Some Commendable Initiatives in Alternative Education in India
It gives me immense hope and joy to see attempts to create a new order in education and schooling. I've been extensively travelling across India to visit some of the most radical Alternative schools and initiatives which are really redefining education. While at one hand, i do see the limitation of "Alternative schools" per se but some of these initiatives are worth mentioning here. So, in this page I'll try to keep adding various institutions I come across. This might help both these alternative schools and others related to alternative education in India.
1.) Pathashaala, Krishnamurti Foundation India - Vallipuram Near Chennai
Year Founded : 2009
Website : http://pathashaala.tcec-kfi.org/
Affiliations / Methodology : Krishnamurti Foundation India, Vision of J.Krisnamurti and idea of learning community.
In few lines : Pathashaala is certainly one of most radical schools of India. It strives to broaden the meaning of schooling, minimizing the negative impacts of schooling on kids. With environment friendly living (dry toilet, solar powered hostels, wind powered kitchen, organic farming, rural setup) and advance teaching methods (self study modules, both teacher and students as "learners", active teaching methodologies) - it does hold a potential to become a school of 21st century !
My concerns : Growing number of students and maintaining the vision, skewed gender ratio, lack of motivated educators to take the vision forward, started strong but might slowly give into the system, danger of not evolving with times and being too attached to the K's philosophy.
2.) Shikshantar and Swaraj University, Udaipur
Website : www.swaraj.org/shikshantar/ and http://www.swaraj.org/shikshantar/
Affiliations / Inspirations : Inspired by Vision of Swaraj by Mahatma Gandhi, Deschooling society, Sustainable living, Community driven.
In few lines : Shikshantar, I think is the most radical movement in India. They are ahead of times. They are very sound in their philosophy and processes. Being part of an international network, they hold the seeds of future of alternative ways of education and living. Their initiative - Swaraj University, is perhaps the boldest educational initiative in India- where they follow nothing of traditional university system and really empower individuals awakening in them a true spirit of entrepreneurship and sustainable living.
My Concerns : Lack of funding and human resource to expand the vision, being too idealistic, lack of planning and clarity on how to move ahead and grow the movement stronger.
3.) Arivu School , Mysore
Website : http://arivu.in/ , New Website : arivu.org
Affiliation/Inspiration : State board Kannada Medium, Environmental education, Child friendly unstructured methods. Does not follow any particular school of thought, started by a group of enthusiasts from various fields like Medicine, Education, Farming etc.
In few lines : Arivu is a place that believes in being a small child friendly school with focus on environment and local language and traditions. They do not follow Montessori, Gandhi or Krishnamurti but you can see a blend of many such ideas in implementation. The key strength is the sheer exposure that kids receive at the school through trips, visit of guest faculty from wide spectrum.
My concerns : How will Good will and right intentions fare against educational vision and pedagogy ? While a lot of people are involved in the project part time, will not having a strong full time faculty and staff affect things ?
4.) SIDH, Mussurie
Website : www.sidhsri.info/
Affiliation/Inspiration : Mahatma Gandhi, Dharampal, Jivan Vidhya, Montessori, Reviving Local communities and ancient traditions.
In few lines : Sidh (Society for Integrated Development of Himalayas) is one of the most radical movements in India on Education, Modernity, Westernization and various related social issues. A very passionate, well read, inspired and focused team works in various aspects ranging from politics to spirituality.
My Concerns : Maintaining and increasing the momentum of the movement as things and people change, coping with changing reality and adapting to change.
5.) Anand Niketan Democratic School, Bhopal
Website : anbhopal.weebly.com/
Affiliation/ Inspiration : A.S. Niel (Summerhill Model), Eric Fromm, Free schooling, Democratic schooling, Montessori, Dr. Arving Gupta toys, Eklavya
In few lines : In short it is poised to be the Summerhill of India, a really brave and bold attempt to provide a very radical alternative in a state of MP where there exist no other alternative school. The school is totally democratic meaning- children decide when to study, what to study and how to study while teachers act only as facilitators and motivators. Totally inclusive model, it has kids from the lowest to highest strata of society.
My concerns : The same challenges that Summerhill faced, freedom is not easily accepted by parents, society and the state. Looking at the inclusive model - sustainability, finances and finding enough motivated educators.
6.) Adharshila Learning Centre, MP
Adharshila learning centre is an alternative school located in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh. In their own words - "Is it a place for learning, a children's space, an experiment in education, a stepping stone, an anti school? We are trying to figure out and still discovering after over a decade.....it is not just about teaching techniques but has also done a lot of work in redefining content in the adivasi context."
As I am yet to visit the school, I am not in position to comment on other areas. I intend to visit the school soon, will update this section then.
Website : http://adharshilalearningcentre.blogspot.in/ and http://adharshilask.tripod.com/adharshila.html
7.) Kala Ashram, Adilabad
Kala Ashram in Adilabad is an attempt to save the local and traditional culture and revive them by Ravindra Sharma also known as Guruji. I've heard great things about it from my friends who have visited it. I am planning to visit it soon and also put some speeches by Guruji online soon.
Website : They do not have a personal website so far. Please google and you might come across some interesting blogs and a website (Nirmalcity).
8.) Marundam Farm School
Coming Soon : (Shall add few more with time)
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