“Innovation and learning... are fostered within small groups and flat, networked, horizontally differentiated structures rather than bureaucratic, hierarchical, vertically differentiated structures. Such groups might be formally established... or, indeed, they may arise spontaneously”. Morrison, 2002

Origin

In the Great Lakes Region covering Burundi, Rwanda and east of Congo (Kivu), 20’000 young people are mobilized around 420 young community mediators to challenge ethnic hatred and violence. This is an attempt to prevent the repetition of the genocide which provoked the extermination of at least 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and thousands of moderate Hutus in Rwanda, from April 6 through mid-July 1994.

This project, called Amahoro-Amani (“Peace” in local languages) was the first opportunity which brought together Carpe Vitam, a Swedish Foundation created by Peder Wallenberg, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and the World Organization of the Scout Movement. These two last organizations have member associations in most of the countries with more than 35 millions members around the world combined. They represent one of the largest educational networks.

The Amahoro-Amani project showed how young people, girls and boys can become agents of change in society provided that they receive the necessary skills and are empowered.

Building on this experience, Peder Wallenberg proposed the Guide and Scout World Movements to develop a new initiative called Open Minds Global, aimed at offering a Leadership Development Programme to young people, helping them to develop projects of change in society.

A Foundation called “Open Minds Global” has been founded and registered in Geneva, Switzerland, with the double objective to collect funds to support this innovative programme and to steer its development.

The spirit of Open Minds Global has been captured by Peder Wallenberg:

“Change towards a future harmonious society should be built on a foundation of peace and cooperation in order to create better living opportunities for all. To a large extent, this will depend on the involvement of young people acting as open-minded, responsible citizens. The mission of education is to build knowledge, instil values and develop character.”

The motto of Open Minds is: Minds Are Like Parachutes, they Only Function When They Are Open

"Can you lead your people without taking control?
Can you open and close the gates in harmony with nature?
Can you be understanding without trying to be wise?
Can you create without possessiveness?
Accomplish without taking credit?
Lead without ego?
This is the highest power." Tao, 10