Why Education for Life
by Maria Dominguez
I worked for 20 years in Waldorf education, a rich and profound educational system that nurtures many aspects of the human being through a wide range of activities, skills and tools. This breadth allows children to find emotional security and self-esteem as the system brings out each individual’s gifts. The school I used to work in is a place where children learn with joy, curiosity and a desire to discover more…I have nothing but good to say, and I’m grateful for this important experience. However, as the years went by, observing children, families, society and the times we live in, I began to wonder if what I was doing was enough; despite all the good experiences, something was missing, and I began to wonder what education really is.
With the birth of my son, this question became urgent. As a teacher, I could see how students from other schools were demoralized and mistreated. And experience tells you that to make a child thrive again, you must, first of all, restore his self-esteem, confidence, and joy. And then, as if by magic, the child begins to learn and achieve previously unattainable goals.
As an adult, I know you remember only a few things about school: the good teachers because they opened windows to the outside world; you remember the good times of laughter and friendship. And then, beyond the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, you remember some of the things you learned because they were conveyed to you in a way that touched your heart.
As a person of a certain age, I have seen the lives of some of the people around me, and I know that economic or social success does not make us happier. So if a school does not fulfil the task of educating us, if our career, economic or social success does not fulfil us, if joy and self-esteem are so important for the complete development of a child, what should I focus on? What is the point of going to school? What is the most important thing I can give my child? And I realized that for me, the most important thing has to do with our quality as human beings. But can a school provide that? To answer this, it is essential to contextualize the moment we are living and to understand the meaning of what we are doing. The world has changed a lot since the first schools were founded. We live in an age where the availability of information is instantaneous and accessible to everyone. Where many of the jobs that exist today will no longer exist tomorrow, so many teachings need to be updated. Therefore, I believe in a school that teaches flexibility to cope with change, provides tools to solve different situations, and teaches how to stay focused in a rapidly changing world. We live in a society whose morals are increasingly poor, where children have difficulty finding healthy references to emulate, and where young people are increasingly lost; I am looking for a school where goodness, respect, loyalty, gratitude, kindness and joy… are a daily experience, offering solid references that always work, regardless of external circumstances.
In an educational system where the acquisition of knowledge is the result of pressure, I am looking for a school where teachers teach with enthusiasm so that learning is a motivating experience that keeps curiosity alive and makes us want to know and learn more. I want a school that promotes culture, not education. Finally, in a life that is not easy to understand and live, I want my child to have the tools to know himself and be comfortable with himself and others. Because, in the end, that is what makes the difference on a daily basis, regardless of the circumstances.
One day, while watching a documentary, I discovered that everything I was looking for, and much more, was there. It was a direct hit to the heart. It was about an Education for Life school. The impact was so strong that my family and I moved to Italy to learn about this method of education at the Education for Life School in Perugia. Education for Life gave me direction as a mother, teacher, and human being; it shaped my feelings. I spent many months in the classrooms, experiencing its principles first-hand. I carry with me the immense gift of seeing the personal work done with children, how they work on values and self-knowledge depending on their age.
My six-year-old son already knows things that took me a lifetime to learn! Of course, he will have his challenges, but I am giving him the best possible tools to deal with them. How many years have I spent studying books of dead concepts teaching nothing? In Education for Life, I have seen the art of teaching, where knowledge becomes tangible and connected to real life; where values accompany knowledge, and the teacher both teaches and trains; where learning becomes something so fluid and natural that it is easy and fun; where what is learned is not forgotten because it is related to life itself and known from the heart; where culture makes its way because teaching goes beyond the book and constantly opens worlds. All this and much more I carry with me, now all I have to do is to continue to share what I have learned because this is the education that the world needs, that new generations need. Education for Life is, for me, the education of the future, the education of the true human being.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The blog titled “Education for Life” by Maria Dominguez perfectly resonates with the Edify Schools Franchise mission of nurturing not just academic success but emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and personal growth. At Edify Schools, we believe that education is not just about imparting knowledge but also about shaping the character and personality of a child, just as Maria describes in her reflection on Education for Life.
Our approach is rooted in preparing children for the future by providing them with the tools they need to adapt, grow, and thrive. In a rapidly changing world, Edify Schools aims to instill in students not only academic proficiency but also the values of kindness, respect, and joy. These values are reflected in our daily practices, making sure children leave school with a solid foundation of both knowledge and personal development.
We focus on creating an environment where learning becomes an experience, where curiosity and self-esteem are nurtured, and where children are taught how to navigate life with confidence, just as Maria found in Education for Life
The philosophy of “Education for Life” aligns strongly with the values upheld by DRS International School, where we focus on holistic development, equipping students not only with academic skills but also emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing world. Just as Maria Dominguez emphasizes the importance of learning from the heart and offering students the tools to face life’s challenges, DRS International School strives to create an environment where children are prepared to thrive both in and outside the classroom.
Through the school’s curriculum, students are encouraged to explore their passions, build confidence, and develop an understanding of their own strengths, ensuring they are ready to face the complexities of the modern world with joy, respect, and responsibility.
The approach highlighted in “Education for Life” resonates deeply with the core values of DRS Kids. As a school that prioritizes emotional security and self-esteem, DRS Kids provides a nurturing environment where young learners can thrive. Like Maria’s experience with Education for Life, DRS Kids understands the importance of building a strong foundation for children — one that includes not only academic learning but also essential life skills like kindness, gratitude, and self-reflection.
By offering an environment where joy and curiosity are encouraged, DRS Kids helps children to build a positive outlook on life, preparing them to become well-rounded individuals who approach challenges with confidence and resilience.
The educational philosophy of “Education for Life”, as articulated by Maria Dominguez, is something that Edify Medchal has always strived to implement. At Edify Medchal, we believe in teaching not just from textbooks but from life itself. Through practical learning experiences, emotional support, and nurturing a positive school culture, we ensure that students develop the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern society. Just as Maria mentions, in Edify Medchal, learning is a journey that goes beyond facts and figures — it’s about building the foundation for lifelong success, both academically and emotionally.
Through activities and practices that promote personal growth, self-awareness, and the pursuit of joy, Edify Medchal offers students the best possible environment for developing into strong, confident, and compassionate individuals.
Thank you for sharing. It is always wonderful to hear from others who value the same basic principles. Learning “How-to-Live” skills help children adapt to whatever Life gives them.