CHAPTER 3
WORKING ON THE INNER SACRED SPACE

For the Adult Learner Program, a curriculum is not solely comprised of classes and ways of teaching. Rather, a curriculum is our philosophy, which is established in our mission statement:

We, the staff of the Adult Learner Program, commit ourselves to:

• Create a learning environment of mutual respect and acceptance of all
• Facilitate and nourish the growth of the students both personal and educational
• Encourage the continuing journey of lifelong learning
• Empower women through education to take ownership of their lives

Through this commitment we espouse a holistic approach to adult education.

This mission statement asserts that in order for each student to learn we have to provide classes that support the women through their education from various standpoints. As we have experienced, it is not surprising that many women who come to our program have been “held down” in some way that has affected their educational journeys. Therefore, it is apparent that they require more supports than just guidance in education.