SATHYA SAI EDUCATION IN HUMAN VALUES [EHV] AROUND THE WORLD

[Guest guest]

"For the country to progress, the citizens have to cultivate the moral, ethical

and spiritual values. It is not possible for the citizens and the leaders to

cultivate these values unless they practice them right from childhood. Life

becomes meaningless if one does not take to righteous actions from an early

age." - Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

Education today has become very subject-oriented. Teachers are specializing in

teaching a subject rather than using the subject as a means to help the child

in his or her own development. If we believe that the purpose of education is

the blossoming of human excellence, then each subject taught is simply a

vehicle to help the children realize their full potential. In a Sathya Sai

School, values education is taught in two ways. The first is integration of

values with extra-curricular school activities. The second is a direct method,

which uses instructional techniques to teach one of the five human values.

ISSE believes another effective way of teaching values is by example. Teachers

are remembered for what they are more than for what they teach. If a teacher is

loving and kind, then everything he/she teaches will automatically be full of

values. Teaching that the composition of water is H2O is normal academic

knowledge. Teaching the value of water or the proper way to use and conserve

it, is Sathya Sai Education in Human Values. Both kinds of teaching must be

used together to constitute more balanced education. Once a teacher starts to

practice values in his or her life, then to think of ways to integrate values

into the classroom becomes easy. The program of Sathya Sai Human Values offers

a unique opportunity to both teachers and students. It is an opportunity to

grow and develop together.

World-Wide Sathya Sai School Information

The program of Sathya Sai Education in Human Values is now being implemented in

many schools in several countries around the world. There are now Sathya Sai

Schools in India, Thailand, Zambia, Australia, Indonesia and South Africa.

School Profiles are available including plans for future schools. It is the

policy of the Institute that values education should be available for everyone

and free of charge.

To help other schools develop an SSEHV program, the Institute of Sathya Sai

Education aims to adopt at least one school in every country of the world. An

adopted school is a place where teachers are trained in Education in Human

Values and students receive instruction directly. Many established schools are

incorporating the SSEHV philosophy and methodology into their curriculum. The

following recommendations clarify what it means to adopt a school so that work

may proceed towards this goal as quickly as possible.

Initial Contact

The school adoption process should start with one or two schools where the

Sathya Sai organization has already some connection. One possibility is of a

school where a Sai devotee is a teacher or where either teachers or the

administration are familiar and open to the programme. It is the job of the

Sathya Sai Education Officer in each country to contact the administrators of

these schools. Explanation on the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values

Programme should be made stressing the benefits that children will gain. The

initial aim is to have one SSEHV class per week in the school using the direct

method. The most experienced and inspirational SSEHV teachers should take these

classes.

Implementing a Class

This class is meant to be a demonstration class for other teachers in the school

to observe, therefore the entire school staff should be informed in advance of

the SSEHV schedule. Ideally, training should be given to all the teachers

within the school so that they can eventually start to teach these classes

themselves.

Teacher Training

When teachers in the school are trained and start to gain experience teaching

SSEHV, we can then expand the classes so all the children in the school are

taught one EHV class per week. Once the teachers are confident enough, they can

take over all these classes themselves, under the guidance of the SSEHV teachers

and trainer.

Values Integration in the School

As the school begins to see the benefits of the programme, we should encourage

the teachers to integrate values in all their curricular subjects. This may

require further training. Special workshops on Integration of Values into

Curricular and Extra-curricular subjects can be arranged. The workshop

presenters should be experienced teachers who have already tried out these

methods in their own classrooms. The Institute has published many books on the

philosophy and methods of teaching and integration of values into the

classroom. Any of the Institute books that may be useful, should be given to

the teachers in the school. If English is not the mother tongue they may be

translated if necessary.

Parent Involvement

For this programme to be really successful, teachers must have the cooperation

of the parents, therefore they need to be informed and encouraged to

participate. Special workshops should be arranged for parents so that they will

help in the implementation of the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values

Programme. The Institute has published a special book on parenting - Sathya Sai

Parenting.

General Considerations

It is suggested that one school is adopted at a time so that it can be followed

up properly. It must be ensured that each school that is adopted will perform

well using the SSEHV Programme. In time this school should become a model

school for other institutions to observe and emulate. Once Sathya Sai EHV is

established in one school, other schools can be invited to come and learn from

their example.

This project of adoption of schools should be considered as a top priority and

each country is encouraged to put their effort and human resources into it. The

teachers and trainers from the Organisation should not only be very experienced,

but also should emulate the values in their daily lives. Their hearts should be

full of love so that the children will be transformed and others may be

motivated to follow their example.

· The Government of Thailand have officially recognised the Programme.

Over 14,000 teachers have been trained in the methodology of the Programme

there.

· United Arab Emirates (UAE)-Human Values Education is being supported

by the Government as highlighted in a news story in the Gulf News, the leading

English Daily of the Middle East.

