For me, as interesting as discovering an impact business is also discovering the life story of the entrepreneur. Finding out that the business comes to solve a pain, an anguish. I can understand the essence, why the impact business exists, and its soul. Let's get to know John's story!
John Hardy
Being born in Canada, for John, the school where he studied was never a place of pleasure, he had dyslexia and difficulty connecting with the way the content was passed on to the students. At the age of 25, he decided to move to Bali, where he met his wife, Cynthia. Together, they founded a jewelry company that became very well known, and very successful in Asia. After 20 years working together, they decided to sell the business and retire. One day, Cynthia suggested that they watch a documentary together called “An Inconvenient Truth” made by US Senator Al Gore. The documentary was made in 2006 to bring the world's attention to the issue of global warming. After watching this documentary, John decided that he would dedicate every day of his life and do everything possible to increase the chances of his children and future grandchildren's lives being a little better. And it was from this pain that the Green School concept was born.
Green School
• Purpose: Educate the next generation of “Green” Leaders to learn how to make a difference today.
• Founded in 2010. 436 students, 40 nationalities, 10 years of existence* (*based in 2018 info)
• Locations: Indonesia, New Zealand, South Africa and Mexico.
Why do I LOVE Green School?
• Every day after 3:30pm, the school welcomes 300 children from the local Balinese community to learn English and sustainability. To enroll in the course, children must bring 5 kg of rubbish/trash each semester. Many of the students' parents volunteer to be teachers for the community.
• Holistic and integrated education, teaching students to make decisions respecting and evaluating the impact on the 4 pillars: well-being, nature, economy and society.
• A big part of the curriculum is developed by children's choice. Classes are formed by common interest and not necessarily age group.
• Walking through the school, you will find many parents on campus. They are involved in various workshops and activities to contribute to the school. Parents have representatives on the school's Board of Directors, decisions are taken jointly.
• Vegan food twice a day. Only organic food. Products are either produced within the school or purchased from local producers (decreasing the negative impact on the environment whilst empowering the local economy). Global thinking, local impact.
• Appreciation of local culture, promoting a deep connection between students and the country's culture.
• Learn by doing (entrepreneurial spirit) leads the student learning process in all subjects. Students are encouraged to connect with what moves them and learn about their skills to put themselves at the service of what the world needs today.
• Deep connection with nature
• Strong sense of community.
• Inclusion and diversity as pillars of the school, as a definition of success for the Green School.
• Meditation, yoga – these are tools used daily at the school, promoting self-awareness.
Trailer: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=+a+verdade+inconveniente+trailer&view=detail&mid=572376F078138C9E8F2B572376F078138C9E8F2B&FORM=VIRE
