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The
Educo International Alliance
The Educo
International Alliance (EIA) is a network of organizations that
focuses on leadership development and character building for young
people around the world. Programs and projects are enriched through
direct and indirect experience with the wilderness as teacher and
classroom. With talented and dedicated people leading our
organizations and a proven track record, the Educo International
Alliance is well positioned to solidify and expand our work.
History
Educo was born in
Canada in 1969. The word “educo” is from the Latin root word for
education, meaning, “to lead or draw forth” It describes our
belief that education is a process of drawing forth the inherent
qualities of character from our students. In 1988 Educo Colorado was
formed. Over the next few years Educo Colorado conducted leadership
programs with young people in the US, Brazil, South Africa,
Botswana, India, Russia, Tajikistan, Australia, and France. Alumnae
of these programs approached us to help establish Educo in their
respective countries. In 1994, immediately after the election of
Nelson Mandela, Educo Africa was incorporated. In quick succession,
Educo programs were established in Brazil and Bulgaria. In 2003 the
German NGO “GFE Erlebnistage e.V.” joined.
Organizational
Structure
In 1995 we
recognized the need to formalize the relationship among Educo
organizations in order to share resources, set high standards, and
promote development internationally. Directors and board members
from around the world gathered met for this purpose 4 times between
1995 and 2000. In March of 2002, we convened again to formalize an
organizational structure and take the next steps in our development.
It was agreed that the EIA will be governed by a board comprised of
the Executive Directors and an elected representative from each
Educo member organization. The governing board will hire and
supervise a director to lead the activities of EIA.
Educo
Programs Worldwide
Educo is
incorporated and curently conducts programs in South Africa, Brazil,
Bulgaria, Germany, Canada, and the US. Educo programs address the
needs of adults as well as young people. These programs help
participants learn from their experience, incorporating time and
tools for personal observation and reflection. Activities such as
backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, environmental education,
journal work, and other self reflective exercises serve as vehicles
for learning leadership and team skills. Educo teaches that each of
us is a leader because each of us interacts with, and influences the
people and world around us. We do not have the option to accept or
reject the responsibilities of leadership in the interconnected
world we have created together, each of us is a leaders, and Educo
helps us to recognize our potential.
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