Before MIR Akademien came into being, I would be all over the place with social innovation, leading life-long learning projects such as Erasmus+, Horizon, Just and ESF.
I never actually planned to start my own thing. But, funny enough, it just happened overnight.
Back in 2018 I was running the study circle “Human Rights for newly arrived migrants” for a group of women. I always thought of myself as a human rights advocate, totally open-minded. I've been doing research, training and development of innovation in the area of social inclusion for years.
One day I was running the study circle. Together with participants we were talking about rights in Sweden and I was pouring my heart out, trying to “share my wisdom.” However, the connection between them and me never happened.
During the break, my friend, who was running that NGO and invited me to host a circle, took me aside and gave me a reality check. She was super diplomatic about it but basically said, “Jenny, get off your high horse and start talking to them, not at them. They’ve got plenty to share too.” It turned out I did not understand the needs of my audience, and totally underestimated their knowledge on human rights. They knew more than I understood. We rearranged the chairs into a circle, and I started asking questions instead of lecturing. It turned into the best discussion we would ever have. They had so much to say, and I learned tons. We ended up staying a couple of extra hours, but I went home feeling pumped instead of drained.
The same evening I got home, I registered my company, MIR Akademien. I just knew I had to create a space like that circle—where learning is a two-way street, and people listen to understand.
I have a personal interest in African philosophy, yoga, Buddhism, so I once learnt about Ubuntu circle from my professional environment. And I educated myself about it.
I did not have a business plan but a passion to create an oasis where we could all keep learning and growing together. At the same time those who do not share this approach will themselves search for something else and it is also fine.
I used to work in many organizations where I needed to adopt my leadership style to fit in. I wanted to try to be totally myself and see how it goes.
At the heart of MIR Akademien lies a profound understanding that diversity is the lived experiences of people.
Inclusion
MIR:s Timeline
2018
Free of charge study circles about human rights for newly arrived migrants
2018-2020
3 mobility projects for members of circles to provide them with an opportunity for internships and study visits abroad
2020
MIR Akademien became a partner of the big EU project for the first time (project DIME)
2021 - 2022
Started offering services in DEI consultancy and training
2022
Established e-learning platform Spotlight
2023 - Current
Leading numerous European initiatives to foster social innovation, alongside providing expert consultancy and training in Project Management, Inclusive leadership and Cohesive Teams.
I believe that by embracing differences, we forge stronger teams, make better decisions and create spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
ETHOS
UBUNTU circle
The concept of Ubuntu originates from the Nguni Bantu. The term is often translated as 'I am because we are', or 'humanity towards others.'
It encapsulates a philosophy from Southern African regions, emphasizing community, sharing, and interdependence. This philosophy forms the foundation of the way communities are structured and how individuals interact within them. It holds a significant place in many African societies where the well-being of the community is considered integral to individual well-being.
The Ubuntu circle symbolizes unity, diversity and inclusion. It suggests that the community is ever-lasting and complete only when everyone is included and valued.
It resonates with the core belief where we as individuals are deeply interconnected, and that our success and well-being are tied to the success and well-being of others around us.
'I do believe in personal achievements and growth. But it shall be done in an environment where every member feels genuinely valued and integral to the team', says MIR Akademien's founder, Yevgeniya Averhed.
This is a culture where collaboration is not just encouraged; it's the bedrock of how we shall operate.
'I want our leadership style at MIR Akademien to echo this sentiment, led by empathy and inclusion, prioritizing emotional intelligence', says Yevgeniya.
The opposite of it is a hierarchical culture where the “survival of the fittest” is a value. Ubuntu culture is naturally keeping those team members who follow the same values.
Ubuntu is chosen as a ground to stand on, deeply influencing the vision of MIR Akademien culture and shaping its mission committed to the development of social innovation and training.
Ubuntu promotes inclusive leadership that values collective success and fosters a trusting, open communication environment. By integrating Ubuntu, MIR Akademien enhances team collaboration and ensures all employees feel valued, seen and heard, contributing significantly to the organization’s goals.
MIR Akademien applies Ubuntu in its external mission through training and development of social innovation, aiming to build communities where each person’s worth is upheld.
Our projects and initiatives are designed with the individual in the community at heart. We strive to create solutions that are not only effective in addressing immediate challenges but also empowering people to thrive.
This approach to social innovation is crucial as it ensures that the solutions we develop are both inclusive and beneficial to all community members.
Our training programs are an extension of this belief, aimed at empowering individuals not just to improve their own lives but also to become catalysts for widespread community growth and well-being.
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