SOCIAL WORK IN RURAL AREAS
About SAILR
SAILR is a non-profit educational and social organisation. We develop social-pedagogical, movement-based, cultural and consulting formats, particularly for rural and structurally disadvantaged regions.
Our approach
SAILR connects social work, cultural education, movement, conflict transformation and mindfulness-based methods. We do not see people as recipients of ready-made solutions, but as active co-creators of their own lives and communities. Our work is therefore resource-oriented, participatory and based on mutual respect.
Our focus is on empowerment, self-efficacy, social participation and democratic co-determination. People are encouraged to discover their abilities, make their voices heard, shape relationships and expand their scope for action. For us, participation means not merely planning for people, but developing goals, formats and pathways together with them.
Mission
We create educational and experiential spaces in which self-awareness, relationships, creativity, conflict competence and social participation can grow – from personal experience through community to the shared shaping of society.
Vision: A journey to the stars
One day, we will travel to the stars. The decisive question will not be whether we are technically capable of doing so, but whether we are ready in our hearts, in our ethics and in our humanity.
Engaged Buddhism
Engaged Buddhism forms the inner architecture of SAILR. Mindfulness, compassion, non-attachment and interconnectedness are not a religious superstructure, but a source of educational attitude, self-reflection and social responsibility. Inner work and the transformation of social conditions belong together: we begin with ourselves – and we do not stop there.
We translate this perspective into open, secular and educationally accessible language. Mindfulness becomes relationship. Relationship becomes society. In this way, SAILR connects inner development with nonviolence, democratic participation and concrete action.
Values
Democracy and human dignity · Nonviolence and dialogue · Inclusion and participation · Empowerment and self-efficacy · Mindfulness, compassion and responsibility · Lifelong learning
Who we work with
SAILR works with children and young people, adults and intergenerational groups, educational professionals, teams, social organisations, educational providers, municipalities, and national and international partner organisations.
Professional background
SAILR is led by Christoph Richter. With a B.A. in Social Pedagogy and qualifications as a supervisor and trainer in Nonviolent Communication, he combines project development, supervision, mediation, Nonviolent Communication, psychosocial counselling, and embodied and experiential education. A central question is how peace and social change begin on a small scale – in our relationship with ourselves, in conversations, teams, groups, organisations and communities.
Contact & cooperation
Would you like to enquire about a programme or develop a suitable format together? Contact us to discuss the target group, framework and next steps.
sailr.eu 