Hi all! Greetings from the Island Policy Lab at the University of Delaware, United States. We just released our latest Newsletter. It will give you a taste of some of the projects and engagements that we're involved with. Happy to share more as we learn from each other.

https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=b360342778cf2ee2115421b99&id=8d2793…

https://sites.udel.edu/island-policy-lab/

Hello ISLANDS community! ? We're on the lookout for a dynamic and skilled Project Manager/Programme Coordinator to join our GGKP team and lead the ISLANDS CCKM Project. ??

Please find all the requirements and the details for the application in the link below.

Spiritual Dimension Of Education On Islands

Islands, with their secluded and often pristine landscapes, have long served as sources of inspiration for artists and seekers of spiritual connection. The combination of isolation, natural beauty, and a unique cultural milieu creates an environment that fosters a profound interplay between spirituality and art. This essay explores the symbiotic relationship between spirituality and art on islands, examining how the confluence of these two elements contributes to a rich and distinctive cultural tapestry.

One of the most captivating aspects of islands is their natural beauty. Surrounded by the vast expanse of the ocean, islands often boast breathtaking landscapes, from lush tropical jungles to rugged cliffs and serene beaches. The isolation and seclusion offered by these landscapes create an environment conducive to introspection and contemplation, inviting individuals to connect with a higher, transcendent force.

In many island cultures, the natural elements are deeply intertwined with spiritual beliefs. The rhythm of the waves, the rustling of palm trees, and the vibrant colors of the sunset become part of a spiritual symphony that resonates with the islanders. Artists, inspired by this connection, channel these natural elements into their work, creating pieces that reflect a profound sense of spirituality.

Hello ISLANDers,

Found this in the Guardian today - on very high PCB concentrations in found recently in whales.

PCBs were banned in 2004, but persist in the environment and in wildlife, as POPs generated in one country can and do affect people and wildlife far from where they are used and released.

ISLANDS is phasing out stockpiles of PCBs from disused transformers in SIDS.

Need for a syllabus of radical hope

A syllabus of radical hope is not a standardized or widely recognized educational document like a typical subject syllabus. Instead, it is a conceptual framework or a set of principles that can guide educational practices and curricula to instill hope, resilience, and positive action for the environment in students facing life in an unstable post-carbon world. It incorporates a variety of subjects, disciplines, and practices to foster a mindset that goes beyond traditional academic content. In this respect, spiritual thinking about human ecology often addresses questions related to the meaning of life, purpose, and values. Integrating these aspects into school curricula can help students explore their own purpose in a broader context, fostering a sense of individual fulfillment and direction. Spiritual teachings often emphasize interconnectedness and community. This sense of belonging can counter feelings of isolation and helplessness, which are common in times of crisis.
Incorporating spiritual thinking into a syllabus of radical hope does not necessarily mean promoting a specific religion. Instead, it involves teaching the universal values and principles found in various spiritual traditions, encouraging students to explore their own beliefs and values while respecting others’ perspectives. This approach can contribute to the holistic development of individuals, fostering a sense of hope, purpose, and empathy, whilst empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to contribute to positive social, environmental, and personal change.

Educational Pathways To Sustainable Development
In 2008 the Welsh Government published information for teacher trainees and new teachers in Wales to promote education for sustainable development and global citizenship. As of 2023 this humanist framework can be used in Wales’ new national education system to help every school in Wales develop its own curriculum, that incorporates a syllabus for radical hope. Engaging in such initiatives is crucial for raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and encouraging positive actions towards a more sustainable future. For example, posting to groups such as the ‘Green Learning Network’, Islands, ‘Learning Circularity With CIDS’ and ‘GO4SDG’s provides dynamic educational/training resources to delineate cross curricular learning pathways to sustainable development.