Newsletter 3/2020
Our creative Homeschooling
When I was in Germany because of my Mother's death, our Headmaster Raja Sekhar wrote to me about creative 'home schooling' activities. The teachers and parents wanted to enable meaningful activities for our children. In November I was finally able to see the homeschooling on site, and I am thrilled!
Headmaster Raja Sekhar: "The government advised staying home and watching educational TV. Almost all schools are closed; the children have no occupation. This situation is unfortunate for them and their parents. The children get lazy; and when they go back to school at some point, they will have forgotten everything. "
Our headmaster does not expect the schools for grades 1 to 7 to reopen within this Academic year. Grades 8 to 10, which are already running - at other schools - are only attended by 50% of the students. Some Indian states want to reopen their schools, while others don't. Therefore homeschooling is a real alternative ...
Raja Sekhar in Interview
Raja Sekhar: "Some parents have neither TV nor cell phones; and we thought about how to deal with this situation. In July we distributed the books for the new school year. In August we started going to the children's homes once a week. Back then only a few came, but slowly there were more. Homeschooling has been taking place four days a week since November; meanwhile all of our school children are coming. While other children are bored at home, our parents and teachers go about a lot of activities. They are very active and do a very good job. We in the teaching staff always ask ourselves what we can do for the children."
Book distribution in the school
Homeschooling takes place Monday to Thursday from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at nine locations in Mudigubba. On Fridays, the teachers meet in the school to evaluate and plan. Raja Sekhar: "Each teacher teaches an age-mixed group of 15 children, from Kinder Garden to 7th grade. Basics such as reading, writing, speaking and various disciplines like Yoga are taught. We feel very satisfied because we offer lessons. Our school children are busy, do not think about Corona and enjoy the activities.
Time Table for Home Schooling
In India, not a single child died of Corona; Children have better immune systems than adults. Till today none of our children have become ill, and the teachers are also healthy. We are therefore continuing with homeschooling, and gradually we will also start with project weeks. It's a very lucky option for both parents and teachers."
Our homeschooling is reminiscent of the classic Gurukula or Gurukulam. This pre-form of the ashram was a common educational system in India for thousands of years. Guru (teacher) and children lived together like a family and sat under a large tree during lessons. The Englishmen later introduced their authoritarian upbringing, which has strongly influenced today's Indian system. The New Education Policy aims to give schools more creativity and freedom.
Gurukulam? on our school area
We practice child-centered, creative, project- and everyday-related pedagogy; our staff is very familiar with a playful approach. Their colleagues at private and government schools often miss this; therefore homeschooling is currently only offered by us. Student-centered learning with fun and enjoyment is (still) largely unknown in India. Teachers from other schools are interested; some even asked for participation of their students in our activities... Our credo of putting creativity first is confirmed; Children, parents and teachers are satisfied and enthusiastic.
Homeschooling activities in the village
In this critical time of global depression, our teachers bring light and hope to a darkened world with the torch of encouragement. Courage, hope and confidence as well as positive vibrations spread. Our students receive optimal support; and they can come together and 'be a child' at this difficult time. Homeschooling suits children of all ages. School beginners can be given a 'soft' and flexible transition. Maybe we will include it in our regular offer when school starts again.
In the hope that I have brought you some light, I wish you
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
With kind regards,
Helga Shanti Fruendt
www.natureconceptschool.org
www.natureconceptschool.org/donate.html
www.facebook.com/natureconceptschool/
FCRA Account changes to State Bank of India in 2021!
Our FCRA Account will be changed from Andhra Bank to SBI (State Bank of India).
The present FCRA Account at Andhra Bank will be closed on March 31st 2021 (end of the Financial Year).
This is the last opportunity to donate to the present FCRA Account!
FCRA account
Shanti Ananda Education Society
Andhra BankMudigubba Branch
Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Account No: 185410100007532
IFSC: ANDB0001854
General Account
Shanti Ananda Education Society
Andhra Bank, Mudigubba Branch
Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India
185410100193769
IFSC: ANDB0001854