“Mountains and Starry Skies,” brings together the memories, impressions, and eye-opening experiences from my time at the International Parents Alliance (IPA) Parent Summit. It’s not just a recap; it’s a personal journey from the heart exploring all that IPA training and the IPA community stand for, with fresh eyes.

This year, I had the privilege of attending the International Parents Alliance (IPA) Parent Summit for the first time, and let me tell you, it was an experience I won’t soon forget. Hosted in Busheti, Georgia, against the backdrop of the towering Caucasus mountains, the Parent Summit was a mix of learning, laughter, deep conversations, and moments of pure inspiration.

A Warm Welcome and Connections That Run Deep in IPA Training

The journey began with an overwhelming sense of warmth and connection as we arrived at the Amonashvili Estate. The Georgian hospitality was incredible—from the thick, hearty bread shared at dinner to the smiles and welcoming words from the locals and Summit attendees alike. As someone relatively new to IPA training, I was a bit nervous initially, but the shared passion for children’s well-being and education was immediately clear, and it brought us all together like a family.

Walking through Tbilisi with other attendees, sharing moments over coffee, or just admiring the stunning Georgian scenery, I realised that this Summit wasn’t only about professional growth. It was also about forming genuine connections with parents and professional educators who believe in creating supportive, inclusive spaces for our kids to thrive. By the time we got down to the first IPA training workshops, I already felt like I was among friends.

Hands-On Learning in IPA Training: From Theory to Real-Life Solutions

One of the most powerful parts of the Summit was the hands-on IPA training workshops. They weren’t just presentations; these sessions were intense, interactive, and very practical. We tackled some of the most pressing issues facing parents and professional educators today, and every participant had the chance to bring their own experiences to the table. Topics like trauma-informed approaches, inclusion, and digital resilience weren’t just talked about in abstract terms; we got real-life tools and solutions to take home with us.

The IPA training sessions were packed with ideas that I could immediately see applying in real life. They left a big impression on me. Led by experts and informed by research, it gave me an entirely new perspective on how parents and professional educators can support children, making sure that every child, no matter their background or learning style, feels included and understood. I left with a notebook full of practical tips, insights, and strategies, but more importantly, I left with a renewed sense of purpose.

Building Bridges Between Parents and Professional Educators with IPA Training

A key takeaway from the Summit was just how important it is for parents and professional educators to work together. There was a beautiful session on parental engagement and advocacy where we explored the challenges and opportunities for building stronger bridges between families and schools. One thing that stood out to me was the sheer importance of understanding and supporting each other’s roles. We talked about how parental involvement can make a difference in a child’s learning experience and, on the flip side, how schools can better welcome parents into the educational journey.

Continuing the Journey with IPA Training

As the Summit wrapped up, I knew this was only the beginning of my journey with IPA training. We offer an incredible selection of training programmes for both parents and professional educators, covering everything from trauma-informed teaching to digital resilience. These programmes take what we touched on at the Summit and go even deeper, offering a way for us to keep learning, growing, and making an impact.

For anyone inspired by the Summit or looking to make a difference, IPA training is the next step, bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications with hands-on, practical courses.

If you’re passionate about supporting kids, advocating for parental engagement, combating cyberbullying, or creating a healthier, more inclusive environment, check out the IPA training page and see how you can keep building your skills.