Intellect

Authors:  Michael Richards 
DOI: BSR.13.1.105

Keywords


Abstract
This paper describes the development of the System of Tutorial Learning (SAT), a Baha’iinspired rural education programme, in two Latin American countries – Colombia and Honduras. It starts by discussing the conceptual basis of the Baha’i approach to social and economic development, especially the links between education and sustainable development. It then describes how the ‘Rural University’ and SAT evolved and developed in Colombia, following a profound critique of conventional development and education programmes by the Foundation for the Application and Teaching of Sciences (FUNDAEC). It describes the content and pedagogy of SAT, including, for example, its focus on the development of ‘capabilities’ rather than academic disciplines; the way disciplines are integrated in SAT; the integration of moral or spiritual values in SAT, especially ‘service to the community’; and the participatory agricultural research programme and other livelihood-oriented components. The Colombian experience recently culminated in FUNDAEC being awarded a prestigious international award for the SAT programme. In Honduras, SAT had to face an acute set of teething problems, partly resulting from its initial implementation in a very difficult and remote area. However, progress has been rapid over the last few years, including increasing government interest and ownership of SAT. A major expansion of SAT is at an advanced planning stage, and funding from several development agencies has been obtained. These experiences show the potential of applying spiritual principles in the arena of social and economic development, especially the importance of integrating moral or spiritual values into educational curricula, and focusing on the ‘real purpose of development’. This is the realisation of individual human potential, largely through actions of service to the wider community, to be able to contribute to an ‘ever-advancing civilisation’.