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Warning: main(/home/a1620/public_html/learningnet-india.org/lni/includes/sidenav/sidenav.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/content/c/r/y/crystalcoding/html/learningnet-india.org/lni/data/publications/revive/vol1/v1-3a.php on line 35 Warning: main(/home/a1620/public_html/learningnet-india.org/lni/includes/sidenav/sidenav.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/content/c/r/y/crystalcoding/html/learningnet-india.org/lni/data/publications/revive/vol1/v1-3a.php on line 35 Warning: main(): Failed opening '/home/a1620/public_html/learningnet-india.org/lni/includes/sidenav/sidenav.html' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/content/c/r/y/crystalcoding/html/learningnet-india.org/lni/data/publications/revive/vol1/v1-3a.php on line 35	Revive Volume 1, 2003 Contents << Back | Next >> Vikasana Vikasana is a rural centre for education that provides free education to children of landless farmers from surrounding villages and caters to children of all ages. The children of migrated parents who cannot fit into other institutions also join the centre. Providing holistic and quality education, emphasis is laid on self-learning. Vikasana also takes services of resourceful people in the field of crafts, health and cultural activities. Vikasana was started under the inspiration of David Horsburgh's philosophy of learning. The teachers at Vikasana were deeply inspired by David's work. The basic philosophy is that anyone at any level could learn what one was interested in. There was no competition or comparison - a child could learn at his pace. Education means learning - it can be enjoyable. This opportunity should be given to children who have no access to system education, like village children. Thus emerged Vikasana, Vi-ka-sa-na is the correct pronunciation. It means blossoming, opening up, spreading. Vikasana wishes that Learning...Mind...Life should blossom, grow and spread. Some of the Aims and Objectives of Vikasana are: Free Education Giving holistic and quality education Emphasis on Self Learning Education for Peace Bringing an awareness of tree planting and maintaining ecological balance Help students to choose the career after their education Being a resources centre for non-formal education Working of the Centre The centre starts activities at 8:30 am. All the children are entrusted with duties like caring for the trees, cleaning the rooms, the surroundings, providing drinking water etc. Then the children assemble to attend singing. They sing songs in many languages such as Kannada, English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, French, German and Italian. Later they do Yoga specially designed for children. Academic classes and handicrafts finish at 5 pm. Lunch break is from 1 pm to 2 pm. Some children also stay back at the centre to do their homework. The centre provides accommodation and supper. Examinations The children who are interested in taking the government level exams at the 7th standard and S.S.L.C level are given the necessary help by way of coaching and enrolling them as private candidates in a government school. Those who do not wish to sit for such exams are encouraged to develop their talents. Help is also provided to them by other voluntary organizations such as Aurobindo Ashram, Akruti in Delhi and Mrichakatika in Bangalore. So far eight children have taken the S.S.L.C exam and are continuing their education at various levels. They also keep in contact with the centre for further guidance. Two girls are employed as designers in pottery units. One girl is currently teaching at the centre. Method of Working The children learn to read and write three languages. Other than subjects like Mathematics, Science and environmental studies, they learn handicrafts such as pottery, carpentry, sewing, origami, drawing, painting etc. Handicrafts are integrated into their daily life. Children make pots out of clay, paint murals on the walls of the school, make pots and build kilns. They also sew bags and dresses for themselves, build and repair buildings and make tables and shelves for their classrooms. They also grow flowers and vegetables. There is a library at the centre for children of all ages. The children are encouraged and motivated and not to compete and compare. The hope is that children will learn through games and activities along with the books and materials. The centre arranges field trips now and then to places of interest around Bangalore. Wednesdays are special days for the children. They do cultural activities, conduct experiments in science and write the centre's newspaper. Future Plans Impart knowledge in subjects such as primary health, first aid, and prevention of illness. The center, with the help of a doctor, plans to train women and children groups to carry on the work in their family and community. Teenage support group. This group consisting of the ex-students, will support other needy women in their community in the fields of literacy, child-care, to acquire skills to support themselves. The Mahila Samakhya will take up the training of members of this group. Help the handicapped in the community in forming a support group. A set up consisting of a library and rooms for the teacher trainees. This centre serves as a resource centre for non-formal education. Many individuals and NGOs have utilized the services of Vikasana. Leila Pawar who donated land has been a great supporter of Vikasana. After watching the activities of the centre over a period of years, the community welcomes them and is keen to join the centre. << Back | Next >>