News from the United Arab Emirates

Gulf News: Dubai Education 'must be driven by human values' [the following is an

article recently published in the Gulf News-the leading English Newspaper for

the Middle East]

Sheikh Nahyan [at a ceremony] lit a traditional lamp to inaugurate a seminar on

'Education in Human Values and Human Excellence 'Abu Dhabi - The importance of

education being driven by ethics and human values was underlined yesterday by

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and

Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology. The

minister, speaking at a two-day seminar on "Education in Human Values and Human

Excellence" at the Abu Dhabi Indian School to mark the school's Silver Jubilee,

said that education is an agent for social progress. He also emphasized the

value of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding, adding that educators

must help students gain an awareness of their present and future obligations.

Among the objectives of the seminar, which ended

yesterday, was the development of value-based education in the new millennium

and the integration of values in curricular and extra-curricular activities.

The seminar, conducted by Dr Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhya, Director of the

Thailand-based International Institute of Sathya Sai Education, and Angela

Loraine Burrows, follows the Education in Human Values programme. The aim of

teaching human values is to raise the mind upwards from the conscious level to

the super-conscious level. "Knowledge is like a circle. The more we look

outside ourselves, the circle of knowledge increases and we are aware of how

little we really know. "It is only when we start the inner journey that we

realise that all knowledge lies within. By practicing the values of truth,

right conduct, peace, love and non-violence, our consciousness will be raised

and we come into contact with By A Staff Reporter in the form of intuition,"

they said.

Roman'">

· Malaysia: In one school, Sathya Sai EHV has helped to transform

rebellious, uninterested children, who were weak in many subjects, into well

disciplined students who performed above average in their examinations and

showed great improvements in character development.

Malaysia: “70 Weak students surprise Parents with good results”.

This was the headline in 'The Star' of Malaysia in May. The report goes on to

say "They were rebellious, had no interest and were weak in almost all

subjects" The Sultan Abdul Samad Secondary School wrote them off as hopeless

cases. But the 70 write-offs surprised even their parents by performing well in

their SPM examination last year. The students managed the turn round after nine

months of coaching and motivation by a group of concerned volunteers. School

Principal Datin Norsiah Ariffin said the students SPM results were 40% better

than their mid-term examination results. "One student received Grade One, 18

scored Grade Two and 40 obtained Grade Three" she said in an interview. Norsiah

added that she was surprised not only by their performance, but also by their

discipline and character development.

The Sathya Sai Human Values intervention programme, which started in April last

year has positively helped the students, changes their attitude towards

studies. "I was shocked to see the dramatic improvement in the way that they

interacted in class through their participation and open-mindedness in

suggestions" said Norsiah yesterday. About 20 university students and

professionals from the Sathya Sai Council of Malaysia coached the students

twice a week in their weak subjects from April until the SPM examinations last

November. They were also motivated and inculcated with human values, such as,

respect for elders, speaking the truth, helping the weak and the poor and

caring for those in need of their help. At two camps held in Port Dickson,

students voiced their appreciation to teachers and parents, some of whom also

attended the camp. The school requested the Human Values intervention programme

after its PTA decided to help its weaker students to perform better. The school

head of

counseling, R. Nataraj, felt that the only way to improve their performance was

through motivation. "I had a tough time convincing the PTA and the school, but

today, the selfless service of the Sathya Sai facilitators has improved the

students performance" he added.

· The Programme is being successfully used in schools in States across

Brazil with the support of the education authorities.

· A report from the Sathya Sai School of Zambia advised that they took

the students who had failed their Grade 9 examinations and when they took their

Grade 12 examinations, all passed, the majority with an A. In five years it has

earned the reputation for being the best school in the country and the Zambian

government want its methods to be adopted throughout the country.

· In India, the Sathya Sai Schools, which give free education, have

raised their pass mark to 70%, compared to 40% in the U.K. The majority of

their students has marks of over 90% and wins the majority of all accolades and

gold medals.

SATHYA SAI SCHOOLS AROUND THE WORLD

THE BRITISH INSTITUTE OF SATHYA SAI EDUCATION (BISSE) - UK

The British Institute of Sathya Sai Education (BISSE) exists to:

Provide a focal point for delivery of human values based educational and

self-development programmes.

Through nationally recognised and accredited training, prepare adults to teach

human values to children.

BISSE aims to inspire both adults and children to live moral and ethical lives

and become constructive members of society, actively involved in the promotion

of these values.

Key concepts underlying intended BISSE educational programmes are:

Education should prepare students to be fit for life, not just to earn a living.

Not to impose rules of conduct on children and the young, but rather, to provide

a secure base, through teaching of the Human Values, from which they may arrive

at their own informed decisions.

The first rule for parents and teachers is to be good role models.

All BISSE activities revolve around human values. The Institute does not place

prominence on any particular religion, and aims to interact, work and cooperate

with people of all cultures and all faiths or no faith at all. Any reference to

spiritual development within the work of BISSE is that concerning the "human

spirit" i.e. human values, which are non-denominational and non-religious.

