Why is it important for us to create a safe space in which to learn and create? In this episode of Fueling Creativity, Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood speak with Mohammad Issa, Founder and Director of Creativity Lab for Empowerment and Innovation. Creativity Lab is a Palestinian company that helps the next generation of innovators and change-makers use their creativity to respond to social issues and contribute effectively to build a fairer, more caring, and equal society.

“If we are talking about creativity, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship as pillars in order to build good citizens who could contribute effectively to the development of our globe and face the challenges that all of us face, we need to think about a safe space. This is the first rule for creativity.”                                                                              - Mohammad Issa

Tune in to hear Mohammad speak on the importance of adapting the general theories of creativity to work in his specific environment. In particular, Mohammad talked about the need to establish safe spaces in which to foster learning and creativity. He shares his candid thoughts on how improvement science is being used in education, the challenges he and other educators are facing right now, and how creativity contributes to mental health and psychosocial well-being, especially for Palestinians. Mohammad also shares powerful insights into how he builds creative confidence in both youth and in fellow teachers as well as his hopes for the future.

“For the majority of the Palestinians, creativity is a way to respond to oppression, violence, and marginalization.”         

- Mohammad Issa

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to the episode with Vlad Glaveanu

Listen to the episodes with Ron Beghetto

Eager to bring more creativity into your home or classroom? 

Access various creativity resources and tools & listen to more episodes of The Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast by visiting www.CreativityandEducation.com.

What to learn more about Design Thinking in Education? 

Do you want to build a sustained culture of innovation and creativity at your school?  Visit WorwoodClassroom.com to learn how Design Thinking can promote teacher creativity and support professional growth in the classroom. 

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About Mohammad Issa:

Mohammad Issa has been working as a community development specialist since 1997. He has a Master's Degree in international cooperation and development from Bethlehem University. Mohammad used to work for different local and international organizations. He has trained, coached, and mentored thousands of youth and children. He has represented his country in different international platforms. Over the last four years, Mr. Issa has facilitated virtual and physical workshops as a part of Creativity Lab's program and projects. These projects promote education for social innovation. These projects allow Palestinians to use their creativity to respond to social issues and contribute effectively to building a fairer, more caring, and equal society. Recently, Mr. Issa was appointed as a representative for the MENA Region in the Steering Committee of Action 4 SDGs.

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