can offer inspiration to the students, and whose work is contributing to the creation of sustainable ways of living. As well as immersing themselves in course material, participants share in essential activities, which include cooking, housekeeping and gardening. Business and Sustainability Courses and an MSc in Holistic Science are also available.

For more information please contact: admin@schumachercollege.org.uk

http://www.schumachercollege.org