The Paidia Method

Paidia uses recreation to teach children in some of the most critical yet overlooked areas of the world, and then gives these children an opportunity to put their education into action for the betterment of their community. Paidia does this through a methodology we have developed called “E.R.M.” or education, recreation, mobilization. Here is how it works…

Education paves the way for the future.
Paidia’s educational program focuses on three general areas of responsibility;

• responsibility toward the environment
• toward humanity
• and toward oneself.

Whether guiding children in proper care for the environment, teaching young adults how they can help care for their community’s poor or even teaching leadership development to the potential leaders of tomorrow, Paidia has practical educational programs for youth of all ages.
But what draws children to want to learn??

Recreation turns education into enjoyment.
Paidia uses play to teach in all of its educational programs. Adventure recreation, including hiking, rock climbing and even high and low ropes courses, is the foundation for nearly all of our programs. Close to 100 studies have concluded that programs based on adventure recreation “stimulate the development of interpersonal competencies, enhance leadership skills, and have positive effects on adolescents’ sense of empowerment, self–control, independence, self-understanding, assertiveness, and decision – making skills” (Hattie, Marsh, Neill, & Richards, 1997). The primary elements of adventure recreation, such as climbing, running and exploration are activities that all children can relate to and enjoy, regardless of their cultural background.

Recreation not only serves as the gateway for our educational programs; it is also a source of education. Lev Vygotsky, the founder of the social development theory of learning states that, “Play contains all developmental tendencies…and is itself a major source of development.” In other words, adventure recreation not only serves as the medium for our message but is a message itself. Education and recreation for their own sake is not our ultimate goal, however. Paidia goes further in ensuring that all children and youth have the opportunity to put their education into practice through our hallmark concept of mobilization.

Mobilization turns education into action.
Paidia’s "Our Palestine” program is the hallmark of all Paidia’s activities. We offer a platform for children to transform their education into experience.

A child participating in our programs does not just learn about environment problems in a traditional classroom lesson, Paidia also organizes activities that give that child an opportunity to help plant trees or clean up litter within their community. This is a priceless opportunity for the youth to practice what they have learned, and the positive impact on the community can be staggering. In each area where Paidia operates, we help mobilize hundreds of youth to take responsibility for making their community a better place.

Our recreation, education and mobilization programs work together seamlessly to confront some of the most critical issues of developing areas. We desire to see children and youth in all walks of life, especially those in the most desperate circumstances, grow to live happy and healthy lives.