Educere: Issue 04-June 2013

EducereJune 2013 | Issue 04

CREATINGQUALITY TIME: at school & in the home

to our class of 2013!

...bringing Values to Life

Congrats

EducereBringing Values to Life...

June 2013 | Issue 04

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Welcome!Dear Friend,

This, our June issue, is the fourth and final one for the school term. We have officially bid adieu to 10 of our students who graduated in July. We are immensely proud of all our children who practiced tirelessly for weeks to make our first Graduation Ceremony into a huge hit. Enjoy the snapshots on page 10, and witness our students in all their glory. While the graduates will be attending another school, their impact on all of us will never be forgotten. Through the upcoming Vid Alumni Program, we will have the opportunity to continue our special relationship with past students. From September, our ‘younger class’ will become the elder brothers and sisters of the new little ones that will be starting school for the first time!

Although school is out for the next few weeks, the Vid International team continues to work at improving our system, fine-tuning our methods, policies and overall approach. As our student body expands, we are also ready to expand our teaching staff, and will resume our Teachers Training Course in August. This course is open to anyone interested in learning about and practicing Values Education, and participants can be students, teachers, or educators in any field and at any level (not only preschool). Course details are available on page 4.

The ‘Values in Action: A Values Revolution’ article talks about the oft-misunderstood ‘quality time’—as important in the school as it is in the home. Be sure to check out the ‘Living Values’ snippet for a glimpse into how children keenly observe and replicate what they see and experience in their environment. One of our stalwart supporters, Dr Steve Rajpatty, shares his perspective and journey with the Values in Action movement in the ‘Musings…’ article. In this, he highlights the unique and critical role of the community in supporting causes and charities.

It is through the support and love of our stakeholders and well-wishers that we are able to discharge the duty entrusted to us. Our most heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your time, resources, guidance, and blessings. We wish you only the best.

Have a great July-August holiday (for those lucky enough to have one!) and you’ll be hearing from us in September!

With Love,

‘Educere’ Explained:

Educere is a Latin word(pronounced “Edoo-kay-ray”)which means ‘to bring out’ or ‘todraw out’.

The word ‘education’ is a childof Educere, which shows thatall knowledge lies within anindividual, and the processof education should result inthe emergence of one’s innategoodness.

Educere aims to share thevarious facets of living a values-infused life. We hope that it willnot only be a means to shareour various values-initiatives,but that it also ignites a sparkwithin every reader, bringingabout positive change inthe way we live our lives asindividuals, schools, corporates,communities, and nations.

Write to us at:[email protected]

We’d love to hear from you!

Bringing Values to Life...Educere

Educere Family

Editorial Team:Abhimanyu Kaul & Tanushree Luthra

Design & Layout:Saffron Consulting Ltd


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CONTENTS

VALUES IN ACTION

GRADUATION SNAPSHOTS10

From our Founder’s Pen ..................................05Words of wisdom from the Founder of Educare Philosophy

Values in Action ...............................................06A Values Revolution

Musings ..............................................................08From a Founding Member of Values in Action

Graduation Snapshots ....................................10Snaps of our children during the month of April

CONTENTS6

MUSINGS...8



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Delve deep into the philosophy and practice of Values Education, child

development, and the mission of teaching

Enjoy learning in an informal and relaxed setting, through

enlightening talks & highly participative group activities and

discussions

Transform your personal perspective on being an educator, and draw upon

the Education in Human Values teaching skill sets

values in action©

Teachers Training Course

sstarts August 15th!

learn laugh grow

Target Audience: Students, Teachers, Educators (at any level)Call now to book your place: 795-5485


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Delve deep into the philosophy and practice of Values Education, child

development, and the mission of teaching

Enjoy learning in an informal and relaxed setting, through

enlightening talks & highly participative group activities and

discussions

Transform your personal perspective on being an educator, and draw upon

the Education in Human Values teaching skill sets

values in action©

Teachers Training Course

sstarts August 15th!

learn laugh grow

Target Audience: Students, Teachers, Educators (at any level)Call now to book your place: 795-5485

SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

Education without right conduct is of no value. It is only humility which is a jewel to an educated man. Humility is the essence of education. Humility must be reflected in our conduct and behavior and it should not be simply limited to verbal or vocal expression. Humility is the hallmark of true education. Arrogance, envy and ostentation should have no place in a properly educated person.

You must make use of what you have learnt, not only for earning a living but also for service to society. May you all lead exemplary lives, bring happiness to your parents, and render help to society.

from our founder’s pen

STUDENTS! Embodiments of Love! Teachers and Patrons of Education!

