|
First year Masters Graduate Diplomas in Integrative EcoSocial Design
Presentations delight audience
 Ian Thomas Nigh of Mexico received his Graduate Diploma for the completion of the first year of his MSc degree program in Integrative Eco-Social Design (IESD) by a live Skype connection from Australia at the recent international gather-in of Gaia U associates (students), advisors, graduates and regional organizers.
Moving in 18 months from the establishment of an organic roof-top garden, to the building of bamboo bicycles and onto the development of a proposal for action-learning education for indigenous peoples in Australia in partnership with the UN University, Ian's path demonstrates how the Gaia U advisory system coupled with the project-based methodology supports associates to grow into active leadership in sustainability world-wide.
 Originally focussed on the creation of a roof-top garden for his family's restaurant in Chiapas Mexico and the subsequent development of systems necessary for the its efficient operation, Ian's dedication led to the training of local community members on healthy and sustainable food production.
Next, Ian moved into the research, design, and production of hand-made bamboo bicycles, able to carry two hundred kilograms through the hills of Chiapas – a much needed transportation option for that area. He describes this as an empowering experience, as his ability to build his own means of transport was a reflection of his ability to pro-actively change his lifestyle, and offer alternative options for others.
His next step was to become a consultant for the United Nations University in a social outreach program for the aboriginal community in Darwin, Australia. He is currently developing a model for providing access to Gaia University action-Learning educational pathways to the indigenous population, honoring and documenting their invaluable knowledge whilst empowering community members.
Ian's Gaia University program enabled him to redefine his professional career, channeling his knowledge of Permaculture into a pioneering social project with world changing implications.
Follow
this link to learn more about Ian's trip to Australia, and
this link to learn more about Ian's Bamboo Bikes.
 Mana Vermeulen-McLeod, 32, a resident of Earthhaven Ecovillage (USA), also completed her first year of an MSc. in IESD. She presented her learning outcomes to the participants of the Gaia University Mexico Gather-In, instigating broad smiles and reflective comments from the spectators.
With spontaneity and calm she explained how her involvement in the Masters program enabled her to use her emotions as source material for further experimentation using Theory U. “This design tool brought clarity about where I was going, and was the key to many insights.”
 Theory U was created by Otto Scharmer of MIT, as a means for individuals and organizations to deal with distress. By passing through the various stages of the “U,” individuals and institutions are able to change behavior patterns, let go of the old, and open a space for the new to emerge. Mana's design enabled her to not only learn how Theory U can be used as a design tool, but also experience its transformative qualities within her own life.
Follow this link to learn more about Mana's exploration of Theory U.
These March 2009 presentations by Gaia University Masters candidates highlight how individuals can be supported in personal breakthroughs whilst enhancing professional and world changing opportunities. Their passion-driven learning pathways reveal how rich and transformative action-based education can be in furthering the movement toward a sustainable future.
|
Associate's Work
