AFEP Program Overview | Class Information
These are Programs of Discovery & Empowerment
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A Program with Purpose
AFEP is a personalized, self-paced program where each participant progresses along their own unique path, guided by their strengths, interests, and values. It emphasizes both individual growth and collaborative learning, helping participants build responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills.
The program engages families as partners in development, promotes a focused, healthy, and distraction-free environment, and includes expert-led workshops on real-world issues such as safety, mental well-being, and technology use.
Ultimately, participants design and launch a community project or social enterprise, graduating with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to create meaningful impact.
Who We Serve
AFEP is designed for children, youth, women, and the 70+, recognizing that learning and leadership flourish at every stage of life. The program cohort is small to ensure we work one-on-one with participants.
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Enrolment in the Program
The AFEP values the concept of best fit to ensure participants have maximum benefit from the program. A prospective participant will have a pre-assessment prior to enrolment to ensure best fit.
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Attendance
Participation in the program requires regular attendance to ensure sustained progression. Please see the policy regarding missed classes.
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Program
The program is based on five ancient philosophical foundations - Stoic, Socratic, Ackermann, Froebelian and the Samurai. The projects through which the program is delivered are based on activities stemming from a rich repository of Japanese culture. In addition to the projects that participants will complete, the program offers workshops on critical topics facilitated by community stakeholders.
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Program Objectives​
The focus is on building authentic, confident, and resilient individuals with strong critical thinking, ethical values, and effective decision-making skills. It emphasizes setting boundaries, self-preservation, and responding proactively and strategically to challenges, including bullying. Emotional awareness, confidence, and impact-driven action are strengthened alongside a commitment to service, community, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and responsible financial management—developing purpose-driven individuals who act with integrity and resilience.
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Projects
The hands-on projects are rich, diverse, unique and tailored to be individualistic. Some projects will require collaboration.
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Program Duration
The AFEP is longitudinal. Literature indicates that habit formation is a process and is a blend between time and repetition.
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Program Impact/Evaluation
The Michi Compass tool will be used to measure progress.
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Measured Program Outcomes
Outcomes unique to each participant and are not comparable. The Michi Compass measures progress of individual learning and transformation.​​
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1. Meiyo: Honour and responsibility
2. Chugi: Balanced judgement
3. Fudoshin: Unshakable resilience
4. Gi: Righteous restraint
5. Jin: Benevolence
6. Kenson: Intellectual humility
7. Shinrai: Trustworthiness​
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Cell-Free Zone
The program will not permit the use of cell phones for the duration of the program. Please refer the policy page. ​
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Our topics are like no other! The program focuses not only on building strong Participants but also noble human beings who will have the mindset
and skills to advance
their communities.
Admission
Please contact the Program for enrolment form and necessary payment.
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Project Material
Most material required for projects will be provided.
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Annual Community Day
The program’s annual Community Day provides a public platform for participants to present their projects and achievements. This event is open to the wider community and highlights the impact of their work.
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AFEP Commitment
AFEP is committed to providing participants with an enriching and supportive experience that fosters meaningful learning, personal development, and steady progress. Rooted in a strong community mindset, the program encourages participants to grow together—sharing ideas, supporting one another, and building a sense of collective responsibility. Through this collaborative environment, individuals are empowered not only to develop their own strengths and goals, but also to contribute positively to the success and well-being of the group as a whole.
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Program Meeting Times
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Sundays
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Samurai Children & Youth: 10-11:30 am
Ikigai Women's Circle: 1-2:30 PM
Sofubo 70+ program: 3-4:40 pm
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Location​​​
Memorial University
St John's, NL
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