Teach them how to save the world
Akshar is on a mission to spread the Indian Education Model around the world
The Indian Education Model
An ancient tradition of holistic education, which develops the whole child through hands-on learning. Once espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, and now revivified in India's new
National Education Policy of 2020 (NEP 2020) and
PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI).
By blending student-centered academics with hands-on, practical training -- experiential coursework, project-based learning, vocational skills development, and community service-learning -- the Indian Education Model equips students with the skills they need to build a successful life.
Put simply...
Sorted &
Shredded
Students learn by doing
Single-use
Plastic waste
Moulded into
new products
Practical learning
With the Indian Education Model, learning is focused equally on the practical, not only the conceptual. Students develop hands-on skills, whilst tackling the immediate needs of their community head-on.
Thus, addressing social issues becomes a major part of the curriculum, transforming children and teens into agents of change, actively working to build a better future for their own communities.
Here's how...
Teach them how to teach
Every student is a teacher
As in traditional Indian knowledge systems, and now in the new NEP 2020, the first practical skill a student learns from their Teachers is the practical science and craft of Teaching itself. Older students tutor the younger ones each day.
Older students gain confidence, leadership, empathy, communication skills, and professionalism. Teaching requires they demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and compassion. Younger students are guaranteed daily one-on-one, custom-tailored mentoring, crucial for their development.
Teach them how to learn
Students master technology
The modern Indian Education Model, while based on tradition, also emphasises mastery of the latest digital technology, among other hands-on skills.
Students learn to access the vast wealth of resources available online, including learning games, videos, exercises and tests relating to their coursework and in their own mother tongue. Software tracks the individual learning levels of each student, and offers custom-tailored content to meet their unique needs. Students also learn basic coding and robotics.
Teach them how to earn
Students learn skills
Based on the ancient Indian Education Model, Mahatma Gandhi advocated for "Nai Talim", whereby all academics would be linked to practical crafts, to promote entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
Students engage 1-2 hours daily in a wide range of introductory vocational training courses, including Teaching & Tutoring, Carpentry, Recycling, First-aid & Animal Care, Office Assistant, Gardening, Tailoring, Electrician, and Machine Operator. Thus, students are guided towards a rewarding, skilled career.
Teach them stewardship
Students learn responsibility
The Indian Education Model highlights the balance between children and their environment. Students not only learn about ecology and responsible stewardship, but actively work to maintain the health of their own environment.
Students maintain the solar power plant, pay weekly "Plastic School Fees" of waste plastic from their homes, and work to create new products from waste plastic, including Eco-bricks for construction, as well as dog bowls, flower planters, clip boards, and jewellery, made in a Precious Plastic Workshop.
Teach them how to care
Students learn healthcare
Medicine has been a pillar of the Indian traditional knowledge system, continuously for thousands of years.
Students are guided into careers in healthcare by learning and practicing basic First-Aid, participating in Food Relief for families and animals, and treating the basic maladies of local animals, especially dogs.
