Life Academy International: Forming True Servant Leaders through Transformative Education
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UNESCO characterizes transformative education as a form of learning aimed at empowering contented and well-being-focused students to make informed choices and contribute positively at personal, communal, and global scales. This description encapsulates learners’ interaction with the world, fostering skills such as collaboration, empathy, intricate issue-solving, as well as fostering connections with fellow humans and the environment.
In the Philippines, amidst widespread educational challenges compounded by technological disruptions, maintaining a focus on transformative education proves to be an arduous task. However, given the urgent societal issues confronting us today, the necessity to prioritize such education remains as crucial as ever.
Life Academy International (LAI), a Christian K-12 international school acknowledged as an educational entity with global attributes through the enactment of Republic Act No. 11638, advocates a unique model of transformative education centered around values cultivation, practical learning experiences, and fostering servant leadership. Now marking its 10th anniversary, LAI is expanding this framework to encompass a broader educational landscape, soon integrating higher education into its ecosystem.
A solid compass of servant leadership
LAI’s approach to servant leadership is deeply rooted in a biblical perspective, emphasizing the development of leaders who embrace a noble vision and purpose not only for themselves but also for the benefit of others. Over time, LAI has cultivated a vibrant community of learners bound together by their shared pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication to effecting positive change in the world around them.
The Honorable Gregory Winston Slayton, a former US Chief of Mission (also known as US Ambassador), accomplished Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist, and chairman of a global non-profit organization, currently serves as LAI’s executive consultant and a key advocate of the academy’s servant leadership initiative. According to him, “Servant leadership is leadership by example, not by command. It is also unity in key areas, and respect for diversity in others. This is the distinctive value we set here at LAI.”
World-class programs and top-notch facilities
In order to cultivate a globally-oriented mindset among its students, LAI provides access to the International Baccalaureate program within its senior high school curriculum. Recognized as the pinnacle of pre-college international education, this program affords students the opportunity to delve into global perspectives and broaden their understanding while seeking practical solutions applicable within their own country.
The newly unveiled Life Academy International city campus situated in the heart of Pasig City comprises a 20-story building equipped with essential spaces conducive to idea exchange, collaboration, and innovation among students. Among its standout features are integrated sports facilities, including an open soccer field, swimming pool, and versatile indoor gymnasium, all aimed at fostering character development through student engagement in athletics.
Next step forward
As it prepares to implement a college program in the coming years, LAI remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing its mission of fostering societal impact through servant leadership across key industries.
Edric Mendoza, LAI’s Managing Director and leader of the college initiative, advocates strongly for the necessity of a dynamic business college tailored to the demands of these evolving times.
He emphasizes, “Our strength in the higher education space relies not only on our transformative education framework, but our strong network of Christian business leaders ready to mentor our students in doing the actual work of establishing businesses that transform lives.”
For more information about Life Academy International and to arrange a campus tour, please visit their website at https://lifeacademy.edu.ph/.
*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: LAI