Khelaghar's pedagogy emphasizes empowerment and self-expression

A Pedagogy of Empowerment

A child's self-esteem and sense of empowerment, we believe, comes not only from education and the acquisition of skills, but also her awareness of her own abilities and a connection to a larger community. Accordingly, our pedagogy combines curricular education with various types of vocational training, training in ecological and service to the local community.

Khelaghar's school runs from nursery to Grade 8. part from teaching the usual subjects, we try to enable our children to identify their artistic talents. We encourage them to regard creative self-expression as a part of everyday existence, rather than as acts of performance. Empowerment and self-expression is also fostered through activities such as debating, hands-on science, drama etc. Physical training is also an integral part our curriculum. Khelaghar also provides financial support for children who graduate from our school and wish to continue their education.

Ecological farming : We have approximately 20 acres of cultivable land where the children are taught the basic principles and practices of sustainable farming. But we can not farm on a large scale due to scarcity of water in the region.

Handicrafts training-cum-production center: We provide training to members of the local community and to our residents in different kinds of handicraft. We are trying to revive the local tradition of quilt making (known as kantha). As in many other cultures, this is an integral part of our social fabric. The work done by our students is highly appreciated in various circles. We organise exhibitions of our work in different locations.

Service to the local community: We try to serve the local community as much as possible. We organize medical camps from time to time for our children and members of the local community. We also provide financial aid to the local community, by providing morning meals to children, financial aid for the disabled, and aid towards major medical expenses.