The Good in Mankind Incubator:

Nurturing Non-Violence Through Inner Dilemma

The Good in Mankind Incubator, an Israeli educational initiative, finds its roots in the profound philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi. This initiative seamlessly blends educational, philosophical, and practical approaches to empower children to embrace non-violent mindsets, both internally and socially, through continuous self-exploration.

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At the heart of this introspective journey lies a fundamental question: "What path do I choose for the person I want to become?" From a young age, children are guided to navigate their inner dialogues, fostering a mindset of non-violence in both personal and social contexts. Central to our approach is the encouragement of active listening and self-expression among participating children, equipping them with practical tools to identify and address automatic reactions and behaviors, thus assuming responsibility for the individuals they aspire to be.

 

The Good in Mankind approach draws from over 15 years of diverse educational experiences, spearheaded by educator and entrepreneur Erez Levkovitz alongside Shira Harel-Elbaz. Erez's profound understanding of Gandhi's philosophy, acquired through direct learning experiences, deeply influences the Incubator's programs. Notably, Erez studied under the tutelage of Dr. Issa Sarid, Mahatma Gandhi's adopted granddaughter, for two years. Moreover, insights from luminaries such as Maria Montessori, Socrates, Janusz Korczak, and others shape the initiative's overarching approach.

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Program Implementation:

The Incubator firmly believes that non-violence is an inner language born from ethical dilemmas and internal dialogue. However, this internal compass often faces challenges amidst the cacophony of modern life, including technology, social pressures, parental expectations, and peer influences.

Key Components of the Incubator:

• Dilemma-Based Education: Thoughtful questioning to explore ethical dilemmas and equip children with tools for intentional decision-making.

• Life Skills Development: Equipping children with practical tools to navigate life's challenges confidently.

• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Fostering collaborative learning through shared experiences, empowering participants to lead educational activities based on the 4-P Model: Peer learning, Passion, Play-based learning, and Projects-based learning.

• Active Parental Involvement: Engaging parents in the educational journey to strengthen the home-school partnership.

• Children as Teachers: Acknowledging children as valuable educators who inspire and teach each other.

• Live Learning Labs: Viewing every educational space as dynamic and conducive to learning.

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The Good in Mankind Flagship Program:

A group of children convenes in a dynamic extracurricular environment, inspired by the philosophies of Maria Montessori, Mahatma Gandhi, and others. Meeting once a week in the morning, children embark on a collaborative journey grounded in exploration, initiative, curiosity, responsibility, and choice within a nurturing and secure setting conducive to personal growth and inner confidence.

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Daily Program Schedule:

1. Soft Start: Gentle morning entry with tea, cookies, and communal space organization.

2. Morning Circle: Spirited gathering for reflection and engaging activities.

3. Inspiration, Active Listening, and Expression: Exploring stories and ethical dilemmas to encourage personal reflection.

4. Friendship Time: Nurturing bonds and camaraderie among peers.

5. Areas of Responsibility: Empowering children to lead and learn from diverse tasks.

6. Community-led Activities: Enriching sessions led by parents or guest speakers.

7. Preparation for Future Meetings: Collaborative planning for upcoming sessions.

8. Shared Lunch Preparation: Fostering unity through communal meal preparation.

9. Reflection and Summation: Collective introspection on the day's activities.

10. Space Organization and Closing Circle: Reinforcing a sense of community and shared responsibility.

 

This holistic approach empowers children to develop robust social, emotional, and cognitive skills, enabling them to make responsible decisions and positively contribute to their communities.

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A Never-Ending Journey:

The Good in Mankind Incubator embodies an ongoing exploration of humanity's potential, devoid of a defined destination. This perpetual quest to discover the goodness within each individual mirrors the essence of human growth and development.

 

About us:

Erez Levkovitz, an educational entrepreneur and teacher, is the founder of the Good in Mankind Incubator, where he develops the approach. Apart from establishing democratic and Montessori schools, he has spent 15 years exploring the world of Mahatma Gandhi and learning from his grandchildren. Additionally, he volunteers in prisons and hospitals, embodying the spirit of the approach.

 

Shira Harel-Elbaz, an educator, organizational consultant, and educational advisor, co-founded the Incubator. Over the course of a decade, she spearheaded educational initiatives at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. As an educational entrepreneur, she specializes in cultivating creative thinking and nurturing a sense of capability.