Decolonizing Education | Freire Institute

Paulo Freire’s philosophy of education has had a profound impact on people throughout the world working for social change. His work has been applied not only to formal educational settings but to many diverse social movements.

Status: enrollment_closed
Price: GBP 250.00

Paulo Freire and Critical Pedagogy

Education for Social Change

Education as the practice of freedom: A critical dialogue on decolonizing learning

This course invites educators, education administrators, students, and community members into a vital process of critical inquiry. We begin by examining the often invisible ways that historical, cultural, and systemic legacies of colonialism continue to shape our educational landscapes – from the curriculum we teach to the ways we interact in the classroom. Understanding these deep roots is the first step towards developing critical consciousness. Drawing upon Paulo Freire's pedagogy, this is not a passive learning experience but an active dialogue. Together, we will:

Uncover and discover marginalized narratives: Critically analyze dominant perspectives and actively seek out, listen to, and amplify the histories, knowledge systems, and voices that have been systematically suppressed or excluded by colonial influences.
Reimagine curriculum and pedagogy: Move beyond transmitting information to co-creating knowledge. We explore and develop alternative educational processes that challenge traditional hierarchies, engage participants in critical thinking, value diverse cultural contexts, and promote genuine student agency.
Explore intersections of identity and power: Discuss how intersecting aspects of identity (race, culture, class, gender, language, etc.) interact with power structures within education, shaping vastly different learning experiences.
Develop decolonial praxis: Bridge theory and practice by identifying concrete, actionable steps. Participants will strategize how to implement decolonial approaches within their own contexts – whether revising curriculum, adopting liberatory pedagogical techniques, advocating for institutional change, or developing more equitable classroom environments.

The goal is to move beyond critique towards transformative action . Participants will leave equipped with sharper analytical tools, practical strategies, valuable resources, and a supportive network to contribute to building more just, equitable, inclusive, and ultimately liberatory educational spaces for all learners. For organisations: This course is available in virtual, in-person, or hybrid formats to meet diverse organizational needs and preferences. We can tailor the focus to your specific institutional context. For individuals: We will run occasional virtual workshops, and you are encouraged to join the notification list to be informed of upcoming dates.

Registration Options

Current ways to join this course

Email Signup

Enter your email address below to be added to the notification list

Early Bird Registration

This course has options for Early Bird Registration, giving you discounts on the price.

Registration Options

Custom workshops organized by arrangement

Duration

You will continue to be registered in the course area for 3 months following the workshop.

Course Delivery

Course materials such as videos, readings and tasks will be released over the period of your enrollment. Live online seminars are not part of the course content but may be made available as a bonus.

Course Certificate

You will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

Join our community of practice