Unlocking the potential of diversity in education | Sagithjan Surendra | TEDxRuhrUniversityBochum

Sagithjan Surendra challenges us to imagine a world where everybody - no matter the social and financial circumstances - can embrace their full potential. In the process he spells out the characteristics of an education system that teaches to our individual needs instead of promoting academic excellence as the ultimate goal. He investigates the lack of equality in education even in a progressive and democratic country like Germany. Surendra's argument is inextricably tied to his own personal story and why he saw, at the age of 19, the need to found his NGO.
Sagithjan Surendra, child of two Sri Lankan refugees, is an author and the founder of the NGO “Aelius Förderwerk e.V.”, which supports young children and students from non-academic backgrounds.
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TEDx RuhrUniversityBochum was started in 2016 by a group of students enthusiastic about bringing the TEDx format to the Ruhr Area. In May 2019, we turned our TEDx conference into one of the largest TEDx events in Europe organized by students. We connected over 1,000 people at our TEDx event and brought 13 speakers to Bochum who presented their ideas and visions regarding the motto "Embrace the Unexpected".
„Embrace the unexpected“ is not just a theme, it is an attitude.
It is to look courageously and curiously towards the future and confidently embrace the manifold challenges of our time. To understand the new and unexpected as a learning opportunity for progress and not as a source of uncertainty. Such an attitude is needed in a rapidly changing world, now more than ever.
Find out more about TEDx RuhrUniversityBochum on our website: www.tedxruhruniversitybochum.de
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This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx Sagithjan Surendra, child of two Sri Lankan refugees, author and founder of the NGO “Aelius Förderwerk e.V.”, which supports young children and students from non-academic backgrounds, will investigate (the lack of) equality in education even in a progressive and democratic country such as Germany. Surendra tells his personal story and why he saw, at the age of 19, the need to found his NGO.
He challenges us to imagine a world where everybody - no matter the social and financial circumstances - can embrace their full potential. In the process he spells out the characteristics of an education system that teaches to our individual needs instead of promoting academic excellence as the ultimate goal. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@dschesse5578]

Total bewundernswert, was du in den letzten Jahren auf die Beine gestellt hast Sagith! Ich bin richtig berührt von deiner Rede. Mir ging es früher ähnlich. Meine Grundschullehrerin war sich sicher, dass ich nur auf die Hauptschule gehen sollte, weil meine Mutter Ausländerin ist und meine beiden Eltern keinen akademischen Hintergrund haben. Sie würden mir ja nicht helfen können, wenn ich Probleme haben würde. Tja, da hat sie falsch gedacht! Ich bin trotzdem aufs Gymnasium gegangen, weil meine Noten dafür gestimmt haben. Klar war es schwer und oft hab ich Gestruggled, aber in der Oberstufe habe ich alles dafür gegeben, ein gutes Abitur zu schreiben. Ich bin sehr stolz darauf, die erste in meiner Familie zu sein, die die Möglichkeit hat zu studieren.
Mach weiter so und lass dich nicht von deinem Weg abbringen!

[@belegur3046]

Wow, du kannst auch ganz zu Recht stolz sein! Schade, dass deine Grundschullehrerin diese Einstellung hatte. Umso toller, dass du dich davon nicht hast entmutigen lassen! Viel Erfolg für deinen weiteren Weg!

[@erona881]

You are truly an inspiration! The world would be such a better place with more Sagiths! 👏🏼

[@GuyWithoutHobbies]

What a powerful talk! Thank you so much!

[@matti.lindman]

One of the most important TedTalks in my opinion. What a great and important work! Education should be freely available and independent of your genes or background. Everyone deserves the same opportunity.
I hope that you will always continue your valuable work and guide so many children and young people as possible on their way.
*Standing ovation*

[@milc571]

Ich dachte mir schon, dass du das rockst, aber das war wirklich super berührend. Danke dafür und bleib wie du bist, Sagith!

[@lisam.barouk375]

Great TEDx Talk!! ❤ honest insights, real stories! Thank you for sharing and Thank you for your Vision and strength and all your people who help building a better, a more equal education 🙏

[@jayromec.robinet9707]

What a blessing you are!

[@SmileOnYouToo]

God bless you Sagith.
You are a truly wonderful person, who can encourage and inspire people. Go on and fulfill your dreams! :)

[@ВарвараЯнковська]

Great speech!

[@flowerpower4024]

👏👏👏👏

[@blondediariez]

💪💪💪