The work of BISSE also conforms to the guidelines issued by the UK,

Qualifications & Curriculum Authority on the Teaching of Controversial Issues

in Schools.

The primary aims of BISSE are:

To be a nationally recognised and accredited training centre for trainers and

teachers in the UK, and to train teachers in the SSEHV initiative.

To study and develop techniques for teaching children, methodology, course

content, lesson plans, etc.

To conduct research on the effect of Sathya Sai Education on children, teachers

and parents, and publish findings for the benefit of the educational and wider

community.

To help and encourage the establishment of Sathya Sai Schools.

To contact and introduce the concept of Sathya Sai Education to Academics, the

Department of Education and Skills, and other approved local or national

authorities.

To liaise with other Institutes of Sathya Sai Education around the world, to

improve and develop the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values Programme for the

benefit and upliftment of society.

The work of the British Institute of Sathya Sai Education is supported by grants

from the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values Trust UK, a registered charity.

British Institute of Sathya Sai Education is a trading name of EHV Promotions

Ltd, which promotes the SSEHV Programme and operates on a not-for-profit basis.

SATHYA SAI SCHOOLS, INDIA

A total of five Sathya Sai Schools are affiliated to the Institute of Sathya Sai

Education in India. All the schools are working towards the standards required

by SAI 2000, the Quality assurance for Sathya Sai Schools. All of them at

present are co-educational day schools. These are considered as some of the

best schools in their regions, and there is a great demand for admission. All

teachers of these schools have attended orientation courses conducted by the

Institute.

In addition, regular follow-up is done.

Sathya Sai Vidhya Mandir-Secondary

The Sathya Sai Vidhya Mandir is a co-educational secondary school with three

hundred students in grades 5-10. There are in total fourteen staff members.

Marathi is the medium of instruction.

Principal: Mr Sawant

Address: Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai 400 093

Sathya Sai Vidhya Mandir-Primary

The Sri Sathya Sai Vidhya Mandir is a co-educational primary school with three

hundred students in grades 1-4. There are a total of eight staff members.

Marathi is the medium of instruction.

Principal: Mrs. N V Patil

Address: Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (East) Mumbai 400 093

Sathya Sai Vidhya Mandir-Secondary

The Sri Sathya Sai Vidhya Vihar is a co-educational school with nine hundred and

sixty students in grades 1-12. There are a total of thirty-four staff members.

English is the medium of instruction.

Principal: Mr. C.P. Mishra

Address: Scheme 54, A.Q Road, Indore

Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School

The Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School is co-educational school with nine

hundred students in grades 1-12. There are a total of thirty staff members.

English is the medium of instruction.

Principal: Mrs. R. Mathur

Address: Sector B, Piplani, Bhopal

Sri Sathya Sai Vidhya Vihar

The Sri Sathya Sai Vidhya Vihar is a co-educational school with four hundred and

fifty students in grades 1-12. There are a total of fifteen staff members.

English is the medium of instruction.

Principal: Mr. B. L. Jad

Address: GAIL. Vijapur 473111

SATHYA SAI JARDIN ALEGRIA DEL HOGAR

The Sathya Sai Pre-School project began in January 2000 and opened on March 6, 2000.

During the year 2000 approximately thirty students attended the school. This

number- went up to fifty in the year 2001, The children range from the age of

two to four years.

The Sathya Sai Pre-School is located in a middle-class neighborhood. Although

the people are economically well off, there is a deficiency in human values.

The school is registered with the City Hall of Cordoba and complies with the

local educational requirements. It is subject to inspection.

The aim of the school is to benefit the whole community by helping the children

imbibe good qualities. Human Values are integrated into every subject. Special

classes in cooking, science, art and recycling are held during the whole year

as an indirect way of applying human values. Computer classes are also held.

The thematic approach is used in all subjects and once a month the students are

taken on an excursion as part of the theme.

The school celebrates national holidays such as Animal Day, Children's Day,

Teacher and Students' day. There is also a special day for gardens and one day

each term, a birthday party is held for all the children who celebrate their

birthdays during that time.

Both parents and teachers have noticed a great improvement in the behavior of

many of the children, especially those who tended to be aggressive. There have

also been some cases where teachers from other schools come to ask for advice

about the SSEHV program after they have seen significant changes in their own

children.

Several workshops have been held for the parents and the SSEHV programme and

other subjects, but in all of them human values are integrated. Many of the

parents who have attended such workshops have found improvements in their own

lives and in their family relationships.s: Ana de Hadad / Zulma Birchmeyer

Address: Entre Rfos 2740, CP. 5000. Cordoba, Argentina

Tel: +54 351 455 2478

SATHYA SAI SCHOOL, AUSTRALIA

Sathya Sai Primary School

The Sathya Sai Primary School was established in February 1997. The school is

located in the heart of Murwillumbah, a rural town in northern New South Wales.

