A very important aspect of the SCK philosophy is to study the
child-parent-community relationship. In this case most parents are
illiterate and have no formal educational facilities at home. Many homes
do not have running water, electricity, nor have ever been in a car or
train. In such an environment, personal hygiene and cleanliness have to
be introduced to the parents through the youngsters.
Attitude of teachers and the environment should be positive. If a child
is treated positively,
S/ he will grow up to be positive. For example, we tell a child ‘if you
do it this way it will be better’ rather than ‘no, this is wrong’. The
child learns to be confident and his mind opens up. Children are
encouraged to speak even if they are incorrect. They learn by their
mistakes. Children are like flowers they have to be handled with love
and care.
During the last 4 years, the Kendra has trained eight village girls in
Montessori educational systems and effectively interacted with eighty
young children, including thirty kids from the labour camps. Most
children come from totally illiterate parents, deprived family
background, including some from below-poverty lines. The Kendra provides
them mid-day snacks, and one-spoonful of vitamins to each kid daily.
Periodic medical checkups and six-monthly de-worming is also practiced.
Nirmala Sharma, B.Ed. (Mich.USA),Montessori Diploma (Lond.)is the
Hon.Director, Shishu Chetna
KendraVillage: Bhagwantpur, Dehradun 248
009 (UTTARANCHAL) (0135) 2735 627.
