Englisch_EKS_01-26 "":Layout 1
16.12.2011
18:25 Uhr
Seite 14
14 IMPRESSIONS
The flame of anthroposophy Ben Cherry and Ya Chih Chan in conversation with Chun Su, founder of the Ci Xin Waldorf School in Ilan, Taiwan
Our ethos is for a working culture of genuine dialogue and discussion.
Reaching our ideals in education has to go hand in hand with the development of democracy in society.
Ben Cherry and Ya Chih Chan | Ms Chun Su, how do you explain the enormous growth of the Ci Xin school? What challenges did you face? Chun Su | Ci Xin started its first class in 1999, on the property of the kindergarten. By the third year there were 45 children in grades 1, 2 and 3. In September of the same year, our Foundation for Anthroposophical Education made a contract with the Ilan government, establishing a new model of co-operation between the two. We received the current school property and approximately 90 percent financial support. By the time the new venture opened in 2002, the role had increased to 128 children, with 12 teachers and other members of staff. Now, nine years later, we have just begun an experimental class 10 and overall there are 560 children and more than 50 teachers and staff members. Our ethos is for a working culture of genuine dialogue and discussion. It is always a joy to witness new doors opening in the lives of colleagues and we try to acknowledge this in each other. Perhaps one can say it is largely through positive thinking and appreciation of colleagues that we have been able to go through the difficult times. We are also deeply grateful to all the Anthroposophists and experienced Waldorf teachers from around the world who have helped us. Without their support and teaching we could not have achieved what we have today. BC / YCC | Have you had to compromise the spirit of Waldorf education through becoming a government school? CS | Taiwan is very different from Europe or the USA. Although we are moving towards being a democratic country, one can see, through the influence of outmoded values and past colonial attitudes, the democratic spirit being suppressed and twisted. We are still a male-dominated society, so women’s opinions are not easily accepted. Reaching our ideals in education has to go hand in hand with the development of democracy in society. When we encounter difficulties with government officers or policies, we try to be patient. If we can understand their situation, space opens up for compromise and negotiation.
erziehungskunst special December | 2011