Nurturing Learning Communities in a Time of Crisis

Dear Kind Donors and Supporters,

Our world has been changing rapidly and unpredictably. A single misstep from global powers can turn the earth upside down. More than ever, we need a new generation of leaders who can guide our world with kindness, clarity, integrity, and cooperation. Humbly, we place great hope in the young leaders we have trained. Yes, leadership takes time to grow. But we already see in them the future of their home countries — places where violence and oppression have pushed ordinary people to the margins, and where displacement and armed conflict have become part of daily life.      

Thank you for being part of our work in nurturing members of the ALPS team (Apprentice Leaders Program in Sustainability). Your contributions to this project have enabled us to bring many of them to SENS 2026. A key part of their training is learning to help run the program, giving them hands-on experience in leadership and responsibility. Over time, this model has proven its ability to bring direct and meaningful benefits to the ALPS members. Here is how.

1. Since 2020, the ALPS team has grown steadily, followed by each season of SENS. Currently, we are supporting 10 members: from Vietnam (5), Myanmar (3), Thailand (1), and India (1). Over the years, ALPS members have increasingly become part of the living heart of SENS.
2. Lien (nickname) and Adity (nickname) first joined SENS 2025 as tutors, assisting students in small groups with English and helping them build meaningful connections with one another. Recognizing their commitment and potential, our Director (Ted Mayer) invited them to join the ALPS training. Since then, we have grown together through regular meetings and classes exploring social issues and in-depth Co-Counseling study as well as practice. In SENS 2026, both are taking on larger responsibilities. Beyond leading tutoring groups, they now closely support the Director — offering attentive listening and practical assistance whenever needed. Their experience in SENS 2025 has given them greater insight into how to care effectively for the community in SENS 2026. We are deeply encouraged by their steady growth as the program unfolds.
3. Another member of the ALPS team, who has been with SENS for 4 seasons, is Au (nickname). From a SENS student in 2023, he is now leading the afternoon sessions, providing more space for students to practice English. He has grown up with SENS by taking care of students, helping with the administrative work, and especially learning how to design joyful and engaging classes. Now halfway through SENS 2026, we see him facilitating with greater confidence, both in his English and in his calm, steady presence in the classroom.
4. As we prepared SENS 2026, we intentionally involved ALPS members in different capacities. Each one plays a distinct role. Paung (nickname) from Myanmar, a SENS 2024 graduate and now an ALPS member, actively coordinated with Myanmar participants before the program began, helping ensure their safe arrival in Thailand. One Vietnamese ALPS member, Linh (nickname), a transformative curriculum designer, has already joined SENS 2026, and others will join soon. Chau (nickname), an experienced English teacher who has led language and environmental education programs in remote areas of her hometown, and Trang (nickname), a thoughtful young woman deeply interested in Co-Counseling and building learning communities, will both contribute fresh energy and insight to the cohort.

We believe SENS students can benefit greatly from encountering these ALPS members — not as distant alumni, but as living examples of growth, commitment, authentic friendship, and continuity.

While SENS 2026 is still unfolding, we are also identifying new potential candidates to invite into ALPS training. We hope to continue expanding this model so that the spirit of SENS — grounded in respect, mutual support, and sustainability — can carry forward through those who have experienced it most deeply.

With heartfelt thanks,

The SENS 2026 Work Team