Creating Educational Environments Where Everyone Can Thrive

During some parts of my life, I found myself drifting—into relationships, jobs, and social circles that seemed fulfilling or successful on the surface, but didn’t truly support my growth or happiness. I wasn’t asking the deeper questions: How do I really want to live? What kind of impact do I want to have?

Growing up, no one really talked about values. Instead, I absorbed expectations—from family, friends, and society—about what a “good life” should look like. I followed advice without ever pausing to ask, What matters most to me? What’s guiding my choices?

Everything changed when I began asking those questions. By reconnecting with my own values, I started to live more intentionally. My inner and outer worlds slowly came into alignment. With that came a growing sense of calm, courage, and clarity—qualities that have deepened my relationships and improved my overall wellbeing.

This is why I feel so passionate about the transformative power of Values-based Education (VbE). VbE supports schools, educators, and children to explore and live by their values every day. When a school places values at the heart of everything it does, it becomes a psychologically safe space where everyone feels respected, connected, and truly seen.

At its core, VbE fosters self-leadership. It empowers individuals—young and old—to develop an inner compass that brings meaning and direction to life. This approach is growing globally, and with it, a vision of education that is more compassionate, inclusive, and hopeful.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to explore the inspiring work of VbE at www.valuesbasededucation.com. Their mission is supported by the International Values-based Education Trust (IVET), a charitable foundation offering further resources and an invitation to become part of a global community of change-makers.

Together, we can create educational spaces where everyone can truly thrive – by starting with what matters most – our shared human values.