About us
Our Story
Coempowered was founded with a simple but powerful belief:
that thinking together, creating together, and reflecting together can transform lives and communities.
We work especially with young people, refugees, and asylum seekers — with a particular focus on Kurdish and Persian speakers — to support their growth as independent thinkers, creative voices, and resilient community members.
Through philosophical inquiry, creative expression, literacy development, reflective dialogue, and collective projects, we empower individuals and groups to face challenges with confidence and imagination.
From small circles of dialogue to large community projects, Coempowered grows by staying true to one simple idea:
together, we think better.
Our Team sections:
- Board of Trustees
- Learning Committee
- Media and Communication Committee
- Fundraising Committee
Facts About Us
Our Statements
Mission
Our mission is to make education, mental well-being, and community-building accessible to those who need it most. We help young people, refugees, and asylum seekers and women—especially Persian and Kurdish speakers—develop the skills to think independently, express themselves, and navigate challenges with confidence.
Through philosophical, critical, and creative education, we encourage deeper thinking and open dialogue. But education alone isn’t enough. Many of those we support face isolation and uncertainty, so we also focus on mental well-being, creating spaces where people can build resilience, connect with others, and find their voice. Finally, we believe learning should lead to real opportunities. Through community capacity building, we help people develop practical skills, take on meaningful roles, and contribute to the spaces they live in. Whether through training, cultural engagement, or collective projects, we support individuals in shaping their own futures—together.
Vision
We want to live in a world where education is accessible to everyone, no matter their background. A world where learning isn’t just about gaining knowledge but about thinking freely, expressing ideas, and building confidence. We see strong, connected communities where people support one another, share knowledge, and create real change.
To work towards this future, we want to grow into a leading space for critical and creative education, mental well-being, and community-building. We aim to expand our reach, refine our approach through critical pedagogy, and develop strong methodologies that make learning more accessible, engaging, and transformative. To achieve this, we will work with partners, educators, and researchers who share our vision, ensuring that our programs continue to evolve and respond to real needs. We hope to build a lasting organisation that empowers individuals and communities, ensuring that those who were once excluded have the power to lead, create, and thrive.
Our Values
Curiosity
We believe in the power of questioning and lifelong learning. Encouraging open inquiry helps individuals and communities grow in meaningful ways.
Integrity
We are committed to honesty, transparency, and staying true to our mission. We hold ourselves accountable to the people we serve and the values we stand for.
Equity
Everyone deserves the chance to learn, contribute, and thrive. We work to create inclusive spaces where all voices are valued and respected.
Community
Learning is not an individual pursuit but a shared experience. We foster dialogue, connection, and mutual support in everything we do.
Resilience
Education should empower people to face challenges with confidence. We value perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to think critically in difficult situations.
These values are woven into every class, workshop, project, and conversation
Participants in online programs so far
Hours of online teaching and facilitation
Workshops facilitated
passionate volunteers contributing
Our Objectives For the Benefit of Public
- To advance education for the public benefit, particularly among young people, women, refugees, and asylum seekers, and women — especially Kurdish and Persian speakers — through the development of critical thinking, philosophical inquiry, creative expression, literacy, and reflective dialogue.
- To build the capacity of individuals and communities, particularly those who are socially and economically disadvantaged, to participate fully in education, cultural engagement, and community life, by developing skills, awareness of mental health, confidence, and empowerment for collective action.
- To advance education for the public benefit, particularly among young people, women, refugees, and asylum seekers, and women — especially Kurdish and Persian speakers — through the development of critical thinking, philosophical inquiry, creative expression, literacy, and reflective dialogue.
- To build the capacity of individuals and communities, particularly those who are socially and economically disadvantaged, to participate fully in education, cultural engagement, and community life, by developing skills, awareness of mental health, confidence, and empowerment for collective action.
Committees
At Coempowered, we believe that change happens when people think, create, and grow together.
Our team brings together diverse skills and experiences to support our mission of empowering critical thinking, creative expression, and community building.
We are united by a commitment to dialogue, education, and social change — and by the belief that every voice matters.
Learning Committee
The Learning Committee leads the design and delivery of Coempowered’s educational programmes.
They are responsible for developing critical thinking, creative expression, literacy, philosophical enquiry, and critical-mind workshops, always rooted in dialogue and reflection.
Media and Communication Committee
The Media and Communication Committee ensures Coempowered’s voice is heard clearly and creatively.
They manage communications, storytelling, outreach, and digital presence, sharing our participants’ stories and promoting the values of critical consciousness, creativity, and community connection.
Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee works to secure the financial support needed to sustain and grow our programmes.
They build partnerships with donors, funders, and institutions who share our vision of education, empowerment, and social change.
Our Community
Coempowered is more than an organisation — it is a growing community of thinkers, creators, facilitators, and changemakers.
Participants stay connected through Community of Inquiry groups, collective projects, creative initiatives, and leadership opportunities. They present their ideas, publish their writings, lead dialogues, and build social platforms to reach others.
By staying together across programmes and projects, participants move from learning to leading — from questioning to creating new spaces for thought and change.
We are building a movement where thinking, creating, and growing are done together.
Our Approach
