Many Waldorf institutions have been founded since 1989 in Middle and eastern Europe and Asia. Following an initial phase of euphoria, most institutions now find themselves in a phase of struggling with inner quality development and official recognition. This developmental process has been successful in some schools and kindergartens with the support of Western partner institutions. However, not all new initiatives managed to find supportive partners and the IAO is frequently called upon to help.

Partnerships between Waldorf schools build essentially on the initiative of individuals. Through travelling, advisory work, training courses, collegial solidarity, friendships and even family connections such links are forged. Such partnerships can take years to establish.

Partnerships between Waldorf schools usually operate at various levels, though mostly at the individual level. Collegial exchange on matters such curriculum development, lesson planning, teachers meetings, work with parents, questions of self-administration takes place. On top of this there is often support to be given for the purchase and renovation of buildings, creation of special teaching spaces . this leads to mutual visits and the meeting of teachers, parents and pupils.

Such partnerships also have an effect on the Western schools. The perception of other, often more difficult, conditions and problems adds a new dimension to social processes. Such solidarity and interest in others has a fundamentally positive pedagogical effect. Understanding between peoples is built on personal contact and leads to the formations of a meaningful civil society.

 Help, material and suggestions to support school partnerships can be requested from the IAO Manager/ Administration in Stuttgart.