A couple who leaned towards alternative education started a
Journey with ‘Sarang’ alternative school initiative. As government school
teachers, they were themselves disillusioned with the limitations of formal
education. And what next, They quit the job to fulfill Sarang dream.
Where is my food?- All vegetables, fruits, and grains that were needed for Sarang was grown right there on the land using natural farming methods.
They
dreamt of a school environment that is close to reality- open, democratic and with
fluid boundaries.
 |
What if I say, this is your classroom... |
The
kids at Sarang introduced to each other not as classmates, but as brothers and
sisters.
What
do they learn with?- A barren land.
How
big is the classroom/learning Lab?- Its onnnnlllyyy, 12 Acres.
Where
it is located?- Attappady, near Palakkad, Kerala, India.
At this alternative learning area, ‘There
were very few trees, and the only water source had dried out completely. But
this would be a perfect place for the children to learn about life and survival’.
Where is my food?- All vegetables, fruits, and grains that were needed for Sarang was grown right there on the land using natural farming methods.
What
will happen to my core educational subjects?- They learned their physics,
biology, geography, mathematics, chemistry and environmental science by seeing,
feeling and doing. They also learned language, art, and culture and expressed
themselves through a medium that they chose and loved the most.
Now
comes the emotional part……………..
The
Sarang dream was rocked as it became financially demanding for the couple to
run school. Internal issues with the staff also crept in. Within just two
years of functioning, the family found themselves deep in debt, and they were
forced to shut down the school.
No
worries………. There is always hope….
The
first student, the child of the couple is now a matured man, Gautham, who is
36-years-old today has restarted the Sarang Journey. They have a unique program called Rural immersion program.
If
you wish to visit Sarang Hills, please write to Gautham at
saranghills@gmail.com and check for a mutually convenient time before going.
Meanwhile
you can also Visit www.saranghills.in
Note: Credence Learning Foundation
has no connection with Sarang. We also strongly lean towards alternative
educational thought. We just wanted to spread the word.