The fund in action

Education for emergency and rehabilitation

Essence of Learning

Essence of Learning is a research-based scientific method recognized by the UN for alleviating toxic stress symptoms that impede children’s cognitive development, particularly exacerbated by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Unlike other approaches that rely on interventions through psychology specialists,

this method equips educational staff with tools and methods to customize educational programs. This tailored approach provides each child with pedagogical support, fostering competence and self-healing.
The Essence of Learning method operates on science-based principles and has been adopted by over a dozen countries worldwide, including Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, and Switzerland. The method was successfully implemented and has changed the lives of 50,000 children in regular kindergartens and support programs outside the education system since 2001.

It is a comprehensive approach that combines an understanding of children’s psychological needs with effective educational practices.

Scientific evidence confirms the long-term repercussions of ongoing toxic stress on young children. However, few studies in the early childhood development field provide clear solutions to address this issue. Traditional learning methods usually prove inadequate.

Typical characteristics of learning changes observed in children affected by toxic stress include:

1

Limited expressive abilities, often leading to speech loss.

2

Forgetfulness or inability to recall previously learned materials.

3

Developmental regression in specific areas, such as language or mathematics, while age-appropriate development is evident in other domains.

4

Regression to an earlier stage of learning and manifestation of learning behaviors that are not age-appropriate.

5

Age-appropriate development alongside an inability to advance to the next developmental stage, resulting in stagnation or delay in development

Theoretical Principles

Awareness of the Impact of Toxic Stress

Toxic stress can disrupt learning development; therefore, awareness among educators is the first step in addressing its effects.

Regression as an Opportunity

Viewing a child’s regression not as a setback, but as a valuable insight into their current state within the learning process. This perspective shifts the focus from correction to understanding and support tailored to developmental needs.

Learning is Integral to Recovery

Presenting learning not in opposition to recovery from stress but as an integral part of the healing process. This approach acknowledges the rehabilitative potential of participating in significant learning experiences that contribute to healing rather than hinder it.

Safe and secure environment

both the physical and pedagogical spaces designed to be safe and familiar by a fixed schedule, daily structure, less stimulations as possible, etc’. This stability is crucial for the children in order for them to explore, learn and growing up without soround themselves with stress and fear.

Practical Principles

Alertness and Engagement, not Arousal and Activation

The main goal is to foster engagement without inducing overarousal, which can heighten stress levels. This balance promotes effective and nurturing learning progress.

Instruction Tailored to the Process

This principle emphasizes adapting educational approaches to the child’s current developmental stage rather than solely their age, while acknowledging each child’s unique developmental journey.

self regulation environment

Creating an environment which allows self regulation which enable the children to conduct stress and emotions in a constructive manner / way. these soroundings are crucial for the children, in order for them to feel safe, which will result in a better learning outcomes.

Cultivating Inner Motivation

At the core of this theory lies the belief that learning is a natural process stemming from within, and educators must nurture and stimulate children’s innate curiosity. Fostering children’s natural imagination and curiosity is essential for developing their passion for learning.

The Knowledge Center

in this guidence portal you can find essays and get toolls for applicationin the approach of ‘Essence of Learning’ (EOL). this portal is open to whoever took part in the training program.

Join our Portal

The Knowledge Center is accessible to anyone participating in the training programs and includes both theoretical and practical knowledge.

The next training session is scheduled for May.

We invite you to register.

Are you the Director of the Education Department at an Authority? Contact us for further information.