Hi there! My name is Hilary Hairston, and I am the founder of GESE (Global Education for Sustainable Empowerment). My vision is to help transform education into a model that truly nurtures children, strengthens communities, and equips future generations to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Why Change is Needed
Decades of research in child development, neuroscience, and education point to the same truth: children learn best when they are active, curious, and engaged. Yet too often, conventional systems limit movement, creativity, and real-world connection. Studies show that:
Students retain far more when learning is tied to personal interest and hands-on experience.
Just two hours of structured instruction daily is enough to build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy when combined with exploration, play, and real-world application.
Time in nature, physical activity, and social-emotional learning are strongly correlated with better academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.
We know what works. Now we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to do better.
The GESE Model
At GESE, education is designed around empowerment, curiosity, and contribution. Our learning hubs are built to:
Honor individuality: Children are guided to explore their strengths and passions, using them as pathways to develop essential academic and life skills.
Connect learning to life: Core subjects are taught through real-world tasks such as gardening, cooking, budgeting, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.
Foster creativity & innovation: Students engage in arts, music, design, technology, and even student-led microbusinesses, all while collaborating across generations.
Encourage global citizenship & justice: Civic engagement, service projects, and cultural exploration ensure students grow with empathy, purpose, and global awareness.
Prioritize balance & well-being: Each day blends structured learning with movement, outdoor exploration, unstructured play, and meaningful contributions to the community.
A Vision for the Future
Imagine communities where schools are no longer isolated buildings, but living, breathing hubs where children, families, and communities work and learn together. Each hub is unique—shaped by the culture, environment, and needs of its community. Students graduate not only with academic skills, but with confidence, resilience, and a deep understanding of themselves and the world.
This is not simply an alternative to traditional schooling—it is a movement. A shift toward education that empowers children to flourish, families to grow stronger, and communities to thrive.
To echo Maya Angelou: “Now that we know better, it is time to do better.”
With GESE, we can—and we will.