Alaire Espacio Libre began its journey in the city of Cáceres in 2015 under the framework of ACTYVA cooperative society. Not only known as a school committed to pedagogical innovation, childcare, and protection of childhood, our approach goes beyond conventional educational practices; it is also recognized as a project dedicated to social transformation towards more sustainable, fair, and respectful practices.
After several years in different locations, in March 2023, we found a definitive space, with potential but also lacking in infrastructure.
Since our arrival, we have focused on transforming these facilities into a unique educational environment. Despite the challenges, with the effort of many people, we turned old stables into an open, beautiful, and accessible space. This space will not only serve as a school but as a place where everyone can flourish.
To carry out these initiatives and continue with the social transformation of the space itself, we are launching this crowdfunding campaign. We need support not only from our local community but also from those who share our desire for change, our love for the surrounding nature that brings life, and our vision of a more inclusive education focused on the integral development of individuals.
Join us in building the school of life and a more dignified and respectful world.
Your support makes a difference!
Main features and goals of the crowdfunding campaign
Alaire Espacio Libre, driven by the philosophy of free education, is currently an educational project expanding into the community. The assembly-based structure, central to the project, promotes active participation and collaborative decision-making of all members, without discrimination based on age.
Our commitment to free education involves fostering critical and rational thinking, favoring meaningful learning. The connection with nature, community gardening, animal care, and environmental awareness are integrated into our pedagogical practices for future conscious and responsible citizens.
Differentiating Aspects of the Alaire Educational Project:
Innovative Pedagogical Approach:
Alaire adopts innovative pedagogies that promote meaningful and active learning, customizing attention to the needs of each child based on their being.
Experience-Based Learning:
The connection with nature and the appreciation of practical experiences contribute to an active pedagogical approach, based on doing, maximizing learning linked to real-life experiences.
Integral and Social Development:
The pedagogy focuses on integral development, addressing not only academic aspects but also emotional and social dimensions, contributing to the formation of conscious and committed citizens.
Ecological Awareness:
The integration of sustainable practices and activities promoting ecological awareness sensitizes children to the importance of caring for the environment, contributing to environmental development.
Social Transformation:
Alaire aims for social transformation by challenging educational conventions, fostering autonomy, creativity, and social awareness in children. The school acts as a space where pedagogy contributes to their awareness of their environment and community.
Overall Project Objectives:
Integral Development:
Foster the integral growth of children, attending to their emotional, social, and intellectual dimensions, promoting balance in their personal development.
Social Transformation:
Actively contribute to social transformation through educational and community practices that promote solidarity, equity, and citizen participation.
Autonomy and Responsibility:
Promote autonomy and responsibility in children, allowing them to make decisions and assume responsibilities according to their development and capabilities.
Connection with Nature:
Develop a meaningful connection with nature, cultivating respect for the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
Active and Supportive Community:
Build and strengthen an active and supportive community where families and supporters collaborate in creating an enriching educational and community environment.
Meaningful Learning:
Facilitate meaningful learning based on practical and experiential experiences that stimulate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Childhood Care:
Provide a space where the care of childhood takes precedence, offering emotional security and respecting natural maturation processes.
Inclusion and Diversity:
Promote an inclusive and respectful environment that celebrates diversity, recognizing and valuing the particularities of each individual.
Gender Equality:
Promote gender equality at Alaire, ensuring that children experience an educational environment without stereotypes, contributing to an inclusive and egalitarian educational community.
Positive Environmental Impact:
Generate a positive environmental impact through sustainable practices, ecological awareness, and participation in community projects for the environment.
Lifelong Learning:
Promote the concept of lifelong learning, encouraging the constant pursuit of knowledge, adaptability, and continuous development.
Active Participation:
Encourage active participation of all parties involved in decision-making and activities that benefit the school and the community as a whole.
Social and Civic Awareness:
Develop social and civic awareness in children, stimulating their commitment to the community and their ability to contribute positively to society.
These objectives reflect Alaire's commitment to building an educational community that goes beyond conventional teaching, seeking to positively impact the lives of children, families, and the environment in which they are immersed.
Why this is important
Alaire is born from the collective drive to transform education in Cáceres. Our dreams not only led us to create this project but continue to inspire us at every step. We are a community united by the vision of changing the educational paradigm towards sustainability and integral development.
In Cáceres, we are building a space where play, experimentation, and values are lived freely, promoting healthy and respectful relationships. Alaire is more than a school; it is a dream turned into reality, forging a holistic and lasting change.
We provide a unique school for cooperatives, standing out for its pedagogical transformation and its social and environmental focus. We not only focus on education but also broaden our perspective to the training of adults, promoting a more human and participatory model of relationships and social development.
Team and experience
Alaire Espacio Libre, founded in 2015, has undergone location changes until finding its current home surrounded by nature. Initially with 3 facilitators, we now have 5 plus two volunteers, reflecting our growth. Family involvement has increased from 5 to more than 20 families. This process highlights the growing demand and alignment with our philosophy of integrating nature into education and holistic development.
The infrastructure of Alaire has undergone significant transformation since its inception in 2015. Initially located in different places in Cáceres, continually improving its conditions. In March 2023, a definitive space was found near the city but immersed in nature, presenting great potential but also infrastructural deficiencies.
Since arriving at this new location, significant adjustments were made thanks to the efforts of many people. Old stables dating back 40 years were transformed into an open, beautiful, and accessible space.
Despite physical and economic challenges, the community has contributed significantly, forming a collaborative network that has allowed us to achieve goals and improve infrastructure for the benefit of all. This space is conceived not only as a school but as a community meeting point, uniting education, nature, and social transformation in a single project.
The educational team at Alaire, consisting of five facilitators, leads the pedagogical and social transformation. Formed by Sonia Osma, co-creator of the project, mother, and social educator, an expert in active pedagogies and family mediation. Leticia Campón, since 2016, brings her experience in early childhood education and early intervention. Rocío Alvarado, a graduate in Communication Sciences, stands out for her training in active and experiential pedagogy, and experience in community projects in Chile. Jessica Fajardo, a graduate in Social Education, specializes in functional diversity and the environment. María González, with training in equality and gender-based violence, leads emotional management in childhood.
Additionally, we collaborate with Eduardo Alvarado, a Ph.D. in Geography and History, an expert in environmental education, and a prolific author. His experience at the UEX and research projects makes him a valuable member. We highlight the growing participation of families, cooperative partners, acquaintances, and volunteers who share our educational and social vision.
This diverse team reflects our commitment to comprehensive and sustainable education.