So far, humankind made modest steps in space exploration. Most manned expeditions were limited to very small groups of specifically picked scientists and researchers, living and working in imponderability, in very confined spacecrafts and space modules, and for a very limited period of time. Evolution of space technology however, and birth of first human baby in space, will soon allow creation of space arks with artificial gravity, where humans will be able to explore the outer-space, and make a living out there for periods of time measured in years and even life spans. Those space communities will have not only scientists among them, but people with natural abilities to rapidly adapt to change, and people able to have a family life in space.

With this in mind, what sort of education would be most suitable to cater for the real needs of such communities?

As a Minister of Youth and Education of Asgardia, finding pertinent answers to this question is a mission of honour! Exploring both mainstream and alternative education routes, we made or mission to raise awareness on best practises available, but most importantly, to plead for a natural way of educating children, where they are no longer perceived as uniform masses, but as unique individuals, with self-defined sets of skills and competences.

Among best practices already proven to fulfil individual personal development needs of children, at a naturally fast pace and focus, we are inclined to promote several teaching and schooling methods. Among these, we name the worldwide recognised Montessori, Waldorf and Self-Directed Education, the Finnish School, successfully adopted by the entire nation in Finland, and exported today in other countries in Europe, or local experiments, such as the Agora School, in The Netherlands, where the entire approach is not dependant on state-of-the-art facilities awashed with cash, but totally centred around projects.

The reason why all those alternative and nonconventional schooling methods, prove to be successful and to serve the personal development of children, is because they all focus on learning, not on teaching. They give children the opportunity to play, rather than being subdued to regimented master classes. When children play, they focus because they get interested. They don’t need teaching from adults, just guiding. Learning happens naturally. Gathering in mixed aged groups, they are given control over their own educational journey, being able to explore and learn about topics which genuinely interest them. The job of the adult educator, is to challenge and guide that exploration process, ensuring there are tangible results and genuine development, as well as work with each student on ways to continue developing the learning journey.

Such schools have a holistic approach of learning; they are a blend of universities (providing knowledge),

Buddhist monasteries (providing mental and spiritual strength),

theme parks (providing learning through play)

and communal marketplaces (providing basis for social interaction).

And this is what we believe the future Education System needs to adjust to, in order to allow new generations to develop and strive thoroughly, while getting ready for all the challenges of space exploration.

Dan Profir has been a lifelong educator in France, in the UK and in recent years in Romania.

In 2015, his research in the field of Motivational Education brought him to come across Dr Peter Gray's work, a Boston College developmental psychologist and author of the book Free to Learn.

Inspired by Peter Gray’s revolutionary vision about education, in 2016, Dan founded the Self Experience Academy in Romania, promoting self-directed learning and mindfulness through arts, offering children the opportunity to have access to a non-conventional form of education, where they are taught and encouraged to discover in themselves their hidden potential.

Elected Minister of Youth and Education of Asgardia, the Space Nation, Dan Profir run conferences and webinars on Alternative Routes into Education, meant to help Asgardians and non-Asgardian people to find alternative forms of education for themselves and their children.

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