IASWECE update
Following the recent IASWECE (International Association for Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education) Council meeting in Godollo, Hungary, there is much to share about the global initiatives, projects, and events shaping the future of early childhood education worldwide.
Council Meetings and Upcoming Gatherings
The warm hospitality of the Waldorf School in Godollo set the tone for a productive meeting, where we received an invitation from Sucheta and her colleagues at Sadhana to meet in India later this year (October 22–27). This promises to be an exciting opportunity to connect with educators and deepen our international relationships.
Looking ahead, the Council will convene again in Strasbourg in April 2026, ahead of the much-anticipated 100th Anniversary Conference for Early Childhood Education. Mark your calendars for April 8-12, 2026, at the Goetheanum, where the theme of the conference will be "Kindness, Strength, and Love," inspired by the seven steps of spiritual development outlined by Rudolf Steiner. More details will follow, and registration will open in September.
Updates on Global Projects
IASWECE's projects around the world continue to thrive, despite the many challenges faced in some regions. A key focus remains on providing support to communities in need. For example:
Lebanon: Our project leaders in Lebanon continue to work amidst the ongoing hardships of war. The support of IASWECE has been invaluable in providing stability for early childhood education in this region.
Armenia: Similarly, Armenia is navigating its own crisis due to the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Fiji: In New Zealand, we are committed to supporting Fiji’s early childhood educators through mentoring and training.
While some projects, such as the one in Poland, are delayed, the support for places like Albania and South Africa continues to grow, with new applications being processed.
Conferences and Training Opportunities
One of the major highlights is the Teacher Education Conference held in Bratislava, attended by 50 educators from around the world. This conference centered on three paths of learning—Learning for Life, Learning through Life, and Spiritual Learning—offering attendees a deep dive into the educational philosophy of leading thinkers like Coen van Houten and Otto Sharmer.
The Trainer’s Network also continues its monthly Zoom meetings, while early childhood educators participate in the International Teacher Education Project (ITEP), hosted by the Pedagogical Section.
Focus on Collaboration and Outreach
IASWECE is continually working to strengthen its relationships with other organisations. The Hague Circle remains committed to supporting educators and promoting deeper connections between education, the Earth, and the cosmos. In line with this, there have been fruitful discussions with partners such as ELIANT and the Alliance for Childhood, focusing on the well-being of children and the importance of protecting their mental health in an increasingly complex world.
Member Associations and New Collaborations
Our global network continues to grow! We welcomed Croatia and Argentina as new country members, and we continue to engage with potential associations, such as Portugal. However, we are saddened by the resignation of Lois Eijgenraam from the Netherlands, whose departure underscores the challenges in some countries regarding support and recognition for early childhood education.
Publications and Resources
IASWECE is also making strides in making its publications more accessible. The Pedagogical Section at the Goetheanum is now home to many IASWECE publications, with the goal of providing them for free to members. New English translations of key works, such as Rainer Patzlaff's book on Speech and Language Development in the Digital Age, are being made available through WECAN.
The next newsletter will focus on how children learn, and we will share exciting reports from Vietnam and Chile. Stay tuned for more insights in the upcoming special edition for the 100th Anniversary of Early Childhood Education!
Training, Mentorship, and the Future
The ongoing work within the Working Groups is a testament to the dedication of those involved in IASWECE's mission. These groups, including those focused on Birth to Three and Gender Diversity, continue to push boundaries in exploring new educational and research avenues.
Looking Ahead
While there are ongoing challenges in some of the projects, there is hope and momentum. With each meeting and gathering, IASWECE strengthens its commitment to early childhood education based on the principles of kindness, strength, and love. The collaboration across countries and continents is an inspiring reminder of the power of global community and shared purpose.
As always, SEANZ is proud to support the work that Kathy MacFarlane is doing in her role at IASWECE. Together, we look forward to more fruitful exchanges and continuing to shape the future of early childhood education for generations to come.