Permaculture teacher training course for refugees
In June 2025, the All One People Permaculture Teacher Training Course for Refugees was held in Lesvos, Greece, organised by the Sporos Institute, Permaculture for Refugees (P4R), and 12P Permaculture Design. Despite lower enrolments due to visa barriers and “compassion fatigue,” the diverse group of participants from across the globe engaged in an intensive, learner-centred training shaped by external disruptions including wildfire threats, extreme heat, dust storms, and the Israeli attack on Iran. These crises, along with internal challenges such as cultural differences, trauma, and health issues, became learning opportunities in resilience, disaster preparedness, and group support. The course highlighted the importance of non-formal, participatory teaching methods, with students progressively taking on teaching roles and ultimately presenting full curricula.
Practical challenges around visas, administration, and costs underscored the need to hold future courses closer to refugee communities, with better logistical support. The course also strengthened ties among P4R Council members, fostered new refugee-centred initiatives, and connected trainers with local refugee projects in Lesvos. Overall, the training reaffirmed the urgency of equipping refugee educators with permaculture teaching skills for uncertain and often crisis-driven futures, where effective and adaptable teaching can be life-sustaining.
Photos by Kostas and Marguerite
Read the full report here.
