Building Bridges Through Education: Step Together and SEKEM’s Collaborative Journey
As Step Together’s work expands into the Arab world, it is crucial to approach the integration of anthroposophical supportive education and inclusive social development themes with cultural and religious sensitivity. The Arab world is home to a wide variety of religious beliefs, each of which plays a significant role in shaping the lives of individuals and communities. Therefore, any educational approach must respect these beliefs and seek to complement, rather than contradict, them.
Sandra Rouhana, Member of the Leadership Team at Step Together, Lebanon, April, 2025.
As Step Together’s work expands into the Arab world, it is crucial to approach the integration of anthroposophical supportive education and inclusive social development themes with cultural and religious sensitivity. The Arab world is home to a wide variety of religious beliefs, each of which plays a significant role in shaping the lives of individuals and communities. Therefore, any educational approach must respect these beliefs and seek to complement, rather than contradict, them.
One way to navigate this delicate terrain is by emphasizing universal principles and values that surpass religious boundaries. Values such as compassion, empathy, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge are shared across different belief systems and can serve as a common ground for the integration of anthroposophical education. This approach not only promotes inclusivity but also provides space for educators, students, and parents to explore their spiritual identities and make connections with the educational process. Ultimately, the key lies in embracing openness, sensitivity, and a willingness to engage in dialog. This dialog is essential for overcoming potential challenges and developing an educational framework that enriches the lives of those involved. Through thoughtful and respectful integration, the principles of anthroposophical curative education and inclusive social development can become a transformative force for positive change in the Arab world.
SEKEM, Egypt and Step Together, Lebanon have established a longstanding professional relationship, united by a shared vision of fostering sustainable communities rooted in core human values. Both institutions believe in creating environments where every individual can make a significant contribution to society.
Following the accreditation process established by the International Training Circle of the Curative Education and Social Therapy Council, Step Together was officially recognized as a professional training center for anthroposophic curative education in 2013. In June 2024, a thorough assessment was conducted, leading to Step Together’s reaccreditation for an additional five years as of December 2024.
A significant milestone since this accreditation has been Step Together’s role in supporting the others in professional training by working in trainings in different parts of the world. The collaboration with SEKEM initially started with a course given by Dr. Rim Mouawad in May 2022 and the request of teachers there to take a more structured training journey. As a certified training center for inclusive social development and curative education, recognized by the Section, Step Together has been working closely with SEKEM educators through a three-year curative education program since January 2023. This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to professional development, rooted in shared cultural contexts and vision. Beyond a formal partnership, this collaboration represents a shared investment in the future that will sow the seeds for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Fotos: privat