“My Hypothesis”

One day in the near future, a small group of ten inspired and hopeful individuals arrives in the town of _______? In the country, ______?  They still feel it is a miracle that they are there! The dream, somehow, was made into a swift reality.  The donated supplies, assorted literature and equipment as well as the food had arrived by private jet the previous day. That same jet, piloted by a generous man whose name cannot be mentioned to protect his privacy,  had brought them the last leg of their journey as well. They are exhausted, but happy to arrive at the abandoned church (factory, military facility no longer used, apartment complex…) that would be their home and place of work for the next 6-12 months. This is a pilot mission, so they are prepared to be flexible. They are simply glad that the local government had provided the facility in exchange for their services. 

Their services: To learn from and teach the local residents. The rumor is that 50 people have agreed to try this “school” out…aged 16-72. There is no contract to sign, and no scholarship to obtain.  The school is free. The “students” do not know this, but if they chose to stay until the end, they will be given a computer (some new, some used; all donated) in return for their time. By then, the necessary phone lines will have been installed in their town; thanks again to the surprising offer from a top network company.  The graduates of this school will leave with the computer and a certificate that designates their completion of World learning. If only twelve remain until the end, the seeds will have been effectively planted and growth will begin; of this, our small group of brave volunteers is certain.

Out of the ten individuals, seven are teachers and three are translators.  Within 3 months, however, the seven will have learned the local language comfortably enough to engage in communication with their students….perhaps a bit halting at times, but good.  They will learn this gift from their students. 

They wonder how their peers will feel when they arrive in ____?  -the next month. Though not all “certified” to teach, they are all certainly qualified in their own areas.  Among them are retired bankers,

Substitute teachers, recent graduates with varieties of degrees, discharged veterans and not more than a few highly qualified grandparents.  The common theme and primary requirement is that they each teach their subject matter objectively and with sincerity. They are nonbiased bunch.   Though proud to be Americans, they are not there to teach the native people “how to be Americans.” They hope to teach them better ways to be proud of their own qualities and make those unique qualities successful for the entire country. Their students, once presented with the overviews, will make their own decisions about what is applicable or best for them to successfully govern, manage, and promote their people and their land. 

One year later….      

The original group of teachers has grown from 50 to 275 volunteers. It is a fortunate thing, too, because they are quite in demand at this time.  They keep in touch with their first students and feel as if great changes are occurring.  They do not have to witness it to know it is true. The “seeds” have been planted, so to speak, and they have no choice but to take root and grow.            

I sincerely thank you for reading my dream.  I feel a mounting sense of urgency to research and explore the possibilities this concept.  I am forwarding this to other departments of the university and would be grateful to receive any response. Any references that can be made regarding other forums or individuals who may be interested in discussing this would be greatly appreciated. 

Sincerely,