ISSA

The contemporary educational system is seen as a tool reinforcing existing societal structures, leading to alienation, consumerism, and a lack of critical thinking. With global challenges such as climate collapse, social inequality, and technological alienation, traditional education fails to address urgent needs. The response to this crisis was creating a "school from the future" on the remote island of Vis, with an innovative approach to education and community building.

Traditional knowledge merges with modern technologies on the island of Vis, where ISSA has established an alternative educational framework. Dry stone walling and rainwater harvesting techniques complement solar power systems, internet connectivity, and shadow libraries within this community-driven school. Local residents collaborate with visiting artists and subject experts to develop innovative knowledge production methods, sustainability practices, and social autonomy models. Educational reimagination for the 21st century finds practical expression here, creating a template for similar initiatives worldwide.

An NGO structure provides organizational support for ISSA, with shared management responsibilities distributed among co-founders and members. Stone house and land facilities operate through rental arrangements on the island. Sustainable building expertise comes from one dedicated employee, supplemented by numerous volunteers and educators contributing their skills. Community participation takes various forms, from collective construction projects like stone walling to educational programming. Similar events hosted across Europe extend the project's methodologies beyond its island home.

Practical solutions to contemporary challenges emerge through ISSA's hands-on educational approach and innovative school model. Experimental applications of sustainable technologies flourish on Vis, including fog collection systems, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and solar energy implementations. Beyond addressing immediate climate concerns, this initiative offers an integrated educational framework that combines social and ecological responses. Alternative institutional models demonstrate their viability through this successful example of practical problem-solving.

Online platforms and diverse collaborations with organizations, artists, educators, and activists carry ISSA's influence well beyond Vis island. Alternative social institutions prove their resilience even during crisis periods, inspiring other communities to explore experimental educational approaches. Traditional notions of education and community development face productive challenges through ISSA's example, which demonstrates that autonomy and innovation can manifest in present-day contexts rather than remaining theoretical future possibilities.