Nico, a three-year-old boy who underwent a right hemispherectomy to combat severe epilepsy, showcases remarkable development despite having only half a brain. Over eight years, he has become a bright child with minor impairments, excelling in left-brain skills such as mathematics and music, while retaining cognitive spatial abilities. Antonio Battro, a neuroscientist, chronicles Nico's journey through "neuroeducation," highlighting the integration of technology in learning. This compelling narrative combines a case study with insights into brain function and consciousness, celebrating Nico's progress and the joy of discovery.
This book addresses the changes in education practices, especially basic education, necessitated by the global challenges of climate change and sustainable development and in a context characterized by increasing poverty and inequality, migration and refugees. Written by a range of international scholars, scientists and grassroots practitioners from Africa, Latin America, Asia (India, China, Malaysia) and Europe, the individual contributions focus on education policies and child development in various social contexts. Case-based experiences from both developed and developing countries provide inspiration and shed new light on the fundamental changes needed to adapt existing school systems and teacher training to face the challenges of the future. In this regard, the need to empower children themselves is emphasized. All contributions are based on a Workshop hosted in November 2015 by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican entitled “Children and Sustainable Development: A Challenge for Education” and follow three other significant events on sustainable development in 2015, namely the publication of Laudato Si’, the Encyclical Letter from Pope Francis, the release of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the COP21 Conference in Paris.
