Recently SOPHIA was invited to attend Reimagining ‘Development’ Models in Asia-Pacific – Making the Social and Human Sciences Count organized by UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector and partners.

The event was held on 23th June 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand, and also online. Tugce Buyukugurlu and I represented SOPHIA Board and  attended the session “Transforming Learning with Philosophy with Children”.

We had the opportunity to listen to Edwige Chirouter and the work that Chaire UNESCO “Pratiques de la philosophie avec les enfants: une base éducative pour le dialogue interculturel et la transformation sociale” is developing. 

Rainier A. Ibana, President of Philosophy with Children and Youth Network for Asia-Pacific, shared the work developed during the pandemic that involved developing different communities. A part of that work was held at ICPIC’s Conference in Tokyo (2022), and is available on youtube:

Attending this event was a great opportunity to listen and learn about P4wC practices all over the world. It also reinforces my strong believes about belonging to communities such as SOPHIA.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education and child development, I have come to firmly believe in the transformative power of being part of communities. Engaging with diverse groups of individuals who share a common goal of nurturing and empowering children has had a profound impact on my philosophy and approach to working with young minds. 

My unwavering belief in the power of communities stems from the transformative experiences I have had on my journey as an educator and child advocate. By embracing the richness of diverse perspectives, engaging in collaborative learning, receiving support and empowerment, and amplifying our collective impact, communities have become a cornerstone of my philosophy for children’s practice.

I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone seeking to make a lasting difference in the lives of children actively participates in communities, for it is within these networks that we can unlock our fullest potential as agents of positive change. Together, let us forge a brighter future for the next generation.