The town lies inside the caldera of the extinct Mt. Warning volcano, which

provides a spectacular backdrop. Being centrally located the school is serviced

by the local bus network.

The Sathya Sai School is a non-denominational, co-educational primary school

catering to students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. The school is registered

with the State Government Board of Studies.

The school follows the curriculum prescribed by the Board of Studies, which is

divided into six key learning areas. These are: English; Mathematics; Science

and Technology; Human Studies and the Environment; Physical Education. Personal

Development &. Health; and Creative Arts. Japanese is taught as a second

language.

The students have weekly lessons in Sathya Sai Education in Human Values. These

lessons employ the direct method of teaching, using various techniques such as

silent sitting, quotations, music, story telling, and group activities. Human

values are also taught indirectly through the academic curriculum, where

ethical behavior is emphasized through examples in each subject.

The school culture is based on the five universal values of truth, right

conduct, peace, love and non-violence. These values are enhanced in the

classroom management, playground activities and in the way the students and

teachers interact throughout the day. The children also take part in service

activities, such as monthly visits to the local nursing home, where they sing

and talk to the elderly inhabitants.

The children are taught in such a way as to draw out their hidden talents.

Parents and community members are encouraged to contribute their particular

skills and experiences to support classroom activities.

· The school has the following educational aims:

· To encourage all students to reach their full academic potential.

· To provide opportunities to enrich the curriculum through a variety of

activities and teaching styles.

· To identify the special learning needs of students and provide the

means to help them.

· To provide highly qualified teachers, who will focus on the

integration of academic knowledge and human Values to enhance the

all-round-development of the child.

The school provides an environment that is loving, safe and caring. It enhances

teaching and learning opportunities that encourage cooperation and

friendliness. Teachers, assistants and parents are expected to be examples of

the five human values.

The school is now situated in a permanent location. The facilities include

classrooms, a large hall, a library, art room and computers. It is next to a

park where the students have access to playing fields and sporting facilities.

The municipal swimming pool is a short walk from the school.

Principal: R. Molloy

Address: The Sathya Sai School (NSW) Inc. 9 Nullum St. Murwillumbah 2484

Postal: PO Box 705 Murwillumbah 2484

Tel: +61 2 6672 8972

Email: saischool (AT) better (DOT) net.au

SATHYA SAI SCHOOLS, BRAZIL

Sathya Sai School of Vila Isabel

Escola Sathya Sai de Vila Isabel day school officially opened its doors on the

November 1, 2000. There are thirty-seven students in Nursery, Kindergarten and

Grade 1. The medium of instruction is Portuguese.

Parents are encouraged to become actively involved in the school by volunteering

their time and skills. Workshop-type meetings are held once a month for the

parents on various aspects of human values followed by discussions. Some

parents have even changed their eating habits and have become vegetarian as a

result of these discussions.

The school is located in a slum area therefore the children tend to be more

aggressive than in other neighborhoods. At school, they are taught the value of

prayer, which they practice in their daily lives. There are a number of cases

where children have started praying before meals or on special occasions,

inviting their parents to pray with them. This reflects remarkable

transformations in the lives of the family member's.

The school facilities provided are a cafeteria, and a medical and dental

consultation room. The Education in Human Value classes emphasize Brazil's

cultural and religious holidays.

The aim of the school is to develop love and respect for their country and its

traditions. The children are taken to museums, public gardens and other places

of interest to supplement their all round development.

The school adds one grade each year and hopes to soon construct a sports area.

There are plans to start a teacher-training program under the auspices of the

Institute of Sathya Sai Education.

Headmistress: Mrs. Valdiva Montenegro Barosso

Address: Rua Senador Nabucco, 304 Vila Isabel

20.551-230, Rio de Janerio, BRASIL

Email: diva (AT) webcorner (DOT) com.br

Telephone: +55 21 577 3222

Sathya Sai School of Goias

The Sathya Sai School of Goias opened on November 1, 2000. There is a

Kindergarten with twelve children and two teachers.

Vice - headmistress: Mrs. Nomoihaci R. Ferreira Crivelli

Address: Ave. Joaquin Craveiro de Sa. Lote de Mansao,

Quadra 31. Lotes 01 and 02 Sector Expansul, Aparecida de Soiania. 6oias. Brazil

Sathya Sal School of Pernambuco

The Sathya Sai School of Pernombuco started in January 1999, Since then, the

school is dedicated to the pursuit of human excellence. A-t present there are

seventy-five children from the ages of five to ten years. The school provides

them education, meals, school uniforms and all educational materials free of

charge. There are two pre-school classes and four classes in primary level.

In the beginning the intention was to teach human values to children, but to the

teachers a surprise, soon they realised that they were learning more values from

the students themselves. They understood that human values actually exist in the

heart of every child; it is just a question of drawing them out. The school is

committed to the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values Programme and to

implementing the standards required by SAI 2000, the Quality Assurance for

Sathya Schools.

