USTAWI Global's Inspiring Visit to SEGA: A Journey of Learning and Connection
From July 5th to July 12th, 2024, USTAWI Global embarked on a transformative journey to SEGA. This visit was not just a trip but a deep dive into the heart of collaborative and innovative education. Led by Nick Salmon and Kavita Tanna, the visionary co-founders of the USTAWI Movement, Collaborative Learning Network, and Globally Reconnect, a team of six passionate educators and leaders gathered to explore and develop Flourishing Learning Communities.
Meet the Team
The team was a vibrant mix of educators and leaders from around the globe, including Enos Magaga, a Science and mathematics Teacher at BEADS Tembea Academy in Kenya, Josphat Macharia from the Ndabibi Environmental Conservation Centre, Gwendilyn Liu, a STEM Teacher in Hawaii, Kitambi Abdallah from the start-up Nyamazu Go Children Centre in Arusha for unhoused children, Elly Sarakikya Headmistress of the SEGA Girls’ School, and William Ngullo Head of School at Ebenezer Secondary School.
Program with a Purpose
The nine-day program was meticulously designed to unite school leaders eager to share their stories and learn from one another. The primary focus was on discovering the magic that happens when integrated learning experiences emerge from strong, meaningful connections. The goal? To co-create a community of dedicated individuals leading mission-aligned schools worldwide. This initiative also aims to secure three years of coaching support for up to eight learning communities aspiring to become local and global excellence models.
Daily Adventures in Learning
Each day started with invigorating sessions focused on thriving learning communities and social-emotional development. They delved into various educational models and philosophies, drawing insights from schools and programs that Nick and Kavita had visited and worked with. Some of the captivating topics included:
The innovative Australia Living School curriculum model
Strategies for making impactful changes and culture shifts
Building a supportive web of connections
The Holistic Wheel of Well-being
Identifying and celebrating success
Accelerating awareness and recognizing individual skills
Establishing effective student advisories
The team engaged in hands-on activities that brought these concepts to life. They demonstrated how a learning community can thrive through place-based and project-based learning models.
The week was punctuated with Zoom checkpoints with Kavita, where they shared feelings, surprises, curiosities, and highlights. These sessions were crucial to the reflective process, allowing the team to stay connected and grounded.
Highlighting the Future
Toward the end of the visit, Nick introduced the Global Innovation Fund and the exciting prospect of USTAWI Global, an international education nonprofit in Pennsylvania. The Global Innovation Fund is designed to support network members in areas needing a boost—connections, funding, or educational support. Members can apply for G.I.F. Grants with business plans to grow their potential and contribute 10% of their yearly growth to sustain the fund. The Center for Sustainable Living and Learning, planned for Nick’s family land in Pennsylvania, will be a hub for USTAWI Global members to gather, learn, and collaborate.
Reflections and Future Plans
As their time at SEGA wrapped up, the team's sense of growth, potential, and new ideas was palpable. They left with a promise to stay connected and support the USTAWI mission. Nick helped identify the next steps and resources for ongoing guidance. They committed to staying in touch through WhatsApp and forming the first cohort of USTAWI Global. Excitingly, Gwen is already planning a visit to SEGA for the 2025 STEM Program with her colleagues.
In conclusion, their visit to SEGA with USTAWI Global was inspiring and fruitful. They built new connections, sparked fresh ideas, and strengthened the commitment to creating thriving learning communities. The journey doesn't end here—it's just the beginning of a shared mission to transform education and empower communities worldwide.