Aims and Values | Freire Institute

Freire Institute aims to:

Build a professional community of practice dedicated to transformative pedagogy, drawing on the principles of critical pedagogy, popular education, and transformative learning.
Contribute to the empowerment of educators, activists, and community organizers by providing resources, professional development, and a supportive network to work for social justice and meaningful change.
Develop and disseminate practical tools, educational programmes, and research grounded in the empowering and participatory educational philosophy of Paulo Freire.
Support educators in transforming their own institutions and contributing to broader social change through community-based learning and collaborative projects.
Promote education as a powerful catalyst for both individual and collective empowerment and transformation.

Freire Institute is guided by the following values:

Critical pedagogy: We are committed to an educational approach that encourages critical thinking, challenges oppressive structures, and promotes critical consciousness.
Popular education: We value the knowledge and life experiences of all participants, creating participatory and democratic learning environments where education is a tool for collective problematizing, action and reflection.
Transformative learning: We believe in the power of education to bring about profound personal and social change, empowering individuals and communities to become agents of their own transformation.
Social justice: We are dedicated to advancing social justice through education, supporting efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive world.
Community: We seek to develop a supportive, diverse, and collaborative community of practice where educators, activists, researchers, and community members can connect, learn from each other, and work together for social change.
Empowerment: We strive to help individuals and communities empower themselves by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support to challenge injustice and create positive change.
Participation: We embrace a participatory approach in all our endeavours, ensuring that our programmes and initiatives are inclusive, responsive, and draw upon the collective wisdom of our members and partners.

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University of Central Lancashire

Victoria Mill, Trafalgar Street

Burnley, Lancashire BB11 1RA

United Kingdom