Towards a new educational paradigm
National Independent Education Coalition
How it started
Educationalists including teachers, psychologists, management consultants and community activists have been meeting regularly since late 2005 looking at the challenges faced by the black community in education. The meetings began by discussing the wider issues that are adversely affecting and effecting the youth and children of today - these included the following:
Black-on-black crime
drug and substance abuse
teenage pregnancy
mental health issues
business & employment opportunities
racial discrimination
immigration matters
education
It was agreed that all the issues in some manner were related to the last, education. It was also agreed that as educationalists, our contribution towards solving the wider issues should start with us “working” the areas in education where we dwell - the added caveat being “working in a unified and organised fashion”. Those invited to the initial meetings included those in independent education, management consultancy, street outreach programmes, political and spiritual organisations, teachers working in the mainstream, historians, students and parents.
A practical approach
The initial NIEC meetings focused on the educational challenges experienced by our youth and the young in general. It was noted that in the midst of the many challenges experienced, including poor performances, exclusions and streams of adverse media commentary, there are an array of success stories that are unsung but making their mark. It was therefore agreed that we would begin our unified work through hosting a conference (not a talking shop) entitled Stop Blaming The Children. This would have a practical outcome and highlight the uplifting and necessary work presently in motion within our community in the following areas:
full-time independent education supplementary education
rites of passage & mentoring programmes
private tutoring
management & consultancy
various outreach programmes
all of which are crucial to our young people’s holistic education.
NIEC Steering Group
The NIEC is governed by members of organisations and companies including from the following:
The NIEC is inspired by the
Millions More Movement
NIEC Patrons
The NIEC would like to recognise:
Dr Sandra Richards (left), educationalist, writer and broadcaster
Professor Gus John (centre), author and education consultant
Rosemary Campbell-Stephens (right), education consultant and leadership programme developer
