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sarah weldon

Teacher of English and Geography, British Connection International School

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Would you consider coming to my future centre for a working holiday, if so what skills would you offer, how would they impact the children?

I am in the process of raising money for and setting up the first ever community and children's field studies centre in the former Republic of Georgia. I have an idea to invite Guests in Residence, who pay nothing to stay at their own house at the centre (in the mountains of Kazbegi), eat communally, or be self sufficient if they wish, and in return must donate one hour a day tot the centre, either as a skills workshop, giving a lecture, working the land, setting up an outreach clinic, or assisting at the local school. Do you think this is a fair deal for all involved, would you consider taking part hypothetically, what would appeal, or put you off, what kind of class or skill would you offer? How do you think this would be of benefit? Would you be prepared to leave a legacy to the centre, what would this be? How can I involve young disadvantaged people in this project, in a way that will benefit them and help them in their lives? How can I support them more?

Topics: Youth Development community engagement disadvantage project young people aspirations young professional youth education
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    sarah weldon

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    Aug 21 2011: Thanks so much Paula, I am new to TED, but am already finding it fantastic to speak with people and to receive input and ideas from others. I really hope I can get it up and running over the next twelve months as the children here really need something and this is my answer to what they have told me. We would love to have you as our guest once we are up and running, and cooking will be an essential element and skill to teach. Nutritious and ange of food in Georgia is fairly poor, mainly bread based, and I know the kids are really excited to try new things. It will be great to teach about healthy eating, and to improve the lives of future Georgians just through diet. Women really need empowering, as they are the backbone of Georgian society, and are very resourceful and warm. Thanks again:)

    • Ed Schulte 50+

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      Aug 24 2011: I am cutting in here

      but there is a weath of written material of the Longgivity of the Circassian cultures and if it has sliped out of the hands of Georgians then it is still not all that far away and difficult to retrieve .

      You can source examoles such as Murat Yagan's " http://www.kebzeh.org/publications/bk_The-Abkhazian.htm " which includes some of their basic physical exercises as will ...which of course is just as important and diet.
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    Paula Cano 500+

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    TEDx Organizer
    Aug 21 2011: Wow, this sounds like a great idea..
    I would love to participate in multiple areas of this project if possible.
    I am passionate about encouraging young women like myself to be empowered and strong, to be aware of their mental powers and follow their dreams with full fervor. Motivating and encouraging the youth would be my main goal.
    Now, i would contribute my culinary skills and foodservice experience to the organization / day to day operations of the meal program.. (provided there is one).
    Helping at the local school with art/music classes or workshops would be ideal.
    Anything that opens their mind to creativity and self awareness, should be taught in such way that they are inspired to create and rise above any circumstances.
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    sarah weldon

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    Aug 21 2011: thanks Ed, your input sounds mazing and definitely along the ethos of the kind of centre I want to set up. Interesting about your views on cob too, its something I would love to build with at some point, but was not sure about doing it in the Georgian climate. Georgians certainly are fond of music and dance, and th polyphonic singing is also something I hope to promote at the centre.

    Thanks so much for your reply.

    • Ed Schulte 50+

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      Aug 23 2011: Hi Sarah

      The true Beauty of this action would be that each participant would become enriched by Grace...that very active component of the Cricassian culture.

      Or as the Circassians would say, "come, we will drink plum brandy ..and I will steal your horse!"

  • Ed Schulte 50+

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    Aug 20 2011: I would

    and bring my experience in Canadian civil engineering and renovations / construction ( I would not use cob by the way use the local wood/stone materials the Russian construction methods were not conducive to efficiency or health / economic or environmentally )

    I would like to bring along my background in Amusta Kebzeh, better know to Europeans as "Circassian Yoga" and the rich connection(s) it has to the teachings/ practices of the Essenes / early Christians and (what is now named) Sufi. All the latter ties to the popular expectation of Science and Spirituality re-uniting (BUT of course they were NEVER separate BUT for the heavy interference of intellectualism).

    Among those and many other potentialities I would encourage the respectful co-habitation of the Georgian peoples with their neighbors Abkhazia and Ossetia without out the interference of foreign powers. Kebzeh with its ancient motto “All for one and One for ALL” is applicable for ALL communities Local or Global.

    And I note in your bio you like to sing ...Circassians are famous are indeed famous for it !! ( not to omit dance and food either)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG_26dPPxcQ&feature=related
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