We’ve noted a number of times in this space that the Intercultural Open University Foundation (IOUF) is an educational foundation focused on mentoring social agents to their MA and PhD degrees.

But what is social change? And why is it relevant for our learners today?

There are many definitions of social change floating around on the internet and elsewhere these days and we’re going to ignore them all, primarily because they tend to be layered with academic lingo and shaded with overtones of intellectual complexity. The truth of the matter is that the world is undergoing a massive shift right now that is moving us towards simplicity and a stronger connection to our own humanity. In our view, social change is simply about doing things to make the world a better place within the context of that shift.

· Generating long term supplies of food and water in drought-stricken countries.

· Supporting reforestation where trees have been over-harvested.

· Helping develop sustainable businesses in impoverished countries.

· Working to eliminate discrimination.

· Refreshing tired spirits with uplifting words.

There is a long list of things we all could be doing to improve the plight of humanity on this planet. And the IOUF supports the people who are doing their part to take those items off that list and turn them into reality.

Education is an important part of that process.

It broadens our outlook and informs our understanding. It helps us understand why an old paradigm no longer works and gives us new ideas for action. It gives us additional tools for analysing the challenges of our world and fires us with the motivation for making a difference.

If we can toot our own horn for a moment, the IOUF model of providing graduate and post-graduate education to social change agents is ahead of its time. For the past 30 years we have been mentoring our learners to their MA and PhD degrees, providing the space for people to develop a customized learning program that is entirely dedicated to helping them learn what they need to learn in a way that serves them best.

As an online learning foundation that is accredited by the Universidad Azteca and the Universidad Central de Nicaragua, we make it possible for our learners to determine when and how they will accumulate the knowledge that will help them go out and change the world —all under the supervision of experienced faculty advisors who share the dream of a better world.

Part of the requirements of completing a degree with the IOUF is that a learner must demonstrate how their work in their particularly area of study contributes to social change. If you are part of the shift in thinking that is leading to a more humane, peaceful world, then we invite you to walk with us along the path to further education. Contact us today for information on how an IOUF will boost your efforts to change the world.