Education
The IYSA educational system is recognized as a powerful approach to integrating children from marginalized backgrounds into the mainstream. It emphasizes the use of reason and compassion within the individual spiritual and ethical context of each student. Children are motivated to relish their childhood through play, diverse sports, and games. They are regarded not as 'stupid' or 'dull,' even in cases of illiteracy, but as buddhivanthas (intelligent beings) engaged in the journey of learning through exploration and practical application. This system, which is centered on strengths and competencies, significantly enhances a child's interest and capacity to acquire new knowledge and skills, while also enabling them to engage actively in their own educational experiences. This is particularly crucial for children who have been from high-risk situations, as they often require substantial support and guidance at the outset to help them navigate their challenges and cultivate a mindset conducive to pursuing formal education. The involvement of the child at every stage is integral to this educational framework, with decisions made collaboratively.
Strategies for Education that Empowers
- Encourage children to recognize that they are inherently buddhivanthas, and support them in the journey of realizing this potential through education, life skills development, and various activities designed to reveal their latent abilities.
- Develop educational settings that foster curiosity and engagement in learning for underprivileged rural children, particularly in disciplines like Mathematics and Science, thus empowering them to meet competitive academic benchmarks.
- It is essential to reintegrate children who have been removed from the education system due to their life circumstances into mainstream schooling or non-formal education, providing them with the necessary support to reach their educational goals.
- Additionally, it is important to advocate for the education and retention of marginalized girls, particularly through initiatives such as sponsorships, ongoing support, hostel accommodations, and the provision of necessary infrastructure within schools.
- Create and support child rights clubs and student ambassadors, to safeguard and advocate for child rights inside and outside the school.
- Create a strong support network for children through capacitating teachers, School Development and Monitoring Committees(SDMCs), other government stakeholders, and parents through regular meetings, family visits etc.