Does one become a student by learning, reading and writing? Does one become educated by receiving college degrees?Can learning become true learning without wisdom and good acts? If education is for making a living, do not birds and beasts live without receiving any education?

Education should aim at making a person take pleasure in promoting the wellbeing of all people. Educated persons today are concerned solely about the well-being of themselves and their families and have no interest in the welfare of the world.

One’s human nature is developed by society and contact with kinsmen, friends, and others. You have to show your gratitude to all of them by striving for their well-being. It is true education if it helps to render service to society.

Today, education has been expanded and we have to create more jobs, and with greater rewards. There are strikes for higher wages, and when wages are increased, taxes have to be increased. The result is increase in prices and increasing discontent. Prices can come down only when the people’s desires are limited and the demand for goods is reduced.



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Teaching is no longer considered to be merely a

process of instruction or imparting knowledge.It is not uncommon to find elders and teachers learning big life lessons while ‘teaching’ little children.

Today, teaching is acknowledged as a means of ‘facilitating the learning process’. This process is a method of helping

a student learn, or reminding the child of what is already latent in him/her. An environment of love, trust, and faith is key to this journey of learning.

Keeping this in mind, an optimal teacher-student ratio is recommended to ensure ample opportunities for quality time between children and their teachers. Every child is uniquely blessed, and requires personal attention and guidance as per his/her individual pattern of development. The ratio of teacher to student would change from preschool to primary to secondary—but the need for quality time does not diminish..

values in action...a values revolution

Creating Quality Time at School & in the Home

Vid International recommends a teacher-student ratio of 1:8 (maximum)


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What exactly is this ‘quality time’? Generally speaking, it is considered to be exclusive time spent between people.

Normally, playing together, working together, or watching television together is considered to be ‘quality time’. Let us take this a bit further. It is the time in which people bond. If, after spending hours playing or working together we have not bonded, then, truly speaking, that was not quality time being spent.

The proof of quality time spent is the amount of trust and love found between people.

In the case of children, gaining their trust is the most crucial element in becoming a part of their growing and learning process. They may trust their parents naturally, but this also needs nourishment in time to strengthen.

Others, such as teachers, have to earn this trust—hence the need for the right environment and activities to enable this teacher-student bonding. The success of these proposed activities depends largely upon the innovativeness, dedication, and devotion of

teachers and all others involved in the learning process.

At Vid International, a Preschool with a Heart, we use a range of activities to create quality time between teachers and students. Some of these interactions occur during:

» Assembly time » Circle time » Story time » Group activities » One-on-one sessions

Every activity done at school is designed and executed with the intention of enabling the child to grow in a holistic manner. A child may not respond to all activities with equal interest or enthusiasm, and their reactions and participation may vary for numerous reasons. This is where teachers’ commitment, their love for children and their dedication to duty make the difference.

All the above-mentioned activities allow children to build and develop their self-confidence and express themselves freely and naturally. These activities also create opportunities for more profound and fulfilling interactions between teachers and students.

The role of parents can never be underestimated in the learning process, and parent-teacher collaboration is a critical element.

At home, parents can also create similar scenarios to spend quality time with their children. One-on-one discussions with each child on topics spontaneously chosen either by the parent or child; encouraging the child to recount the happenings of his/her day at school; and activities that require joint participation of parents and child, are fertile grounds for bonding.

A word of caution: watching TV together is not to be confused as quality time! Unless the activity leads into some joint engagement, such as questions and answers, it is far from quality time. It is important to keep the goal of any such activity in mind, namely bonding and developing trust.

The more quality time that parents spend when their children are young creates a strong foundation for future trust and a healthy parent-child relationship.

- Abhimanyu Kaul

Living Values

Little Hrisikesa had a tummyache, and all his brothers and sisters were so concerned. They helped put him to bed and soothed and patted him—all on their own!

Photo Stories from the Classroom



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(L-R) Dr Steve Rajpatty & Abhi Kaul

Dr Steve Rajpatty, Human Values Day ‘12

musings...

To paraphrase an old adage, I believe that friendship is a many splendored thing. Friends,

to me, make life so much more interesting. One of the wonders of my friendships has been my ability to grow and develop both personally and spiritually through the influence of my friends. This has been my experience with the Values in Action Foundation, to which I was introduced by a special group of friends who are all founding members.

In all honesty, the journey started off as one of networking to secure assistance (financial, materials, labour and otherwise) for the works being done to complete the school building and premises. Asking for contributions was an experience by itself! Naively, I thought that it would be a fairly simple exercise.

