Projects
for the future of experiential learning
Center for Training in Experiential Education
The Center for Training in Experiential Education is a project of the Parents in Dialogue Association through which we join the efforts of Romanian civil society to contribute to the development of the educational system.
In 2023, we launched this educational hub where teachers from the local community (Timișoara, Timiș County) as well as from across the country have access to training, informational materials, and a community of practice centered around Experiential Learning and Nonviolent Communication. These are the two pedagogies that form the foundation of the Babel School + High School initiative — the first experiential school in Romania, with 9 years of experience operating within the national education system (grades 0–12).
We invite all teachers who understand the importance of well-being in the harmonious development of children, and who believe that deep learning happens only when each child is actively engaged. Some of our Center’s training programs are designed for both teachers and parents, as we believe that only together can we truly contribute to children’s education.
History: From its very beginnings in 2016, Babel School has offered local teachers the opportunity to receive training alongside the school’s team in the two pedagogical approaches that inspire and motivate our work. We have invited trainers from Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, and England to share their expertise. We have also created useful materials for teachers, which are now available in the Resources section on www.scoalababel.ro
At the same time, we have managed to build a local team of eight Romanian trainers who can pass on their experience in applying these pedagogies within the Romanian education system. In the first two years of operation, this team delivered 20 training sessions through our Center, after which more than 400 participants left feeling more inspired, authentic, and open toward children.
Objective: To support, through scholarships, 50 teachers in receiving training during the 2025–2026 school year within the Center for Training in Experiential Education. To expand the physical space dedicated to teacher training by adding infrastructure for outdoor learning within the ZUMZET (Green Forest) project, in collaboration with the Plai Association.
Budget: Scholarships worth €500 per person for the 2025–2026 school year (total scholarships: €25,000). Creation of an outdoor learning space at Pădurea Verde, Timișoara (€10,000).
Scholarships for the Future
Starting with the 2022–2023 school year, Babel School + High School offers social scholarships and excellence scholarships.
There are two types of study scholarships: 2 social scholarships (providing financial support for families) and 4 excellence scholarships (celebrating outstanding academic achievement).
The scholarships are granted for a period of two school years and may be renewed (based on a procedure that also includes a selection interview).
Types of scholarships offered per academic year:
Tip Bursă | Denumire | % din taxa școlară | Durată |
|---|---|---|---|
Excelență - Științe naturale | LEONARDO FIBONACCI | 33% | 2 ani |
Excelență – Ştiinţe sociale | WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE | 17% | 2 ani |
Excelență - Științe naturale | ISAAC NEWTON | 33% | 2 ani |
Socială 2 | A.K. Farrar | 20% | 2 ani |
Socială 1 | A.K. Farrar | 80% | 2 ani |
Excelență – Ştiinţe sociale | NELSON MANDELA | 17% | 2 ani |
Budget simulation for scholarships over a full study cycle:
An școlar | Taxă lunară | Nr. burse | Total/an | Țintă pentru strângerea fondurilor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2026-2027 | 545 Eur | 6 - clasa a X-a | 10900 Eur | Mai 2026 |
2027-2028 | 545 Eur | 6 - clasa a XI-a | 10900 Eur | Mai 2027 |
2028-2029 | 545 Eur | 6 - clasa a XII-a | 10900 Eur | Mai 2028 |
StorySEED
International Festival of Storytelling and Experiential Education, 9th Edition, October 2026
StorySEED is a project aimed at the Romanian public, encouraging the adoption of storytelling and experiential education as ways to nurture children’s potential within educational spaces. StorySEED builds a bridge between artists – children – teachers, fostering a collaborative platform that supports young people’s free expression.
The international festival of storytelling and experiential learning takes place over three days and includes storytelling performances for children and youth delivered by national and international artists, training sessions in experiential learning led by trainers from Belgium and the Netherlands, and storytelling workshops for teachers.
History: Over its eight previous editions, more than 1,500 teachers, educators, actors, and education professionals have discovered new learning approaches that support children’s autonomy, harmonious relationships, and life skills. Starting with the 5th edition, we added a storytelling and outdoor learning component — a natural extension that promotes artistic expression in education and helps children connect with nature.
Objective: To inspire 300 teachers to connect education with real life — helping to build more engaged school communities and future generations who are competent, critically thinking, grounded in reality, empathetic, and able to understand and solve the challenges they will face.
Budget: 30.000 euro
Book Series
Experiential Education – A Dutch-to-Romanian Translation Project for Teachers in Romania
This project is developed by Babel School and High School, Timișoara, in collaboration with the Center for Experiential Education (CEGO) at KU Leuven University, Belgium.
The Experiential Education book series aims to provide direct access for teachers across Romania to the principles and practical methods that place the development of each child at the center of the educational process — within an environment where every child is seen and supported.
