gathering

It was meaningful and inspirational to join this gathering. Ecoversities are trying to achieve what I was dreaming and figuring out as a solution for the global social issues. The participants are not only speaking for their aim but also conducting actual projects by themselves. In the gathering, people  shared their knowledge and experiences  so that they can cooperate together for the future. The gathering is like a conference but this is more than that for sure. We became very close with each other since we know we can be as one and the goal we are seeking for is similar. Imagine, if people around the world are close like family, if they are working together for the same goal, the future will be here and now. 

I joined knowing little about Ecoversities, and after spending 4 days together I found inspiration and support both on a personal, project and movement level. The alliance is looking to connect together those of us working on any form of wisdom sharing, especially those outside mainstream academic institutions. We know we need to design place based, people oriented solutions to replace the standardised and global systems we have now. We choose to have a million different solutions and recognise there may be overlap and we are smaller projects. So I see the Ecoversities alliance is a way to bring education projects together under our common dream of accessible education that supports a just and regenerative way of living. 

The result of my participation in the gathering was very meaningful. Many and varied attempts impressed me, and at the same time, I could objectively see the unique characteristics of ecovillage projects. It is sure that eco-village-based learning can show the youth that innovative attempts are feasible with practical ways of living. I think it is great that several different initiatives joined together from GENOA. This time, I joined with three graduates (Toshi Kento, Mizuki) from GEN Japan Gaia Youth program, held at As One Community aiming to encourage the youth of urban areas to awaken towards the creation of regenerative societies. It was my pleasure that they learned freely in a relaxed atmosphere while directly experiencing the efforts of a diverse group of people. The opportunity to interact directly with their Asian peers gave me a sense of great potential for the next steps.　

Making friends was a big part of the Ecoversities gathering for me, and it was comforting and exciting to know we came together to connect from heart to heart at the beautiful Wongsanit Ashram. We shared games to bring us closer which were both creative and traditional. We reimagined the future through remembering wisdom that was passed down from generations ago. It was eye opening to experience traditional rituals and feel so beautifully rooted deep down at the present moment. Knowing the heart of our ancestors is education. Seeking to find out what flower blooms in front of me is education. Holding our hands together and feeling one another’s energy is education. The Ecoversities Alliance gathering helped me realise my hope to keep learning from the many streams of adventures that the universe has to offer.

Attending the gathering was a big challenge for me because I didn’t have much overseas experience. I wanted to make friends who could connect by heart, even though we are from different cultures.

When we introduced the Gaia Youth Program in the middle of the program, I was convinced that we are all wishing for the same world and we can connect with our hearts. I was also very happy to meet people from the same generation who are working globally to create a new society. It was very stimulating.

I am now more interested in seeing the world on a global scale. I would like to cooperate with my friends I met this time and take more actions to create a better society.