Schumacher; Learning to Regroup
A fundraising campaign to reopen the Schumacher College – either at the Old Postern or elsewhere- has so far raised more than £26,000.
The online crowdfunder has been set up by the newly established Satish Kumar Foundation and at time of writing has nearly 200 supporters. One supporter states: “I am so grateful to Schumacher. It is a unique space”
The website says: “Our vision is a reborn, independent, Schumacher College. To make that happen we are raising £8 million to secure a permanent new home for the college. We will also create an endowment fund to ensure financial security for Schumacher College and the network that carries on its teachings and ethos around the world.”
I am so grateful to Schumacher. It is a unique space
“A beacon of regenerative learning, Schumacher College has inspired a global community of people ready to stand up for social justice and our precious planet. Hundreds of regenerative social enterprises and innovative practices have been established by alumni over the years, with some taking up significant political roles, such as advising Barack Obama on environmental matters or leading climate negotiations at the UN. The college has also given rise to partner organisations across the globe including in Brazil, Colombia, Belgium, Ireland, India, China, Spain and France.”
A Satish Kumar CIC – community interest company – was incorporated on August 29, two days after Dartington Hall Trust closed the courses and put the staff on redundancy notice.
(see Totnes Pulse articles here & here)
Its first goal is to raise £1 million. Directors of the foundation have been asked for comment but so far have not responded.
The Trust said it closed the college because fees were not covering salaries and other day to day costs.
The college has been on the estate since 1991.