Ep 71: From Refugee to Educator: Claudia Adler's Vision for Modern Education

Claudia is a lecturer and Deputy Programme Lead at the University of York in London, where she contributes her expertise to the MSc in International Humanitarian Affairs (MIHA). Her research endeavors focus on critically examining learning approaches that empower girls and women from marginalized and rural backgrounds across South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. She engages with ancient wisdom from the Global South, seeking innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, particularly in the realm of climate change.

Central to Claudia's work is the exploration of non-mainstream pedagogical approaches within contexts marked by disasters, conflict, and uneven development. Her efforts extend beyond academia, as she has actively engaged with grassroots initiatives, primarily in Uganda and Colombia, since 2016.

Claudia holds a PhD from the University of York, where her research focused on the role of education (formal, informal, and non-formal) in empowering women from the Global South. She has also completed an MSc in International Humanitarian Affairs and an LLB (Hons) Law Degree. Claudia's multifaceted background underscores her commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development, informed by both academic rigor and practical engagement.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• Challenging the status quo.
• Impact of domestic violence.
• Education isn't always granted.
• Empowerment is an internal quality.
• Education can lead to arrogance about knowing more.
• Colombia's class disparities and the Medellin Cartel's influence.
• Human flourishing and creativity are essential components of education.
• African philosophy of Ubuntu and South American philosophy of Ainí.
• Adapting personal experiences to shape one's narrative and perspective.
• Equal humanitarian platform rather than a missionary approach to charity.
• We often focus on differences rather than connecting through shared experiences.
• Need for collaborative education, where learners co-create their learning experiences.
• The importance of education in emergencies is sometimes prioritized over food and shelter.
• PhD fosters critical thinking, personal development, and intellectual growth beyond academia.
• Displacement encompasses physical relocation and a loss of cultural connection and belonging.

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