“Just information is not education. It is culturing our behavior and attitude. It is our ability to perceive things better. Perception, Observation and  Expression  - the three aspects of education have to be improved.”

-- H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

All-Round Education for Underprivileged Children

The Art of Living Foundation aims at providing free education to rural and underprivileged populations. Since its inception, the Care for Children project has been providing excellent service in the field of education for children. The schools under this project impart value-based education in a stress-free and child friendly environment. In these schools, which combine ancient wisdom and modern technology, children get the opportunity to both broaden their vision and deepen their roots, and thus develop in all facets of life. This program has been fully implemented in India, and is now in the planning stage for countries in South America and Africa.

A Different Approach...

In the Care for Children schools  emphasis is  placed on a  value-based holistic  education which enables the complete development of a  child's fullest potential. This is done through  the  creation of  an environment that fosters learning.

Innovative Learning Methods:

The learning methods encourage laughter, friendliness and belonging among children. Academic studies are presented as an enjoyable challenge and not an overly serious undertaking. Students are encouraged to make new friends and foster a feeling of closeness and togetherness. Respect for and trust in the teachers are also instilled in the children.

Broad-based Curriculum:   

In addition to the basic academic curriculum of science, math, reading, language and  arts, a program of self  learning that develops  life-skills  and  nurtures  leadership  is  taught  as  a  core component. Special attention is given to human values, health and hygiene. The children also learn yoga and  meditation, which help them to handle their mind and emotions. Special attention is given to maintaining the local culture and heritage by cultivating interest in indigenous language, music, arts, and sports. Vocational and art classes provide older students with the practical and creative skills required to make a living and to help make their personal lives fuller.

Committed Teachers:

In addition to being well-qualified in academic areas, the teachers are also specially trained human values educators. They have all undertaken the Art of Living programs and share a deep commitment to caring, sharing and service

Tribal Schools:

• Program launched in April 1999

• Designed to support the native indigenous (tribal) population and to help achieve equal opportunity for all

• Primary education provided to first  generation school boys and girls

• Basic education, health and hygiene and human values taught

• Yoga, sports, music and dance integrated into the routine to keep the children rooted in their native culture

• Specially trained teachers recruited from the villages to teach

• 30 schools built in rural and tribal areas with high illiteracy levels

• 1,492 children currently being educated through the foundation's tribal schools

Rural Schools:

• Established in 1997 to serve the educational needs of the rural population outside the major cities

• Formal primary and secondary education based on the standard state education board requirements

• Curriculum enhanced by the inclusion of music, arts, sports and languages

• Vocational training (Rural Development Training Programs) available after completion of education

• Job-oriented courses, computer operations and on-the-job training in the Sri Sri Ayurveda Clinic and factory open to the graduates

• Over 1,000 children graduated since 1997; 951 students currently enrolled

• Schools have 100% pass rate in state education board examinations

Slum Schools:

• Introduced to provide value-based education for the children from urban low-income slum areas

• Creative and skill-based activities used as the methodology for learning

• Regular orientation workshops held for parents to ensure that they understand their children's learning needs and develop a supportive attitude

• Regular consultations held with the parents to obtain information on each child's interests, capabilities and personality, in order to provide the basis for a need-based, child centered method of teaching

• 5 slum schools with a total number of 440 students established