Address: Rua Ernesto de Souza Leao n° 1025

Bairro da Piedade

Jaboatao dos 6uararapes

Pernambuco - Brazil

Cep 54400-220

SATHYA SAI SCHOOL, CANADA

Sathya Sai School of Toronto

The Sathya Sai School of Toronto was inaugurated on September 2, 2000, as a

National School with elected trustees representing all the regions of Canada.

It is now in its second year of operation. There are eighty students currently

enrolled in the school's co-educational day school program, which has two

kindergartens (junior and senior), Grade 1, and Grade 2.

Each year an additional grade will be added until there are six to eight grades

including the kindergarten It is anticipated that after three years, the school

will move from its current leased location to a donated building site yet to be

constructed.

The school has three well-equipped classrooms, a staff room and offices for the

principal and the secretary /receptionist. It also has a kitchen, storage room,

computer-networking facilities, a playground and a school bus and van.

The school staff comprises the principal, three teachers, a teaching assistant

who also serves as the secretary receptionist, and a school bus-driver. The

teachers are qualified to teach the Ontario curriculum as well as Sathya Sai

Education in Human Values. Two of them have diplomas in Values Education from

the Institute of Sathya Sai Education in Thailand.

The administration and staff found their first year challenging and rewarding

They were exhilarated by the sense that, as a team, they were laying the

foundation for a project of great educational significance although they felt

daunted at times by the enormity of it all, they found comfort in the fact that

they knew that their task was a worthy one.

The administration emphasizes that both teachers and parents should be role

models for the children. This is crucial for the success of the EHV programme.

Through well-planned lessons using light meditation, quotations, stories,

songs, role-plays. yoga, and service activities, teachers are planting noble

ideals and virtues in the minds and hearts of their pupils. Parents have

reported many instances of changes in their children's character and attitude.

In accordance with the principles of SSEHV, students have taken part in many

service activities. They responded to the plight of earthquake victims in India

and collected money for UNICEF during Halloween. During the wintertime they

collected mittens for needy children and made bird feeders. At Christmas they

sang carols and gave gifts they had made to senior citizens and made friendship

cards and bracelets for children in hospital.

The students found out about Ryan Hreljac the child humanitarian who has raised

money for wells in Uganda, and invited him to visit the school. In a memorable

ceremony on May 17, 2001, the students presented a generous donation to Ryan to

continue his work. Much of the money they earned themselves by doing chores and

odd jobs.

This spirit of service is nurtured by examples of selfless service by a large

number of volunteers who serve the school during the day and night. The day

volunteers help prepare teaching materials, supervise the lunchrooms and

playgrounds and do light maintenance work. Those with special skills tutor the

children in certain subjects. The night volunteers, who come from Sai Centres

in the neighborhood, provide reliable and professional maintenance for the

building. Noting the spotless floors and the general brightness of the

classrooms, visitors are surprised that there are no paid janitors.

Strong parent support is also evident at the school. Parents help at various

school functions such as the year-end concert, open house, and field trips. The

school is fortunate to have anenthusiastic Parent Council, which has done many

things to improve the school. The school has implemented a milk program, and

printed the school's first yearbook.

Principal: Mr. Pillay

Address: 5600 Finch Avenue East. Toronto, Canada

Tel: +1 416 297 7970

Fax: +1 416 297 0945

Website: www.sathyasaischool.ca

SATHYA SAI SCHOOL, ECUADOR

Sathya Sal School of Guayaquil

The Sathya Sai ScThe Sathya Sai School of Guayaquil opened towards the beginning

of the year 2001 It has started with Grades 1 and 2 with two class teachers and

two assistants. Even though the teachers are very highly qualified, they were

selected more on the basis of their love and commitment to helping children.

All the teaching staff are trained in Sathya Sai Education in Human Values and

are committed to apply the values in their lives, so as to be good examples for

the children. The school follows the national curriculum provided by the Culture

and Education Ministry, along with the SSEHV Programme, which integrates values

into all subjects.

A piece of land has been purchased to construct the school and the first stage

of the project has already begun. The school has two classrooms, separate

bathrooms for the children and teachers, a playroom and an office. Outside

there is a sports ground and a garden. Construction of another classroom is in

progress. The children's education is free of charge, which includes books,

uniforms and two meals a day. The school has plans to go up to grade 10.

The area where the Sai School is located is extremely poor and normally the

children living there are unable to go to school. It is also a high-risk zone

due to violence. The administration has high expectations that the children

attending the school will not only transform themselves and their families but

will also make a difference to their community.

Principal: Shirley Monge de Munoz

Address: Bastion Popular, Bloque 5, Mz. 869 Solares 1-4 Guayaquil, Ecuador.

