Hello and welcome to the website of Vérène Nicolas.

I am located in Glasgow, Scotland and presently coordinate the Master’s degree in Human Ecology run in partnership by the Centre for Human Ecology and the University of Strathclyde. My particular interest is in transformative approaches to learning and their role in opening consciousness and mobilising action. In this, i am particulary inspired by the ideas of brazilian educator Paulo Freire who coined the term 'popular education' and by the work of Sally Timmell and Anne Hope who developped "Training for Transformation" and are now based in South Africa. With the help of two of their colleagues, I am currently developing a website which aims to outline the concepts and principles behind Training for Transformation and give information on where it can be found in the world.

I am also interested in the power of communication & active practice of compassion to enhance relationships & overcome conflict. I am particularly inspired by Nonviolent Communication (NVC), an approach which seeks to stay in connection and empathy developed by Marshall Rosenberg. Although i am not a certified trainer, i am keen to share my skills and understanding of NVC and have started to run training workshops for community groups. I am also avalable to facilitate conflict mediation sessions.

Another passion of mine is Biodanza, a form of creative expressive dance that uses music and movement to re-awaken our ability to feel joy and find vitality. It's both great fun and deeply relaxing. Following several years of training with Claire Lewis who directs the Edinburgh School of Biodanza, I have recently started to teach a weekly class in Govan, where i live. It has been an amazing and energising process so far. Biodanza has huge potential for transformation.

I define myself primarily as a transformative educator. Whilst rooted in the reality of suffering, I believe that the part of our humanity that can feel joy & pleasure as well as give & receive love, urgently needs to be recovered. I suppose this is the common thread that runs through my work. My MSc coordinator's role allows me to work with a group of highly motivated students who, year after year, strive to understand the root-causes of suffering as well as what might transform it. My work with Sally and Anne in South Africa feeds my passion for transformative learning and community work. It also puts me in touch with a wealth of initiatives and inspiring people across the world, and particularly in the South. And both my work with Biodanza and conflict resolution are about healing and deepening our ability to be in relationship with self, others and the earth. This is pivotal in the building of resilient and alive communities.

My husband, Alastair McIntosh and I live in Drumoyne, part of the Greater Govan area of Glasgow. This is the former shipbuilding area and has many social problems but great cultural richness. We chose it because, amongst other things, we already had strong connections there through our involvement with the Govan-based GalGael Trust. Alastair is a founding director and the honorary treasurer. I am involved with the woollen crafts group on a voluntary capacity and have close links with the staff team.

Alastair and I work closely together as our areas of interest are in synergy. Over the years, we have both been involved with the MSc in Human Ecology and have run courses together in various locations, including Schumacher College, the Eden Project and the Greenbelt festival.

I originally come from France but spent my childhood in Africa where my parents where involved in medical and adult training work. I studied agriculture and rural development in Toulouse, South West of France. Before moving to Scotland 12 years ago, I spent some time in Ireland where I formed meaningful connections with the Celtic land and traditions.