Having traveled the world in search of wisdom, Javiera Carrion found it at home where she started: the seeds of sustainability were contained in the common sense of her own, Chilean people. Javiera studied agricultural engineering and, following her nose, entered the workforce as a grape grower and wine maker. She then began to explore agroecology, biodynamic farming and organic agriculture. Inspired, she returned to her roots and mobilized her family to begin the process of transitioning their farm to organic.

During her student days, Javiera discovered permaculture, and after a long search for the right place and time, attended a permaculture design course in New Zealand in 2006. Having resonated deeply with the idea of transition, she set out to push the development of the transition movement in Chile and Latin America.

As Javiera and her partner, Grifen Hope, looked for support to develop a regional training center for the great re-skilling, Gaia University emerged as an ideal framework within which to develop their vision.

Now their living university, Ecoescuela El Manzana, is thriving and helping local people to develop experience in design for resilience. With the support of an international learning community, Javiera has embarked on an ambitious journey to create a transformative learning pathway for herself and the communities around her.

Javiera lives and works on her family farm in the BioBio region of Chile with her partner, Grifen, and their son, Anaru.

With the support of Gaia University I have organised my own learning for ecosocial regeneration. This has enabled me to learn, in action, while developing a world changing project.

I feel more connected and resilient than ever. From the relationships that have formed with my neighbors as we explore how to reinvigorate a local economy, to the bioregional family that is growing around us and organizing for food security, to the Permaculture Institute that is stepping up to lead the transition in my country.

Through Gaia University I am part of a global movement organizing for a paradigm shift, looking to leverage our global interconnectedness to accelerate local transformation.