Teachers will easily grasp how their role transforms from that of information transmitters to creators of learning contexts and facilitators of each child’s competence development.
Background:
In 2026, the Center for Experiential Education (CEGO) at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, celebrates 50 years as a leading model for educational research and innovation in Europe.
In Romania, Babel School + High School is the only school that has adopted and adapted the principles of experiential education to the Romanian educational system. After 9 years of experience with this approach, our team is ready to share this model with children, teachers, and schools across Romania.
At present, we have obtained publishing agreements and full copyright permissions from Prof. Dr. Ferre Laevers, Ludo Heylen, Wilma van Esch, J. Maes, and I. van Gucht for the following works:
-
Ervaringsgericht werken in het basisonderwijs (6-12 jarigen), 2020, - Experiential Teaching in Primary Education (Ages 6–12), Ferre Laevers & Ludo Heylen.
-
Differentieren werkt, 2020 - Differentiation Works, L. Heylen, J Maes, I.van Gucht,
-
Breed evalueren, 2020, Comprehensive Assessment L. Heylen, J Maes, I.van Gucht,
-
Grip op competenties, 2018, - Understanding Competencies, Ferre Laevers, Wilma van Esch.
Our goal is to publish the Romanian edition of Ervaringsgericht werken in het basisonderwijs (6-12 jarigen), 2020, in October 2026.
Budget:
Translation costs estimated at 6.000 euro + VAT per volume.
Editing and proofreading costs estimated at 1000 de euro /volume.
8350 euro (VAT included)/book - translation, editing, proofreading.
Copyright costs / book are estimated at 3.000 euro/edition/book.
Recommendations from individuals who have been consulted so far regarding the relevance of this project for education in Romania:
H.E. Ms. Andreea Păstârnac, Ambassador of Romania to Belgium
H.E. Mr. John Cornet d’Elzius, Ambassador of Belgium to Romania (2024–present)
Mr. Jozef Goebels, President of the ADR–Vlaanderen Association
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mădălin Bunoiu, Vice-Rector, West University of Timișoara
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariana Crașovan, Department of Educational Sciences, West University of Timișoara
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Florin Drăgan, Rector, Politehnica University of Timișoara
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daniela Șilindean, Department of Modern Languages and Romanian Language, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara
World Peace Game Masterclass
First Romanian Edition – Timișoara, July 2026
What is the World Peace Game (WPG)?
The World Peace Game is a geopolitical simulation that allows students to explore global interdependence through economic, social, and climate crises, as well as the looming threat of war. The goal of the game is to lead each country out of danger and achieve global prosperity with minimal military intervention.
Divided into teams representing countries and institutions, students spend about 15 hours of gameplay developing skills such as critical thinking, communication, negotiation, presentation, creativity, and problem-solving. They also gain understanding of political governance, international institutions, national and global economics, budgeting, and more.
What is the World Peace Game Masterclass?
A 5-day professional training through which Romanian teachers learn how to facilitate the World Peace Game with their students.
Who can participate?
Any qualified, active teacher working with students aged 10 to 17.
History of the Game
John Hunter: Teaching with the World Peace Game | TED Talk
The game evolved into a large-scale classroom simulation with a 2-meter, 4-level board and 50 interconnected crises, playable by up to 35 students over 12–16 hours.
Following Hunter’s 2011 TED Talk, the game gained worldwide recognition and has since been played by hundreds of students. In 2020, Hunter retired and appointed a team of 16 global educators to carry on his legacy under The World Peace Game Foundation.
In Romania, the game was first played in 2016 in Timișoara and has been held annually since then with local student groups.
Objective: To provide full or partial scholarships for Romanian teachers to participate.
Estimated budget for a group of 30 students and 15 teachers : 30.000 EUR
Mutual Education Lab
Educational Innovation Lab organized by Babel School + High School and NVCEd (Nonviolent Communication in Education European Network) – April 2027
A five-day European workshop where teachers from across Europe gather at Babel School in Timișoara to learn together about the power of authentic communication and dialogue in education. Trainers from Sweden, Belgium, England, Austria, and Romania facilitate learning and exchange of best practices from innovative schools across Europe. The event also includes a local teachers’ community session, where participants can discover European educational innovations and models of change.
History: The Mutual Education Lab is held annually in different parts of Europe, offering a space for collaboration and mutual support among teachers bringing Nonviolent Communication (NVC) into schools. In 2012, Babel hosted the event in Timișoara — an experience that inspired the creation of the Babel Primary School. In 2019, our teachers attended the Lab in Berlin, placing Babel among Europe’s innovative schools and inspiring the founding of the Babel High School. The Lab continues to serve as a launchpad for new educational initiatives across Europe.
Objective: To offer full or partial scholarships for Romanian teachers.
Estimated total budget (for 20 participants): 20.000 EUR