South AmericaTel: +593-9-9483830

Fax: +593-4-2329983

E-mail: 9inunoz (AT) pacifico (DOT) fin.ec

Sathya Sai School of Bahia de Caraquez

The Sathya Sai School of Bahia de Caraquez is the second school to open in

Ecuador. It actually started to function at the beginning of the year 2001

although the project began three years before. That year, Ecuador was hit by

several natural disasters ('El Nino" and an earthquake). A group of people

worked very hard with a community of roughly two hundred families looking after

them and donating food, medicine, clothes etc. Soon they realised that what was

really needed was for the community to start to help itself, thus the idea to

establish a Sathya Sai School. The purpose was to bring human values to the

children and their families. Due to the hard economic situation at that time,

it was not possible to start such a project.

At the end of the year 2000, the plans for the school were made and construction

began. In May 2001 the building was not yet completed but sixty children between

the ages of four to six years old had already been accepted, so the school

commenced in the house of the present princi-pal. At the beginning nothing was

there, only a floor and a roof. Gradually the walls were completed and tables

and chairs were made for the children.

On October 22, 2001, the building was ready so the children and teachers moved

in after the local catholic priest blessed the school. It started with a

Kindergarten and Grade 1 with two class teachers and two assistants. The school

now has two classrooms, separate bathrooms for the children and a special

building for the teachers. In the recreation area, there is a sand and water

corner.

The school follows the National Curriculum established by the Ecuadorian

Ministry of Education and of course values are integrated into every class. The

teachers have been duly prepared in the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values and

their testimony shows how this program has transformed their own lives. Most of

the classes are meant to develop the children's creativity and to bring out the

Divinity or innate goodness from within.

The Sai School also takes The school also takes care of the children's health; a

pediatrician has checked them and they were examined by ophthalmologists and are

now being treated by a dentist. The students are served a healthy vegetarian

lunch every day, which is prepared by the mothers. The school tries to involve

the parents as much as possible in different ways. Parent meetings are arranged

every two weeks as well as special session to teach them different skills that

will help them earn a living, as they are all very poor. Many of the parents

report how their children are changing; they now know that one day they will

make something of their lives.

During the holidays, the children go to school for music, art, swimming and

English lessons. They are fortunate to have several volunteer English teachers.

The plan is to accept 30 new children yearly, as the school will increase one

class annually. The children are very accepting and full of love, they will

certainly be the leaders of the future.

Principal: Flora Fierro de Harmsen

Address: Av. Sixto Duran-Ballen s/n, km 8 via Chone Bahia de Caraquez

Tel: +593-5-398331, 398147

Fax: +593-5-399280

Email: aharmsen (AT) ecua (DOT) net.ec , saianand (AT) cua (DOT) net.ec

SATHYA SAI SCHOOL, FIJI

The Sathya Sai School in Drasa opened for classes on January 24, 2000. The

Regional Coordinator Mr. Arthur Hillcoat and Dr. Pal Dhall who is the National

Sai Education Coordinator for Australia officially opened it on October 6,

2001.

It is a co-educational day school where the medium of instruction is in English.

Hindi and Fijian are also taught. Currently there are sixty-four pupils enrolled

in three grades, kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2. There ore three full time

teachers and two volunteers serving at the school. Every year one grade will be

added.

Two of the teachers have received education in Human Values training at the

Institute of Sathya Sai Education in Thailand. Plans are underway to send an

experienced teacher to Thailand for teacher training who would then train new

teachers for the Sai School and work towards setting up a teacher training

institute at the school.

The School is located on thirty-five acres of land, in a picturesque rural area

and consists of six classrooms, a head teacher's office, a bathroom block, a

caretaker's house and a playground. A borehole is used to supply water to the

school.

Future plans include construction of a separate kindergarten building.

The students put on a cultural performance at the official opening of the

school. There is good support from the community where the school is located

including from the Fijian population. The school is fostering a good spirit of

unity in bringing the various communities together. The parents are responding

very favorably to the changes the school is making in the lives of their

children and in their own lives.

Principal: Mr. Ram Narayan

Address: P. 0. Box 486, Laotoka, Fiji

Telephone: +679-668153

Fax: +679-666937

E-mail: narayan (AT) is (DOT) com.fj

SATHYA SAI SCHOOL, MAURITIUS

Gems Sathya Sai Pre-Primary School

The Sathya Sai Pre-primary School of Mauritius was officially opened on the

January 10, 2000. It is located at La Caverne, Vacoas and is a co-educational

day school.

It is a bilingual school (French and English). At present, there are twenty

students enrolled with two teachers and an assistant. The school provides free

lunches, medical and dental check-ups. The students participate in activities

such as silent sitting, prayer, music and creative arts.

As Mauritius is a multi-cultural country, the children are taught the

significance of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Chinese festivals and how to

observe them whenever these are celebrated in Mauritius. Love and respect for

other faiths and cultures are thus inculcated in them at this tender age. They

also enjoy excursions to various exotic landmarks around the island.

The children present programmes on special occasions such as National Day and

the last day of term in the presence of parents, members of the Central Council

and other guests. They say prayers, poems, enact role-plays and give short

addresses.

