What We Value

COVO’s approach to working in the community draws inspiration from educators Paulo Freire (Brazil) and Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (Japan) who believed in the role of education to advance social change.

Some of the Makiguchi’s core principles which COVO promotes and develops are:
 

Diological Method: Emphasizing dialogue and communication between teachers and students, service providers and users, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Empowerment: Encouraging students, workers and participants to question and reflect on their reality, rather than passively receiving information.

Critical Thinking: Developing awareness of social, political and economic contradictions, and taking action against oppressive elements of society.

Praxis: Combining reflection and action to transform the world, with a focus on humanization and social jusitce.

Value Creation: Encouraging students and people to create value in their lives by fostering positive learning experiences.

Humanistic Education: Emphasizing the development of the whole person, focusing on creativity and therapeutic learning, alongside academic learning.

Community and Society: Promoting the idea that education contributes to improving society and the community, fostering a sense of social responsibility and mutual respect among people and the local environment.