Herald/Tamara Jackson

The word Paidia comes from the Greek word used by the ancient philosopher Plato to describe the best method for educating youth. Plato believed the most effective way of teaching a child is through properly guided play. This idea helped to shape one Cornerstone alumnus’ methodology when he formed a nonprofit organization, and accordingly named it Paidia.

Erich Strehl graduated from CU in 1998 with a B.A. in Psychology. While working on his M.A. in Historical Theology, he owned an adventure tour company called Mountaintop Adventures. This company facilitated adventure trips like rock climbing and backpacking for people of all ages.

When he finished with his M.A., Strehl went to Israel to pursue a Ph.D. He spent time in the Palestinian Refugee camps and was caught in the middle of altercations between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian youth, an experience that he calls “unique.” According to Strehl, these altercations usually involved tear gas, gun fire and rock throwing.

In an attempt to help kids off the streets, Strehl said via e-mail, he thought he would try and provide some of the programs Mountaintop Adventures provided for children and youth in Israel and Palestine.

“The concept took off,” he said.

Over time, Strehl closed Mountaintop Adventures and started Paidia International Development. He wanted to use the concept of using adventure recreation to do development work with a focus on children and young adults, he said.

The focus is on crucial issues affecting the local community, and in Israel and Palestine the issues often center on nonviolence and ethical leadership development.

Paidia has had its fair share of obstacles, Strehl said. In one circumstance three of the staff were beaten and arrested when Israeli settlers tried to take over the facility. The current concern regards money, as the organization relies on donations to operate.

Paidia’s programs focuses on its E.R.M. method, which stands for education, recreation and mobilization. The programs cater to the needs of each particular community Paidia is working in.

“No matter what Paidia is teaching, we always create opportunities for the children and youth to put what they have learned back into the community in which they live,” Strehl said via e-mail. “Instead of being part of the problem, the students become part of the solution.”

Paidia offers students and volunteers the opportunity to serve in different ways. There are programs available for help oversees working in facilities. One CU student, Kris Rolls, spent two months working in the West Bank, Palestine.

“The summer overseas was pretty amazing. I worked every day volunteering for Paidia’s youth camps,” Rolls said. “We lead games and initiative based summer camps to teach kids things you and I would normally learn on the playground. Because of the military oppression and poverty, kids just kind of roam and create mischief.”

Rolls said he also learned some things about the media while overseas. He said there are many media members waiting for something to happen to pump it back to the United States.

“It was pretty tough dealing with them sometimes,” he said. “And they definitely don’t accurately portray current events.”

Currently Rolls and about four other CU students are involved in the Paidia Leadership Team. Strehl is trying to establish a base in Grand Rapids that would mirror one of the current facilities. This one would be used to reach children and youth and build bridges with children of other cultures and break down typical racial or religious stereotypes, he said.

The leadership team that CU students are involved in exists to raise awareness and funds for Paidia.

Emily Faletti, another CU volunteer, said, “I’m learning a lot about the organization now and I would love to raise awareness about the needs of children and the society over in Palestine.  It’s a cool organization!”