First, we had to identify those in the corporate community that seemed to have adequate means along with a policy for social responsibility. Then, we approached them through a letter, telephone call or meeting and made arrangements to collect contributions. This was very much more easier said than done.

For every hand that reached out to give, there were, on average, five pairs of hands that remained closed.

It was an eye-opening lesson for me, especially since those who refused to contribute, or promised but never did, were those who, I believed, had the most to give. This set me on a path of self-reflection early on in the process. ‘What was the purpose of life?’ I often asked myself. Of what use was having so much and not giving to valuable causes in need?

from a member of the values in action foundation


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Dr Steve Rajpatty & colleague, Reisa Dookeeram, interact with the children of Vid International

Fortunately, my moments of despair were fleeting; I never dwelled on them for long as the joy of discovering a willing contributor made up for all those who declined to help. I found truth in the saying that ‘a single candle can light up an entire room’.

Week after week and month after month, I continued to be delighted by the fact that there was a core group of persons who would generously dip into their resources, who would never say no when a request was made, and who would continue to ask others for assistance despite the high risk of negative feedback.

How fulfilling it has been seeing the school near completion and being used for its noble purpose! It has reinforced my belief that helping hands can do a lot, and that there is immeasurable joy

in contributing to a cause that yields no profit or fame. Equally rewarding is the fact that 25 young children will be given an education, not only in the traditional sense, but also in universal and timeless morals and values.

Today, many are fortunate to have a sound education. Indeed there is no shortage of people with bachelors degrees, post-graduate degrees, doctoral degrees, and diplomas. But do these qualifications make them better human beings?

From my observation, the answer to this question is a resounding “not really.” In the dogged pursuit of trying to achieve goals such as earning a high class of degree, and a good job and status, our value systems seem to have taken a back seat.

It is extremely refreshing and inspiring to be part of the Values in Action approach to creating, building and sustaining these ventures through the means of brotherhood, love, and community participation.

I must offer special and heartfelt gratitude to all those who have braved the challenges so far and continued to fulfill their commitment to ensuring the resounding success of this mission in education. Your contributions are invaluable and will make a positive difference in the lives of so many.

As a final point, to those of you reading this, I urge you to get involved in some charity or NGO of your choice. Your outlook on life will never be the same. - Dr. Steve Rajpatty, Construction & Management Consultant, www.atlanticpcl.com



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Graduates’ Procession

The Graduates made their grand entrance in a

procession, led by their younger brothers and sisters,

to the sounds of a brass band.


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Graduation snapshots

Vid International held its first Graduation Ceremony this year on Saturday 6th July. 10 students, who spent the last term with us, will be moving on to primary school in September.

Our program of events featured all the students re-enacting ‘A Day at Vid’ showcasing the school’s daily activities, a Values Education presentation by our teachers, and the distribution of awards and certificates to our little Graduates.

Our deepest gratitude to the countless helping hands and loving hearts that made this program such a roaring success!

Photography: Priya Ramlochan



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‘A Day at Vid’ re-enacted


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‘A Day at Vid’ re-enacted



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Talks by Graduates

Each of our 10 Graduates gave a brief intro about themselves

and what they want to be when they grow up.

From doctor to teacher to karate instructor, we’re going to

have it all...so, look out world!



16 Presenting a gift of gratitude to Aunty Indera on behalf of the Class of 2013

Graduates’ Awards


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17Presenting a gift of gratitude to Aunty Indera on behalf of the Class of 2013

Graduates’ Awards



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Virtue is the sign of the educated person.This is what makes education worthwhile.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

G ra d u a t i n g C l a ss of 2 0 1 3 Good Luck & God Bless!


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Virtue is the sign of the educated person.This is what makes education worthwhile.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

G ra d u a t i n g C l a ss of 2 0 1 3 Good Luck & God Bless!



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Love and best wishes to our adorable

June babies!

Ameer, 5

Kayleigh, 5


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We are currently registering students, 3-5 years old, to join us for the new school term in September 2013

At Vid International, using the Values in Action Framework© Human Values are infused into the curriculum so that

children blossom in character & excel in academics

21 Back Street, Tacarigua640-9172/795-5485facebook.com/[email protected]

Call us at640-9172 to book a

school tour!

Values in Action Foundation#21 Back Street, TacariguaTrinidad & Tobago, West Indies868-640-9172facebook.com/[email protected]

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Educere...bringing Values to Life

Educere: Issue 04-June 2013

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