Our Approach
Imayla’s activity programme offers an exciting approach to learning about ourselves and each other within a local and global context. It weaves together arts, intercultural and environmental strands and is underpinned by the following beliefs:
- that everyone has the right and the ability to express themselves artistically and that culture and creativity are crucial ingredients of a healthy society
- that this can best be done within an intercultural context which brings people together to explore and value diverse cultural expressions
- that spending time away from home can facilitate profound individual and collective learning experiences
- that being close to nature increases our awareness of our primal motivations and the importance of having a caring and responsible relationship with our environment
Quality
Imayla’s residential programmes are offered in high quality learning environments, currently via a range of carefully selected residential centres but in the future at our own Imayla Centre. The best teachers are drawn locally and from around the globe to offer something totally inspiring and completely different. They are selected for their skill, experience and proven track record.
We work in close partnership with teachers, youth workers and educational bodies to ensure that each activity is designed to meet the learning needs of individuals and groups and to enhance particular programmes of study. We aim to involve everyone in monitoring and evaluation so that we continually improve the quality and relevance of our services.
Safety
Imayla has been offering residential learning since 2000 and many of its staff and board members for much, much longer. We have gained a wealth of experience which underpins sound operating policies and practices. However, it is important to acknowledge that risk is part of life and so we try to help ensure that children and adults understand the concepts of risk awareness, risk assessment and risk management, so that they can learn to remain safe whilst still being able to live life to the full.
Accessibility
Imayla seeks to provide spaces where everyone feels welcome and where their needs and aspirations are understood and catered for.
We try to ensure that our premises are as accessible as possible and to consider what practical measurers might help disabled people participate to the full. In addition our programme embraces opportunities to explore creative approaches to involving groups with sensory or mobility impairments and to explore disability culture.
Eating with Imayla is seen as a celebration, with high quality home cooked food that embraces different cultural traditions. We want everyone to feel at home and with prior warning can cater for all tastes. We also actively encourage participants to learn about other styles of food and try something new.
We acknowledge the importance of being able to practice your faith whilst staying with Imayla and appropriate space is made available for prayer and contemplation.