Spreading Wisdom: 16 Guidelines Activities in Italy and Nepal 2024

We’re happy to share below a report from Facilitator Maria Luisa Constantino, highlighting an inspiring range of 16 guidelines activities in Italy and Nepal throughout 2024 and 2025. The report outlines creative educational initiatives, including the development of new resources, school workshops, and expansion into university settings, all rooted in the values of the 16 Guidelines.

Educational Resources and Workshops

The year 2024 was particularly fruitful for activities inspired by the 16 Guidelines. We received funding from the Italian Buddhist Union for the publication of a book on the 16 Guidelines for children and young people and for workshops in classrooms of various types and levels. In addition, training for teachers and a conference to present the book entitled “Ready to be Happy” were planned.

The book “Ready to be Happy” was inspired by Ready Set Happy and Paramos Lindos, and revised and expanded based on more than 10 years of experience in education using the 16 Guidelines methodology. Many of our educators have completed the 16 Guidelines Level 1 course, with some going on to complete Level 2. An illustrated deck of cards was also produced to accompany the book. These cards are used both in schools and adult training courses.

There were about 25 workshops funded by the UBI project, brought to schools for children and young people aged 6 to 18, with sessions adapted to the age and context of each school. Each workshop consisted of four meetings of about two hours each.

Expanding to High Schools and Universities

With PNRR funding, we offered introductory courses in high schools for students aged 18 and 19, supporting their preparation for university. We worked with about 20 classes during the 2024/2025 school year, reaching around 400 students.

The 16 Guidelines have also been offered for the past three years at the University of Verona through an 8-hour workshop. In both 2024 and 2025, around 60 students participated each year. A university student is currently writing her thesis on the 16 Guidelines in early childhood, with supervision provided.

Facilitator Training and International Outreach

In spring 2025, Sabrina De Chirico and I delivered the first 16G Level 2 course in Italy, along with two Level 1 courses – one held as a residential retreat in a mountain refuge and the other as a two-day non-residential training.

Later in the summer, I brought the Ready to Be Happy cards to North Nepal during a visit to local schools on behalf of the University of Verona. It was a meaningful experience, allowing me to collect a wide range of definitions of the Guidelines from children and young people and to observe how their understanding shifts across cultural contexts.

Inspiring Change Through Values-Based Education

This report reflects the deep and growing impact of the 16 Guidelines across age groups, educational settings and cultures. From illustrated books and creative classroom workshops in Italy, to university engagement and cross-cultural exploration in Nepal, these activities demonstrate the continued relevance and adaptability of the 16G approach. We’re grateful for the support of the Italian Buddhist Union, PNRR funding, and the dedication of facilitators and educators who help bring these values to life for the next generation.

Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW)

At FDCW, we are committed to a more compassionate, wiser world. We provide resources, courses and training to develop qualities such as kindness, patience and honesty – qualities that are essential for meeting the challenges of the world we all share.

The Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW) was established as a global charity based in London in 2005. Since then, we have provided secular training, programmes and resources across many sectors of society – schools, universities, hospices, workplaces, healthcare, youth groups and community centres. Our courses have reached thousands of people across the world through our dedicated and growing network of facilitators in more than 20 countries.

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