Free We Grow facilitators “hold the space” at Dacres’ Wood. They ensure that the community is safe such that its members feel free to engage in self direction and culture creation. They are present with the children on a day to day basis, getting to know each child, building relationships, getting to know their interests, observing and where appropriate engaging in play and social interactions. The best way we’ve found so far to describe the facilitator role is that of a ‘guardian of flow’, whereby their presence enables children to find and be in flow. See the blog article on Space Place and Time for more on this. Our facilitators support children with their projects when needed and they also bring their own projects to share with the children. Fundamentally, our facilitators are also members of the community. They are real people with real feelings, interests and beliefs. Their role is not to withhold their experiences, interests and worldviews, but rather to share their passion for life and knowledge, to act with integrity, and by being models, ensure that children feel safe in doing the same.
