Building Bridges Through Education: Step Together and SEKEM’s Collaborative Journey

Sandra Rouhana, Member of the Leadership Team at Step Together, Lebanon

April, 2025

As Step Together’s work expands into the Arab world, it is crucial to approach the integration of anthroposophical supportive education and inclusive social development themes with cultural and religious sensitivity. The Arab world is home to a wide variety of religious beliefs, each of which plays a significant role in shaping the lives of individuals and communities. Therefore, any educational approach must respect these beliefs and seek to complement, rather than contradict, them.

One way to navigate this delicate terrain is by emphasizing universal principles and values that surpass religious boundaries. Values such as compassion, empathy, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge are shared across different belief systems and can serve as a common ground for the integration of anthroposophical education. This approach not only promotes inclusivity but also provides space for educators, students, and parents to explore their spiritual identities and make connections with the educational process. Ultimately, the key lies in embracing openness, sensitivity, and a willingness to engage in dialog. This dialog is essential for overcoming potential challenges and developing an educational framework that enriches the lives of those involved. Through thoughtful and respectful integration, the principles of anthroposophical curative education and inclusive social development can become a transformative force for positive change in the Arab world.

SEKEM, Egypt and Step Together, Lebanon have established a longstanding professional relationship, united by a shared vision of fostering sustainable communities rooted in core human values. Both institutions believe in creating environments where every individual can make a significant contribution to society.

Following the accreditation process established by the International Training Circle of the Curative Education and Social Therapy Council, Step Together was officially recognized as a professional training center for anthroposophic curative education in 2013. In June 2024, a thorough assessment was conducted, leading to Step Together’s reaccreditation for an additional five years as of December 2024.

A significant milestone since this accreditation has been Step Together’s role in supporting the others in professional training by working in trainings in different parts of the world. The collaboration with SEKEM initially started with a course given by Dr. Rim Mouawad in May 2022 and the request of teachers there to take a more structured training journey. As a certified training center for inclusive social development and curative education, recognized by the Section, Step Together has been working closely with SEKEM educators through a three-year curative education program since January 2023. This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to professional development, rooted in shared cultural contexts and vision. Beyond a formal partnership, this collaboration represents a shared investment in the future that will sow the seeds for a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Five members from the local training team at Step Together: Rim Mouawad, Abeer Hammoud, Carole Tedy, Samar Boulos, and Sandra Rouhana have been actively visiting SEKEM to provide training in Inclusive Social Development and Curative Education. Their efforts support SEKEM teachers in earning their certifications, promoting a more inclusive educational environment. Each trainer brings extensive years of experience from their work at Step Together, enriching the training process with deep expertise and practical knowledge. Among them, Abeer Hammoud and Sandra Rouhana serve as delegate members in The Delegates’ Circle of the Section for Inclusive Social Development. The team operates under the guidance of Step Together’s Executive Director and Council Member, Dr. Rim Mouawad, ensuring alignment with international standards and shared vision. The team is committed to personal and professional development. Together, the trainers develop contextual curative education and foundational courses, facilitate each other’s workshops, and maintain active roles as local trainers at Step Together, while encouraging the active participation and contribution of senior team members who are close to obtaining their Inclusive Social Development and Curative Education certificates. They also seek international exposure by participating in renowned conferences, such as those held at the Goetheanum and in Kassel, further enriching their expertise and expanding their professional networks.

Through their dedication and effort, this team plays a pivotal role in strengthening SEKEM’s commitment to inclusive education, bridging expertise across borders to create a lasting impact. This collaboration not only improves the professional capacity of educators but also seeks to support the evolution of SEKEM’s special education section into a fully functional educational setting. By mentoring educators and refining workshops to hold therapeutic value and address essential competencies, this partnership fosters a more structured and purposeful learning environment for students with special needs.

Lebanon and Egypt, two Arabic-speaking countries with distinct dialects, face similar challenges. In recent years, economic hardships have intensified in both countries, impacting every sector, but particularly the educational institutions and the quality of services provided to individuals with special needs. Additionally, both countries have been profoundly affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in this region, which has deepened the sense of solidarity and need for meaningful initiatives that uphold human dignity and resilience.

Despite these challenges, perseverance has been a cornerstone of this collaboration. The training program has now advanced to Module 2 of Year 3, moving closer to its goal of completing all three years, each comprising five modules. Throughout this journey, significant challenges have emerged, such as securing flights amidst regional instability and navigating complex travel routes in Lebanon. However, the dedication of trainers and the unwavering support of SEKEM have made the continuity of the training possible.

A powerful example of this solidarity came when SEKEM graciously extended an open invitation to Step Together trainers, offering their space as a safe refuge during times of war in Lebanon, a gesture of profound generosity and shared humanity.

Anthroposophy, with its holistic approach to education and human development, is profoundly needed in the Arab world. At a time when war and economic struggles threaten the basic fabric of society, this philosophy provides a source of strength, renewal, and hope. By expanding this movement across the region, more children and educators will have access to an educational framework that nurtures both the intellect and the spirit.

This collaboration between Step Together and SEKEM is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions come together with a shared vision of inclusion and transformation.

As this journey continues, it stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the most difficult times, education remains a powerful force for peace and progress.

Fotos: privat source