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Saint Anselm College
Manchester, New Hampshire
AERO Conference
June 27-29th, 2025
Why We Need Freedom & Democracy in Education Now!
The Longest Running
Alternative Education Conference
Making Learner-Directed, Learner-Centered Education Available to All
In a rapidly evolving world, the quest for freedom and democracy in education is not just a philosophical debate—it is an urgent necessity. This conference seeks to explore the pivotal role that democratic principles and individual freedoms play in shaping an educational landscape that prepares students to thrive in a complex society.
September 27
Speaker Sessions
***All Times Are Eastern Daylight Time***
Time Zone Converter
9:45 am -10:15 am
Lamarzala Gran
Afghan Women Fight For Justice and Equality
This session will highlight the work being done by Afghan women as they fight for justice and equality.
10:15 am -10:45 am
Norah Jensen, Frida Corona Werner
Controversies: Teens Talking Tough Subjects in Safe Spaces
The teen CONTROVERSIES club has been running for 10 years in NYC homeschooling. The club encourages tweens and teens to learn how to talk about sensitive and timely issues, with respect, research, and open minds. Other teens may be in attendance, too.
10:50 am - 11:20 am
Darcy Brown
The Climate Crisis and Mindsets: How ideas got us into this mess, and how they can get us back out.
The session will begin with a 10-minute segment on the key ideas in society that have created the climate crisis, including consumerism and neverending economic growth. Next, the focus will shift to how these mindsets have shifted and new, more sustainable ideas have become more prevalent. These new ideas will be linked with Environmental success stories. The last 10 minutes of the session will be focused on how, as individuals, we can shift our mindsets to be more eco-friendly, how climate action can become an everyday practice and the ripple effect that small actions can have.
11:25 am - 11:55 am
BOLUTIFE OGUNGBESAN
KEY Academy: Revolutionizing Education in Nigeria
KEY academy is a project-based school for children aged 18months to 18 years. We offer a new model of education, replacing conventional memorization and testing with real-world, meaningful learning. Through our global network of co-learners, mentors, and industry leaders, we equip children with 21st-century skills essential for today's evolving world. Our bespoke curriculum blends local context with the Early Years Foundation framework for preschoolers and the U.K National Curriculum for children above 5 years. As Africa’s first 100% play and project-based school, we foster holistic development, nurturing bold problem solvers and thought leaders.
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Frohar Hamidi
Empowering Women in Afghanistan through Education
In this session participants are not passive spectators but engaged collaborators. Attendees are encouraged to share their own perspectives, ideas and experiences related to educational equality and empowerment. I, the founder, will follow a storytelling approach and multimedia content. attendees are encouraged to brain storm innovative solutions, share best practices and forge connections. I will share my personal experiences and the challenges faced by girls in Afghanistan who are denied educational opportunities. through call to actions, I will effectively convey the urgent need for collective efforts to create opportunities for those disenfranchised from schooling.
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Tamlyn Stevens
Can Tech Save The Planet?
This presentation explores the critical role of technology in addressing climate change and empowering youth to be leaders in this global challenge. It highlights the potential of innovative tech solutions, the importance of youth education and skill development, and the opportunities for youth to drive positive change.
1:35 pm - 2:05 pm
Tania, Lana, Sophia, Jacob.
How is it to study during a war? Democratic school from Ukraine.
Hi, we are a part of democratic school from Ukraine. Have you ever heard a criticism towards democratic education? We're sure you have. So let's talk about how "flaws" of democratic education turned out during a very stressful situation such as war. We want to share our experience of studying during a war and a part of our school's story with you.
2:10 pm - 2:40 pm
Oliver Khost
The difference between homeschoolers who started pre-pandemic and homeschoolers who started post-pandemic.
This is a project on the social and perceptive differences between homeschoolers who started homeschooling before the COVID-19 pandemic, and those who started during or after the COVID-19 pandemic. It will have 10 participants (5 of each group) and will be conducted through a open-ended interview format.
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
Narges Salehin
Empowering Afghan Girls: G2L’s Journey in Building Resilient Leaders for a Brighter Future
This session will focus on the work of Girls Toward Leadership (G2L) in empowering Afghan girls to become resilient leaders in their communities. G2L’s mission is to foster leadership, resilience, and education for Afghan girls, helping them overcome barriers and equipping them with the skills needed to drive change. Through mentorship programs, educational resources, and leadership training, G2L supports these girls in developing their potential and becoming advocates for social progress. The session will highlight G2L’s key initiatives and activities that nurture Afghan girls' growth and their role in shaping their communities' future.
3:15 pm -3:45 pm
Zakia Irfan
Empowering Voices: Muslim Women and the Future of Healthcare - By addressing the lack of Muslim women in medicine, Islamophobia in healthcare, and the need for more representation and diversity within the medical industry, this session should end with Muslim women being empowered to break their barriers with the audience feeling nothing but support.
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