Page 25 - C.A.L.L. #29 - Winter 2007

Our education system is the future as opposed to the regular Italian system.
We currently have 80 kids in the regular school system. Maybe in ten years
we will have our own high school. The next step is a bilingual international
school and an International camp for kids of all ages. Children can come here
for a special experience.
In our school we have a ratio of 8 kids per teacher. We have two age-groups, mixed ages (two-year
span in each group). The first level of responsibility is the parents, and then the community. If the child
is co-operative, honest, non-violent – it comes from the parents. We are now holding monthly parental
meetings. The parents actually want it once a week. We run a ‘School for parents’ – for them to learn
about parenting.
Our framework is about humour, flexibility and intelligence but the heart of the structure is the heart.
It’s about trust and fun - a game. We don’t take ourselves too seriously.
Anaconda Papaya

Comings and Goings
‘We are not a revolving door community’. People leave. There are times that more people leave
(because of changes) and times when it is more stable. Most of the original founders are still here (or
have died).

Conflict
Every individual sees things according to their filter (attitude, character, history). No-one holds the
ultimate truth. When we have a discussion, everyone knows that their opinion is not the only one. This
reduces the chances of conflict. If a conflict arises in the family, it is discussed in the family. The family
helps deal with the conflict. Even divorcees can remain in the same supportive family. If conflict arises
at work then co-workers mediate.

Work
A way to express our talents and a way to express ourselves

Love
Love is the main energy. Love is the main passion. That is the secret. If I love you I help you.

Art and Craft
It is for each person to find the path to their spirituality. That is why art is so important. Not as work
but as a craft. It is a way to express ones own potential. Many people come with one craft and learn
something new and discover ones own potential. For example, we want to build a huge roof. First we
must learn how to make it out of glass. Everything is a continuous education

Commitment
I make an oath, a commitment to the community in the level of my soul. It is profound. It has a weight.
We are free to choose. We share a commitment to the same ideals. We are not here for ourselves but
we want to change the world and we are willing to change ourselves first. What I appreciate about
Damanhur is that it is ‘radically real’. We strive for love and peace, knowing that it is not always easy.

Politics & relationship with the outside world
We focus on investing our energy and our values, into politics. 40-50 from Damanhur are involved in
politics, from local councilors to national politics. How can we change things? We must try. There
needs to be collaboration on a practical level to bring about change – on local, national and
international levels. We have our own political movement. 600 people creates stability internally.
Contact with the outside is important - We must not be closed but must nurture our strength as a
group.

Children
We give our children tools to live their life in the outside world in a healthy way. They find their way in
the outside world. When they grow up they have values.

The people
The most precious thing in Damanhur are the people. The community must exist because it lets people
grow as individuals. Not everyone thinks the same or does the same – it is the opposite: we share the
results of what the other person achieves. It gives everyone the opportunity to express their talents.

Formica Coriandolo & Capra Caruba,

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