Formal Education
Introduction
Since its initial establishment, the Badi Foundation has been active in the area of formal education. Initially, its activities centered around the School of the Nations in Macau, a educational institution serving children from kindergarten one (age three) through form five. Formally established in 1988, the School of the Nations was transferred to the Badi Foundation upon its founding in 1990, and the Foundation was given responsibility for its administration and development. The School of the Nations now provides an internationally oriented education in English and Mandarin to both local and expatriate children in Macau and serves as the testing ground for the development of many of the educational materials produced by the Foundation.
In order to further systematize its work developing educational materials, the Badi Foundation created its Center for Curriculum Development (CCD) in 1992 in Macau, SAR, China. It mission is to create educational materials that meet the challenge of spiritually and intellectually preparing children and youth to contribute to the progress of their families and communities.
Using an action-reflection-learning approach the CCD pursues its mission in close cooperation with the School of the Nations in Macau. Materials are compiled from smaller curricular elements as they are used and tested in the classroom. In this way educators and parents can be assured of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the lessons and activities.
The Development of character is one of the main concerns of the CCD. Its approach is that of strengthening moral capabilities in the individual. Capabilities such as fostering unity or contributing to a strong and harmonious family combine many spiritual qualities, attitudes, understandings, skills and habits. Educational experiences are designed to systematically develop many of these elements over the years in an integrated fashion.