Home without walls
MALEEHA RAGHAVIAH
|
This couple believes in non-formal education. Their success story is here for all to emulate.
|
THEY ARE FAMILY: Gopalakrishnan and Vijayalakshmi with their children.
KOZHIKODE
You can climb a coconut tree and be adept in the skill. Or if automobile mechanism attracts you, you are free to pursue that line. It is up to you to pursue the vocation that tugs at your heartstrings.
What matters finally is to pursue a profession, which you believe is cut out for your individual personality. The only thing is that you are left to make the decision, without others making the choice for you.
Non-formal or alternative education is a buzzword which seems to be catching up despite apprehensions expressed by conventionalists.
And, this is exactly what the teacher-couple Gopalakrishnan and Vijayalakshmi have been experimenting with, after giving up their jobs as teachers in a school in Ambalavayal in Wayanad District.
The curriculum of their "Sarang" dream, as they choose to call it, aims to impart basic human values to children. Like tolerance, essential for being part of a pluralistic society, a feeling of security vital in the familial set up of today, and the need to give more than to take. Above all, love and concern for fellow beings.
There would be no boundaries. Only an opportunity to nurture innate talent and abilities.
Sarang concept
According to Sarang concept, a child after his schooling must be able to live on his own, earning his livelihood, using the resources of his/her own area.
The Sarang couple look back with pride on their successful attempt to rehabilitate 38 children with criminal background. Some appeared for the SSLC examination. Others chose their own vocations, and are proud of the work of their hands.
Gopalakrishnan's and Vijayalakshmi's dream to set up a non-formal centre of learning was realised when they identified a spot near Chitoor in the now denuded Attappadi hills.
They chose a place, not easily accessible by people, a micro watershed area with sufficient wind.
Sarang chose to enlighten the locals that if humans are gentle and friendly to Nature, Nature in turn would supply them their requirements, water in this particular case.
They fenced the area from animal poachers and wild animals. Gradually it was covered with grass, herbs and shrubs. Saplings were planted. They had to fight to protect the land. A natural forest rich in flora and fauna came up.
They took special care to ensure that rainwater did not drain into the river and the sea. The result was unbelievable.
Streams appeared on the hillside, forming a rivulet. The tribal people who left the area because of water scarcity were back.
The Sarang couple have three children — Gautam aged 23, Kannaki, eight, and Unniarcha, six.
The Sarang dream is not complete. The launching of the project in totality requires funds. They have been appealing to those willing to help.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
