Earlier this year, WOOF joined the Teach For All Social Entrepreneur Gathering in Colombia. The gathering brought together organisations from across the world working to improve education systems and opportunities for young people.
“Well-being and a sense of belonging are fundamental prerequisites for learning—for everyone, regardless of country, culture, or resources. Without safety and well-being, there is no mental room to grow. Seeing well-being initiatives take shape in different contexts is a source of inspiration and a clear reminder that well-being, safety, and belonging are essential for learning and personal development.”
WOOF co-founder Amalie Danckert
Between conversations with founders from many different countries and visits to local schools, a few reflections stood out.
Here are four learnings we’re bringing back with us.
1. Wellbeing is foundational — not a luxury
Across the schools and organisations we met, one message kept appearing: wellbeing and belonging are foundational conditions for learning.
When students feel safe, seen, and connected, it strengthens both engagement and learning outcomes no matter the country, culture or resources.
2. Leadership shapes school culture
A school’s priorities become visible in everyday practice. From how leaders talk about the purpose of education to how teachers and students interact and work with wellbeing, leadership sets the tone.
When wellbeing, belonging, and character development are framed as part of the school’s mission and visibly prioritized by school leadership, it shapes the entire learning environment.
3. Many education innovators started as teachers
One striking common thread among the organisations in the Teach For All network is that their founders all began in the classroom.
Experiencing the challenges of education firsthand often leads to a strong commitment to building solutions that genuinely support students and teachers.
4. Improving education systems requires persistence
Working with and within public education systems is rarely fast or simple. Progress takes patience, collaboration, and a long-term commitment.
But being surrounded by people across countries and contexts who continue pushing for better opportunities for young people was both energising and encouraging.
Bringing the learnings home
The contexts may differ, but the direction is often the same: schools across the world are recognising that supporting students as whole human beings is essential for helping them learn and thrive.
That insight continues to shape the work we do at WOOF.
