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Keywords
Alternative School, Eco-science
Geographical Location
Mysore, Karnataka
Languages
Kannada, English
Objective/Mission/Goals
"Kaliyuva Mane" (Kannada word for 'Home for learning') is an alternative school started by Divya Deepa Charitable Trust in June 2005 initially with 14 children. It is located in Kenchalagudu village of Mysore Taluk, Karnataka. Presently 37 children are beneficiaries of this free school, out of which, 15 are inmates. Some of the children are from broken families and some are school dropouts. All of them belong to socially and economically backward segment of the society. Divyadeepa wants to admit Orthopedically disabled children also.
Inspired by the ideals of Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda, Divyadeepa initiated its activities in a small village in 1992 on the outskirts of Mysore city. It started conducting supplementary classes for the benefit of village school going children as well as a few school dropouts. The response from the children was very encouraging. Divya Deepa became a registered charitable Trust in 1999.
Work Description
Kaliyuva Mane is founded on Divyadeepa's findings that each child wants to learn things in which it is interested, in its own way, at its own pace and the child's personality blossoms in a unique way. Unfortunately in regular schools all children have to compulsorily learn certain things, in a certain way, in a certain time frame and have to pass the examination in first attempt. If not, the particular child is labeled as unintelligent! Divyadeepa firmly believes that all schools must work on the principle of "School for children" instead of "Children for school".
Divyadeepa believes that a fine emotional health enhances the receptivity of the child and is directly proportional to child's learning ability. Here teacher or volunteer studies the background, likes and dislikes of the child, builds an emotional rapport with the child, instills interest through games, computer, songs, stories, drama etc. Major portion of formal lessons are through activities, experiments and interactions. Here each child gets a lot of emotional support which helps the child to express its views frankly and confide its problems.
Curriculum is flexible based on flair and ability of the child. Child is allowed to discover, explore and expand its knowledge through a variety of learning experiences. Core subjects taught will include mother tongue Kannada, English, Mathematics. Science is being taught through experiments. Divyadeepa intends to make its children eco-sensitive. Already eco-sanitation, rain water harvesting, bio gas plant and organic farming practices are in vogue. Creative education is an integral part of the curriculum. Children often play with sand, climb trees, paint on hand made paper, sing songs. Inmates of Kaliyuva Mane have learnt cooking, milking of cows. They grow organic vegetables.
To continuously monitor the child's progress oral/written tests are conducted at regular intervals. (not to label the child 'passed' or 'failed') Candidates who are 16 years old will appear for S.S.L.C. examination conducted by Karnataka State Board.
Divyadeepa depends on voluntary contributions. It seeks the support of volunteers.
Contact Information
Contact persons: Ananth Kumar and Padma Ananth
Kenchalagudu village, Near Salhundi, Jayapura hobli
Rayanakere post
Mysore, Karnataka 570008
E mail: divyadeepa [dot] trust [at] gmail [dot] com
Website Links
Divya Deepa
Presentation at July 2007 Conference
Minutes of the Presentation at July 2007 Conference