We recently held the June edition of the LearningPlanet Assembly, where we launched the report “Exploring Local Learning Ecosystems in the Global South: Pathways to thriving for every child.” Hear from a LearningPlanet Youth Fellow, Jasmine Wei, who reflects on her experience at the report launch.
What were your key takeaways from the LearningPlanet Assembly?
As a participant in the LearningPlanet Assembly, I found myself absorbing new insights and perspectives about the learning ecosystems concept. The concept, although not new, took on a new sense of urgency and relevance during the Assembly. The central idea is not just about change within formal education, but also a reconceptualization of the entire educational landscape. Among everything discussed, here are some points that particularly stood out to me:
- Emerging Local Learning Ecosystems, especially in the Global South, spotlighted the incredible power of community-led education. These grassroots initiatives showcased adaptability and innovation in meeting unique educational needs in challenging contexts.
- The Assembly underscored the role of trust and relationships in successful learning ecosystems. It reaffirmed that learning is relational, with strong, trust-based connections among students, teachers, families, and communities being essential.
- Collective leadership also stood out as a consensus, emphasising the shared responsibility of all stakeholders – students, parents, teachers, and the community – in shaping education. This model boosts ownership and accountability in learning, leading to robust, effective outcomes.
What were some inspiring moments for you?
Hearing stories from the global south, where communities have taken the initiative to establish their own learning ecosystems suited to their unique conditions and potential, was truly stirring. The way they tapped into local resources, cultural practices, and knowledge to create learning environments that promote resilience and innovation was remarkable.
Another unforgettable moment was when Dessy Aliandrina, Sociopreneur Indonesia, shared about the responsible ecosystem approach in Indonesia. Dessy noted, “You cannot solve the problem with just one thing. We don’t understand the context. So that’s why here what we want to say is like you cannot just say it’s your job, it’s my job, your duty, your responsibility.” Dessy underlines the need to collectively leverage our strengths, understand our unique contexts, and actively participate in the transformation process. The aim isn’t to pass responsibilities but to foster a collaborative spirit in solving problems.
The report authors weren’t the only source of inspiration; the audience brimmed with thought-provoking insights. Robyn Whittaker, Africa Voices Dialogue, for example, reinforced the idea of interconnected networks as a key element of thriving learning ecosystems. She said, “This collective too is an important example of the concept of learning ecosystems – the connection of metanodes – networks of networks – which strengthen, encourage, support and advocate for each other, shifting the broader narrative, and inviting and attracting in additional participants.”
How do you see the future of learning ecosystems after the LearningPlanet Assembly?
The Assembly reinforced my optimism for the future of learning ecosystems, highlighting their transformative potential in reshaping education. It illuminated the path to foster inclusive, resilient, and locally responsive learning systems. With sustained stakeholder commitment, I foresee a significant educational paradigm shift, notably in the global south.
That said, my optimism must be tempered with realism. Systemic change and building trust are slow processes. The Assembly’s outcomes might face roadblocks like resource scarcity or resistance to change.
The LearningPlanet Assembly urged us, education stakeholders, to act. Guided by the Assembly’s spirit of collaboration, respect, and shared learning, we’ll strive to cultivate learning ecosystems that promote inclusivity, resilience, and innovation.
More about the report launch
The Assembly follows the launch of the report: Exploring Local Learning Ecosystems in the Global South: Pathways to thriving for every child.
Meet Jasmine
Jasmine Wei is a youth leader, academic, actress, writer and cross-cultural musician from New Zealand. Committed to fusing her eclectic passions to effect long-lasting systemic changes, Jasmine channels her efforts toward creating a more sustainable and peaceful world.
Jasmine founded UKRAINIUM, a platform where students across the world share views and stories on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine while raising awareness of global peace. More than just a discussion platform, UKRAINIUM actively fundraises for the education of Ukrainian children. Founded in 2022, UKRAINIUM now has 50 members, published 40 articles, raised over $5000 and has been featured on broadcasts such as 95bFM radio.
Furthering her commitment to sustainable change, Jasmine co-founded CircuLab, an innovative initiative aimed at better equipping young people to be future leaders in confronting climate change and the global waste crisis. CircuLab, through its user-friendly CircuTale app, has distinguished itself in the field of sustainability education and emerged as a finalist in the Catalyst 2030 challenge. Its CircuSaver paper-reduction project has engaged over 17,000 students.
Beyond her leadership and academic pursuits, Jasmine is an adventure enthusiast. She enjoys various extreme sports, such as skydiving, paragliding, bungee jumping, snowboarding, and scuba diving, and loves unwinding with board games in her leisure time.
