Human Givens
The human being is a uniquely intelligent species of being - innately and developmentally capable of many amazing things! However, we need certain things in balance to function optimally (to our potential) - these needs are physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual.
We experience ill-health, loss in personal effectiveness and impaired development when these needs are not appropriately satisfied and expressed.
Evidence based research of “what works” is grounded in knowledge of human givens - what the human being needs and is capable of and the personal resources we have and need to survive and flourish in a changing world.
The most effective resources of personal development, social regeneration and change are those that are consistent with our human givens.
Through the development and intelligent use of our personal skills and resources, we enable ourselves to flourish and to handle the issues of our lives more effectively.
Teaching and Learning
Takes place in stimulating and enriched learning environments that appeal to the whole person - our human givens
Involves an appreciation of how learning takes place, takes into consideration the state of mind and motivation of the learner and various learning styles and needs.
Involves a range of participative learning methods, media and instructional techniques and interactions between people that value the personal experiences of the learners and the contribution the individual makes to the process and experience of learning.
Is challenging, practical, empowering, differentiated, relevant to the life experiences of learners and enjoyable.
Challenges learners intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually - appealing to their inherent need and ability to know, understand, apply, change, grow, to relate to others and to go beyond their known potential.
Has learning outcomes that are learner SMART and are celebrated once achieved.
Socially Enterprising
The Optimum Living Education (Olive) Project Ltd believes that it is important to find new and innovative ways to promote the emotional health and well-being of children, young people, adults and family groups in our community and to develop the social capital of community members through the creation of employment and volunteering opportunities.
Accordingly, beneficiary participants may receive training and support to develop new knowledge and skills that will increase their life, career and employment prospects and enhance their role in The Olive Project Ltd in the following ways: recruiting and supporting learners, promoting events, participating at events and in the Company and in facilitating learning.
We believe that the combination of strong social purpose and energetic entrepreneurial drive - core characteristics of social enterprises - can deliver results that help develop an inclusive society and active citizenship.