Parents have shown their appreciation of the changes they see in their children.

Many have expressed their delight that their children are saying prayers when

they go to bed and when they wake up in the morning and also before meals. The

children encourage their parents to do likewise.

Parents are also impressed by their children's gentle manners and courtesy and

most of them have commented that they are greeted daily with 'good morning' and

'good night', 'thank you' and 'I love you'.

Parent-Teacher Association meetings are held on a regular basis. Parents are

given the opportunity to express their views and appreciation of the work being

done at the school. The manager and teachers avail themselves of this

opportunity to share their views about matters concerning the role of parents,

behavior and health of the children and other aspects of their education.

Workshops on Sathya Sai Educare were recently held for both parents and

teachers.The future plans are to increase student enrolment, to provide more

training in Sathya Sai Educare to parents and teachers and to transfer the

school from its present site to a more permanent location.

There are plans to construct a Sathya Sai Primary School in the near future,

arrangements are being made to obtain a plot of land from the Government for

this purpose.

Principal: Sivananda Somanah

Manager: Mrs Seetamah Somanah

Address: La Caverns, Vacoas, Mauritius

Telephone no.: +230 5861259

E-mail: ssivananda (AT) hotmail (DOT) com

SATHYA SAI SCHOOL, NEW ZEALAND

Sathya Sai Pre-School Rongomai

The Sathya Sai Pre-School - Rongomai is situated in Otara, a town in South

Auckland. It opened in February 1997 and is a co-educational day school with

three full-time and one part-time teacher. Forty-eight students, from

predominantly Pacific Island and Maori cultures, attend. Twenty-four come in

the morning and twenty-four in the afternoon. English is the medium of

instruction.

The school is located within the Rongomai Primary School campus in 0tara which

is within the Government designated SEMO (Strengthening Education in Mangere

and 0tara) area. This is a special needs area in the greater Auckland Region.

The school proudly bears the name "Sathya Sai Pre-School", which appears on all

its correspondence and promotion material. It has developed a reputation for

providing excellent pre-school education of the highest standard. There is a

growing demand for its services and there is a long waiting list.

The school follows the New Zealand pre-school curriculum and incorporates the

Sathya Sai Human Values Programme. There is an emphasis on positive

reinforcement and integration of values in every subject. It is a delight to

see the children increase in self-confidence and ability even though many of

them are not native English speakers. Through the use of interactive "fun"

based activities, the teachers really "see" and "hear" the children and the

teaching environment is suffused with love. Here is an excerpt from a letter

written by one of the parents, in support of our application for new buildings:

"My name is Claudia Vrsaijo, I currently hove a four year old child attending

the Sathya Sai Pre-School at Rongomai Primary School. The Sathya Sai people

educating my child are doing a fantastic job: they have provided a very warm,

loving and caring atmosphere. My four year old daughter Naolia enjoys and loves

her pre-school and every morning gets up looking forward to going there.

Unfortunately a lot of parents in the Otara area can't send their children here

because the pre-school is too small. Studies have been done at University and

are taught in some of their education lectures about Maori and Pacific Island

children no t having pre-school education and what effects this has on a child,

most important was no social skills. The university had several reasons, but the

one they didn't have was there, is no room for

the children."

The School's goal is to procure its own land and construct a large building that

can accommodate both a pre-school and primary school so as to be able to cater

ofor the growing demand for enrolment. The long-term view is to establish a

secondary school.

The present school has one classroom and an adventure playground built by

members of the Sathya Sai Youth Group. It is equipped with two computers fitted

with suitable, educational programmes for the chil-; dren so that they grow up

familiar with modern technology.

The teachers at the school are qualified according to the requirements for

pre-school education in New Zealand. They have also been trained in Sathya Sai

Education and are well versed in ways to integrate values into the curriculum.

The Principal teacher not only holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education but

is also a qualified Montessorr teacher. She was the first person in New Zealand

to be trained in the Sathya Sai Human Values Programme, some twenty years ago.

The school aims to act as a model school, demonstrating the ideals of Sathya Sai

Education. Its purpose is to encourage and inspire other schools around the

country to adopt values education as an integral part of the curriculum.

Principal: Jeenie Peel

Address: 189s Preston Road, Otara Manukau City, New Zealand

Postal: P.O Box 58915, Sreenmount

Manukau City, New Zealand

Tel: +64 9 5249825

Fax: +64 9 5780526

SATHYA SAI SCHOOL, PHILIPPINES

Sathya Sai School Pillila

Following the inauguration on May 6, 2000, the first Sathya Sai School in the

Philippines, has completed one year of operation. At present, there are twenty

children in kindergarten level 2 and eighteen children in grade I, There are

two full-time teachers, and two trainee teachers. The two teachers have

received diplomas from ISSE. Thailand and the two trainees have completed the

certificate course from ISSE, San Pedro, and Philippines. It is a

co-educational day school, where English and Thagalog are used as the medium of

instruction.

