Imagine a world in which children are not only taught reading, writing and arithmetic, but also to value other human beings, the importance of kindness, to recognise their emotions and develop pro-social abilities at an early age. Why do we focus on wrote learning, and less on helping children build resilience, empathy and critical thinking skills. Because, it’s during our earliest years that we learn our most important lessons in life – lessons that will shape our values, how we engage with society, and lay the foundation for who we will become in our later years.
This is the ninth and final interview-style episode of our debut season, and we are going out with a bang, a double feature in fact. Today I’m talking with not one, but two of the leaders behind Think Equal, an evidence-based, early-years educational program designed to help foster socio-emotional learning, critical thinking and key interpersonal skills in young people.
In the first half I talk with Leslee Udwin, the founder and Executive Chair of Think Equal. We spoke about her groundbreaking human-rights film, India’s Daughter, and the discoveries she made through the journey of making the film, how culture could make people lose their humanity, and the realisation that early education was needed to help build toward a future where gender-based crimes were no longerrationalised or normalised in society.
At times our talk does touch upon some unsettling experiences Leslee witnessed whilst researching and producing the film, including discussion of violence against women. Whilst they have ultimately acted as a catalyst for social good, some listeners may find the early part of episode unsettling – in which case feel free to skip forward.
The second half of this episode is with Lina Benete, the new CEO of Think Equal. And whilst Leslee provided the history and ongoing positive impact of the organisation, Lina and I take a forward-looking focus, discussing the future of education, the role of digital technology in the classroom, AI and much more.
The duo you are about to hear from compliment each other perfectly. Leslee is one of the most spirited, impassioned and articulate individuals I’ve ever spoken with. Her conviction and dedication toward helping people, especially young people, is unmistakable, as is her relentless energy and commitment to positive change. Lina brings a remarkable list of achievements, worldly knowledge and an appreciation for both historical, modern and emerging educational methods, all of which inform her strategic vision for Think Equal.
Along the way, my guests and I talk about the impact of the program, both in terms individual and societal benefits, the importance of empathy, the values that make us uniquely human and why we should strive for balance in our lives.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, learner or someone who’d appreciate living in a safer and healthier society, this is an episode that hits on so many levels…
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Transcript: https://amodernremedy.com/thinkequal
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Credits:
New Ways is a production of A Modern Remedy.
This episode was produced by Russell Baker, with music by Simon Zinzovski.
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