Charity can be a double-edged sword. While no-one can deny the great need for charity across a wide range of issues and countries, the long term effects of relying on charity can be counter-productive.

Educational charities are one way to deliver long term and sustainable change for the better. Education is after all the greatest calling one can receive.

Every year we get hundreds of requests to support various events both in schools, locally and to the far-flung reaches of the world.

It is very difficult to decide what to support and how best to back ideas. Here are three we currently support:

Education Media Centre

The EMC sets out to inform the media of best evidence when an education related story breaks. The aim is to stop sensationalist coverage of topics based on opinion leaders rather than evidence. So much of education is counterintuitive, yet we are constantly surrounded by haranguings from amateur commentators, who think just because they went to school they have an informed opinion. EMC challenges lazy thinking.

Whole Education Network

The Whole Education Network brings together pathfinder schools to explore the cutting edge of developments in learning. Their member schools have been on extraordinary journeys and many lead the world in innovation in education. They set out to share practice amongst one another and others who wish to partake.

The Festival of Education

The Festival of Education is now in its third year. It seeks a new approach to professional development. It uses the spirit of a festival to bring together parents, students and educators from all over the country. A special feature in the centre brings attention to the Osiris lead sponsor activities at this year’s event — we hope to see you there.

Your causes are just as worthy. Right now we are pleased to bring these to your attention. SR