International Day of Education 2024

Jan 18, 2024

Meet Maddy, Our Learning Design Specialist

Introduction

On this International Day of Education, we introduce you to a special member of our team, Maddy. Maddy is our Learning Design Specialist, and her life journey and beliefs play a pivotal role in the contributions she makes to our community.

A bit about Maddy

Maddy has had a deep-seated interest in spirituality from a young age. This interest led her to pursue a degree and a Master’s in Theology and Religious Studies. Maddy greatly treasures the visits she made to spiritually significant locations in Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal, experiencing first-hand how people across cultures find the sacred in everyday life.

She resides in Birmingham with her husband, Mike, and their rescue dog, Lucy. Maddy and her family love basking in nature’s beauty by exploring the UK’s forests and beaches. It’s their favourite pastime over the weekends.

Journey to OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation

When asked about what led her to become the Learning Design Specialist at OneSpirit, Maddy shared her journey:

“I completed a Theology and Religious Studies degree and trained as a secondary school RE teacher. I found my passion in teaching students with additional needs. Seeing the ways the mainstream school system was letting these students down led me to specialise in teaching students with a range of additional needs. This was a challenging but incredibly rewarding role.”

“After a research master’s, I felt disillusioned with the school system and started to contemplate what I wanted from a job. That was when I found OneSpirit. The job was everything I loved about education and held a belief that education can change the world. Since joining in 2021, I’ve been learning and growing as the role and I evolved. It changed so much about how I see the world and myself in it. I’m excited about the future!”

Background and personal beliefs influencing her work

Maddy’s unique background and beliefs significantly shape her approach towards learning design at OneSpirit:

“I was lucky to have the freedom to explore faith and spirituality from a young age. This freedom inspired my approach to education. I am passionate about freedom and creativity in exploration. My approach with the content I create is to give people something to explore further.”

Interfaith education: What it means to Maddy

For Maddy, interfaith education is crucial in our increasingly divided world:

“Interfaith education can equip us to engage with others more compassionately and empathetically. It not only teaches us about different faiths’ beliefs and practices but also allows us to see the humanness in everyone.”

Bonus: A peek into Maddy’s favourites!

Favourite book: The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf (also loves Be Here Now by Ram Dass)
Favourite movie: The Goonies
Favourite song: Going to California by Led Zeppelin
Favourite band: Death Cab for Cutie
Favourite cuisine: Thai food when eating out and experimenting when cooking at home (and brownies for snacks!)
Favourite places to visit: Alnmouth in Northumberland and Ynyslas in Wales, typically, any place by the sea!

We believe that every person has a unique story to tell and no one’s story shows it better than Maddy’s. As we celebrate the International Day of Education, let us remember the influences and experiences that make us who we are today. After all, every day is a chance to learn something new!

GO BACK

OneSpirit Faculty Reflections: Monica

In this first faculty reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, Monica Douglas explores the profound power of togetherness and connection. Reflecting on her experience as a tutor for the Class of 2024 OneSpirit Interfaith Ministers, Monica candidly shares the challenges and joys of guiding a diverse group of individuals through their journey towards ordination. With heartfelt insight, she highlights how true togetherness is not about agreement or avoiding difficult conversations, but about embracing differences and standing in loving connection, even through the messiness of life. Monica also speaks to the importance of nature in fostering a sense of unity and self-love, and encourages us to find solace in the interconnectedness of the natural world. Through her reflection, she offers a message of hope, reminding us that by embracing connection, we can create a better world—one relationship at a time.

All Saints’ Day: A Time of Honour, Reflection, and Interfaith Resonance

All Saints' Day, traditionally a Christian celebration honouring saints known and unknown, carries themes that resonate across many faith traditions. This article reflects on how the values of love, service, and compassion, central to All Saints' Day, are also present in spiritual practices worldwide. By recognising the common virtues that unite us, we honour not only Christian saints but also the countless individuals from all beliefs who inspire us to lead with kindness and purpose.

Scottish Interfaith Week

As Scottish Interfaith Week approaches from 11 to 18 November, we reflect on the resilience and vitality of interfaith engagement across the nation. Despite the closure of the larger interfaith network, local groups continue to foster dialogue and compassion. Two of our dedicated ROSIM members have reached out to share their involvement in exciting events during this week. Join us as we highlight these opportunities for connection, reflection, and growth within our interfaith community!

Transgender Day of Remembrance: A Call for Reflection & Action

Join us in honouring the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th, as we reflect on lives lost to transphobia and stand together for dignity, acceptance, and justice for all.

OneSpirit Student Reflections: Andrew

In this first student reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, a member of Aspen Class, Andrew, shares a deeply personal ceremony held at a local beach, marking the transition from year 1 to year 2 of their Interfaith Minister training. The reflection weaves together themes of gratitude, self-discovery, and connection to nature, as the student honours the sacredness of everyday moments and the role ceremony plays in their spiritual journey. This intimate experience offers insight into the evolving relationship between the student and the Earth, celebrating the sacredness of place and the power of ritual in marking life's pivotal moments.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated from 31st October to 4th November, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This vibrant festival invites us to cleanse our minds and homes, welcoming positivity and joy. As we illuminate our surroundings with diyas, let us also reflect on the inner light of kindness and understanding that guides us through life’s challenges. Join us in exploring the rich traditions and profound meanings of Diwali, a time for renewal and unity within our communities.

Honouring Our Elders: International Day of Older Persons

On the International Day of Older Persons, we reflect on the wisdom and influence of our ancestors, whose guidance shapes the world we live in today. Their teachings remind us of the enduring values that connect us across time. At the same time, younger generations bring fresh energy and innovation, ensuring that this wisdom evolves. By honouring both past and present, we create a balanced and harmonious future where each generation contributes to the richness of our shared journey.

OneSpirit Minister Reflections: Holly

In this first of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, OneSpirit minister Holly Chetan-Welsh reflects on the profound journey that followed their ordination, marking their first year as an ordained Interfaith Minister. As they celebrate the anniversary of this milestone, they explore the highs and lows experienced during what many refer to as the informal "third year" of training. With heartfelt honesty, they describe the challenges of adjusting to life after the intense two-year course, confronting feelings of loss, and the gradual realisation that the path of ministry does not end with ordination—it evolves. Their reflection offers insight and encouragement to newly ordained ministers, reminding them to embrace this transformative period and seek support when needed.

Enrolment is Officially Open!

Enrolment for OneSpirit’s Spiritual Development and Ministry Training program is open. With over 25 years of experience, it nurtures spiritual growth and leadership, fostering global consciousness, compassion, and interconnectedness in an evolving world.

Interfaith Dialogue

OneSpirit fosters interfaith dialogue,
where individuals from varied faith paths
engage in rich discussions to exchange
wisdom. The aim is to deepen understanding, cultivate peace, and promote
spiritual growth.

Redefining Interfaith: Holistically and Inclusively

We redefine interfaith to be more inclusive, embracing diverse spiritual experiences beyond traditional religions. Their vision fosters unity by honouring individual spirituality, aiming for a compassionate community that celebrates spiritual diversity.