Synopsis: This course is open to anyone interested in understanding better what the environmental crisis is made of, where are the myths and the realities. What does sustainability mean? Is there really plastic in our food? How is climate change affecting us? Participants will get the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the environmental crisis but also identify and discuss the ideas and solutions that would help us shape a more sustainable future. The course will rely on data-driven content from scientific sources and include media support such as videos and documentaries...
Courses
Synopsis: This course aims at equipping NGO leaders, managers, and board members with the knowledge and skills to efficiently manage the financial resources of their NGO towards sufficiency. Participants will acquire the basics of financial management concerning accounting principles, monitoring revenues and expenses, analyzing budgets, interpreting financial statements and reports, defining strategies and make decisions concerning resource generation and investments, as well as preparing financial planning and budgeting. Course description: By the completion of this course, participants will...
Synopsis: During this course the participants will learn the basics of making a short movie that can be sort of a documentary, presentation tool, summary of a project. Course description: In the first session, the participants will be introduced to the basics of filmmaking, Adobe premier program, and how to use it to edit and create their own movie. For the second session each participant will have to prepare a short 1-minute movie, that tackles the topic of public spaces in Lebanon. In addition to learning the basics of collecting and editing the information, the participants will be capable...
Synopsis: A hands-on interactive course on socio-spatial relations shaping cities and the multiplicity of claims that emerge in challenge of dominant economic and planning practices. Departing from the Neighborhood as a site of study, participants in this course will unpack the visions, relations, interests and practices that drive the transformations in their neighborhoods. You will learn how to access relevant documents, archives and records, as well as understand the prerogatives of governing institutions and the legal framework in the context of Lebanon. Using mapping methods to analyze...
Synopsis: This course is open to people wanting to get a better understanding of stereotypes and power dynamics in the context of journalism and media, and find ways to do more just and equitable reporting and writing. During those two days, participants get the opportunity to locate and understand stereotypes and power dynamics, reflect on their own perspectives and positions of privilege and/or oppression, look critically at media production, and, through workshops on pitching and creative writing, explore new ways of writing and telling stories. Course description: The course will take...
Synopsis: The course will allow participants to understand how to cultivate healthy emotional and intellectual development so that children can lead balanced connected lives. Course description: There is a growing energy behind linking education and neuroscience in an effort to improve learning and parenting practices. The course explores the key insights from developmental, cognitive, affective and social neuroscience that could lead to an educational transformation and explore the extent to which these new scientific insights can inform our approach to education and parenting. Number of...
Synopsis: While permaculture is gaining popularity in Lebanon, especially within circles of people interested in self sufficiency and healthy living, it’s still an ambiguous concept to many. This 3-session course aims to introduce participants to the history, principles and design methodology of permaculture in an interactive way. Course description: Permaculture is a holistic design approach that works with nature to help people provide their needs in an efficient way. This course gives participants a taste of the permaculture design process, through theoretical introductions followed by...
Synopsis: This training builds the capacity of organizations to face the increasing complexity, uncertainty, and celerity of change in organizational environments. The objective is to provide participants with the means to effectively anticipate and respond to these challenges. The training includes a practical framework to assess the dynamics of diagnosis, planning, intervention, and sustainability of their organizations. The training also aims to develop the trainees’ conceptual and behavioral skills to implement system-wide organization change. The material will be taught from the...
Synopsis: Insects are the oldest creatures on Earth. They survived the cretaceous era and the nuclear war. To understand the evolution of insects we need to study them through what’s known as entomology science. Course description: In this introductory course we will discover Insect anatomy: What insects look like from the outside and the inside General classification of insects: the classification and diversity of the insect kingdom. -Insect collection: how to collect insects (proper tools and techniques). -Insect conservation: how to create your own collection of insects and become an...
Synopsis: This seminar introduces the philosophies, theories, and key concepts underpinning the principles of sustainable development and sustainability in relation to the built environment within the natural world. Together we shall address the occupant comfort, active and passive solutions, natural lighting, construction materials and an understanding of the main sustainable rating systems. Course description: This course is open to everyone who is interested in sustainability and architecture. Together we shall understand the criteria that makes our house/ building/ apartment/ city...