The Kamui Kids Manifesto

Introduction

 

In today's world, we face numerous challenges that are impacting our lives, our communities, and the planet we call home. Children suffer from a lack of trust and freedom, which has impacted them physically and mentally. The world is suffering from disconnection, as people are afflicted by a pandemic of loneliness that only gets worse as we continue to focus on individualism. Communities are becoming more fragmented, and some are disappearing due to societal changes, the pressures of capitalism, and global change. The environment continues to be degraded, our climate continues to change, and people feel less attachment to the natural world. Time is bought by corporations and sold by individuals, and many have lost sight of how important our time actually is. The economy is ever more extractive, favoring profits over the earth and individuals. Everyone is surveilled, their time tracked. Fear of rest has been co-opted by capitalism, and rest is only permissible so long as it generates profits. The real goals and motives of corporations are often hidden until problems arise.

 

At our core, we believe in integrity, respect, responsibility, and accountability, innovation, growth, justice, trusting children, equitable treatment, service, environmental regeneration, resilience, flexibility, empathy, compassion, acceptance, respecting boundaries, health, well-being, self-trust, and self-worth. We believe in fundamental rights for all, including children, autonomy as a powerful vehicle for growth, play as a fundamental need, and in education as a way to find one's humanity. We believe that learning is individual, and that the process of learning matters more than the result. We believe that the landscape of education must change, because the world is changing, and our current systems are not preparing our children or any of us for that change. We believe that we need to actively make the future we seek in our present. We believe that environmental changes, generational changes, global changes, and economic changes are among the most pressing issues of our times. We believe that societal change is inevitable, and we must work to make a better society that's more inclusive and bolsters well-being.

 

Manifesto

 

Trusting Children

 

We trust children and view them as individuals and equal humans. We recognize their unique qualities and honor and protect them from judgment, trauma, and undue stress. We allow them to take risks and to be themselves, to play, grow, form lasting relationships, and to be vulnerable. We believe that children are the future and that they deserve respect and trust, as well as opportunities to grow and thrive.

 

Connecting with others

 

We view human connection as paramount to our work. We recognize that people are the bedrock of what we do, and we are working to reduce loneliness and create real relationships. We believe that human connection is necessary for a fulfilling life, and we seek to foster it in all areas of our work and lives.

 

Strengthening Communities

 

Community provides the roots, strength, and means that tie us all together. We live in a convivial way, avoiding toxic individualism, and learning to be both sharing and vulnerable enough to accept help when we need it. We believe that communities are essential for human well-being and that they provide the support and resources necessary for individuals to thrive.

 

Regenerative approaches to the environment

 

We take a regenerative stance to the environment and seek to reconnect those who have lost connections. We provide the space and time for children to form deep attachments to the environment, use principles of regenerative agriculture and permaculture to increase biodiversity, and find spiritual ways to grow closer to the environment. We believe that the environment is an essential part of our lives, and we must work to protect it for future generations.

 

A New View of Time

 

We believe that time should be viewed as a natural phenomenon that is cyclical, rather than a commodity to be bought and sold. We should organize our work and learning around natural rhythms and not the rhythms of efficiency and capitalism. Everyone should be trusted to use their time in a way that is best for them, and should have the freedom to do so. We seek to create a more natural view of time that recognizes its seasonal and daily changes, and the importance of rest and rejuvenation.

 

A Regenerative and Circular Economy

 

We believe that economic activity should be regenerative and circular, with the work we do and the results of that work cycling back into doing more and making even more positive impacts. We recognize the need to provide equitable opportunities and ensure that our work allows us to lead a good life. We must prioritize the health of individuals, communities, and the planet over short-term profits.

 

Freedom from Surveillance

 

Everyone, especially children, should have the freedom to spend days in privacy without being tracked or limited. Surveillance is not only invasive, but it also stifles creativity and individuality. We believe that privacy is a fundamental human right that should be protected at all costs.

 

The Importance of Rest

 

Rest is paramount and a necessary condition of being human. We recognize the need for unlimited sick leave and paid time off, and we reject the notion that rest is only permissible if it generates profits. Rest should be healing and restorative, without any other goal. We trust that individuals know when they need to rest and we provide the space for it.

 

Shared Accountability

 

Accountability is a shared responsibility between the facilitators, the learners, and the community. We prioritize creating a culture of trust, transparency, and mutual respect where everyone is accountable for their own learning, and everyone is responsible for supporting each other's growth and development. We encourage learners to take ownership of their learning process and provide them with the resources, guidance, and support they need to achieve their goals. We work collaboratively with learners to set individualized learning goals, design learning plans, and evaluate progress. We also provide feedback and encouragement to help learners stay on track and make adjustments as needed. We emphasize the importance of community accountability and encourage self-reflection, peer evaluation, and group discussions to share learning experiences, celebrate achievements, and learn from mistakes.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, we believe that the challenges facing the world today can be overcome through a values-based approach that prioritizes the well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment. By promoting the trust of children, connection with others, strengthening of communities, regenerative environmental practices, a new view of time, a regenerative and circular economy, freedom from surveillance, the importance of rest, and shared accountability, we can create a world that is more equitable, sustainable, and just. We must act now to create a better future for ourselves and future generations. Let us come together and embrace these values to build a brighter future for all.