1. Markus community in the Hauteroda estate – Germany – The Learning Villages GRUNDTVIG project (2010-1-RO1-GRU06-06764) has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

2. Why this project started Markus community finds its origins in the assistance of children with mental diseases according to the principles of anthroposophy which started in 1972 since 1993 this project has been reactivated by a group-initiative of the Camphill movement

3. The main goal(s) Work in special pedagogy and social –therapy based on principles of the Anthroposophy of Rudolf Steiner ( 1861 – 1925 ) Implementation of activities including different types of craftsmanship and hosting services To care for persons with handicaps, to promote their independence and make them protagonists of the society

4. Who were the target groups and how are were they involved? Men with different types of handicap or those who need special care people on pension, who decided to share their experiences meeting other generations community of Hauteroda and the people of the region

5. The main activities and results 60 persons with special needs are involved in the daily working activities like: 36 persons live in residential housing 51 persons work for the care of people and organization of the “Gutshof Hauteroda” biodynamic cultivation, breeding, dairy, bakery, carpentry, laundry, beekeeping

6. What kind of non-formal or informal educational measures were used? Activities performed are numerous and expressions of a non-formal education: working activities and entertainment events participation by the large-scale involvement of all the guests and collaborators periods of entertainment and learning e.g. theatre and moments of relaxation in the open air workshops and community meetings

7. Which competences of education for sustainable development were transferred? to show empathy for and solidarity with the disadvantaged: based on Anthroposophy means that the whole structure and activities are different from the usual centres for disabled people. to act in a forward-looking manner: principles of biodynamic agriculture aim to respect the natural balance of the earth to be able to motivate others to become active: strict cooperation with the regional citizens allows reciprocal knowledge and informative diffusion of its educational principles

8. How does this project contribute to sustainable development? Ecology: biodynamic agriculture certificated by Demeter Economics: supporting regional SME by the finance system of microcredit institute Social: the men are involved in every activity Participation: most important principle: avoid strict hierarchy; decisions are taken through participation of all the guests and collaborators Cultural diversity – meeting between men of different experiences and backgrounds is one of the main principles of anthroposophy

9. For whom is this project and its results relevant? Markus community is one of the numerous anthroposophy associations which are spread throughout the world For many developed projects transfers are possible and can be proofed by feedback

10. How will the project continue to develop? Continuation of the current projects Development of alternatives for public transport in the rural areas – e.g. the “Bürgerbus” (“citizens bus”) – to tackle the problem of the decreasing number of inhabitants and to support elderly people

11. For more information see and contact: Gutshof Hauteroda Hauptstr. 1 Leiter: Andreas Emmerich 06577 HauterodaE-Mail: a.emmerich@gutshof- Telefon 03 46 73 - 73 69 20hauteroda.de Telefax 03 46 73 - 73 69 15www.markus-gemeinschaft.de