The school has been running for over a year now and it has many success stories.

The community has embraced Sathya Sai Education in Human Values and are eager-

to send their children to the school- Many parents who have older children

studying at the village elementary school tell the school officials how well

behaved and well mannered the Sathya Sai School children are. Presently the

school has two rooms and a large hall as well as a library with about 230 books

and one elementary science room. Music classes are also being planned.

The School has been registered with the department of Education, Culture and

Sports and has been granted permission to operate up to college level. Land has

just been found for the permanent venue for the School and the process of

securing it is being finalized. The plan is to complete the construction of

classrooms and essential school facilities by March 2002. One new grade will be

added each year, and the objective is to maintain a student-teacher ratio of

twenty to one.

Principal: Dr Rosario G. Acierto

Address: Institute of Sathya Sai Education

Casa del Nino Science High School, Phase 6, A5,

Pacita Complex, San Pedro, Laguna

Tel: 63 2-808-0271

Email: isse_ph

SATHYA SAI SCHOOLS, SOUTH AFRICA

Sathya Sal School of Newcastle

The Sathya Sai School, Newcastle opened in January 1998. It is now in its fourth

year of operation as a primary school and is growing fast in student population,

buildings, facilities and recognition. The school has been registered with the

Department of Education as an Independent School. Several senior education

managers from the Provincial Department of Education have visited the school,

acknowledged the success of the SSEHV programme, and also expressed support for

the noble aims and objectives of the school and the Organisation that sustain

it. The school premises offer an ideal atmosphere for the unfolding of human

values.

It is a co-educational school with one hundred and thirteen Students in

pre-school through Grade 6. The academic staff comprises fifteen teachers and a

principal. The school presently consists of six classrooms, bathrooms and an

administration building, which also accommodates the library and the preschool.

A junior sports-field has been established and the school proudly hosted its

fourth annual sports meeting. The school now offers soccer, cricket, netball,

volleyball, and tennis facilities.

The new block of six classrooms will be completed by mid-November 2001. Two

additional blocks comprising in total of twelve classrooms and bathrooms will

be built in 2002-2003 and will enable the school to have separate buildings for

the boys and girls. A longer-term plan is to construct two more blocks. The

first will accommodate the administration offices, a science laboratory and

computer centre. The other block will have a school hall with facilities for

music, art and drama. The plan is that these two blocks will be erected in the

years 2004 and 2005 and will be shared by both the boys and girls schools. In

all the school has an area of thirty-three acres, which may increase, to

forty-five acres. There are plans to construct boarding facilities and possibly

a tertiary institution over- the next fifteen

years.

The following is a comment from a parent of a child attending the Sathya Sai School at Newcastle.

"I like to express my feelings of gratitude to the teachers and principal of the

Sathya Sai School for what you have done for my child, Mpho (grade 5). She has

shown much improvement in every aspect. She has shown a great change mentally,

though she still needs assistance here and there. She is highly respectful of

her teachers and other people's customs and religions. She is very proud of her

school. She is a slow learner, but is improving gradually. Mpho is kind,

respectful and cares for others, but is less responsible at home. The Sathya

Sai School is the best for slow learners and I did not expect such great

improvement in my child. I thank you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May

your light shine everywhere it is needed. May your wheel turn without ceasing"

~ Mrs. M-R. Letuma

(Rachael)

Principal: Mrs. S. Ramsoroop

Address: P.O. Box 82, Newcastle 294 0, Natal. South Africa

Telephone: +27 3 431 21328 or +3 431 25896

Sathya Sai School Moorton, Chatswood

The Chatsworth Sathya Sal School opened in January 1998 and has grown into a

large primary school with one hundred and fifty-one students. At present the

school has pre-school through Grade 6 with plans to add one class each year.

There are eight full-time teachers and six other staff members. Several of the

staff members are volunteers.

The children are mostly of Indian origin as the school is located in a

predominately Indian township and still operates from the premises of the Sai

Sudha Trust, a body affiliated to the Sai Organisation. Due to the fact that

the school building is part of a temple block and that there is a lack of

adequate play and recreation facilities, makes the premises unsuitable for

prolonged use by a Sathya Sai School. The very nature of the premises makes it

difficult for the school to attract pupils other than Indian or Hindu. A new

Board of Management has been set up and this board has taken up the challenge

to secure more suitable premises to accommodate the school's needs, The

Education Trust is working very closely with the BOM to achieve the ideals of a

proper Sathya Sai School. The school has been registered with the

Department of Education as an Independent School.

The Chatsworth Sathya Sai School has a very good reputation for academic

achievement as well as in other areas. Music, art, drama, chess, yoga and

computer literacy classes are offered. Library facilities are also available.

There is a long waiting list of pupils wishing to enroll at the school and all

the classes are full to capacity. The school stands out as a beacon of light

while the standards of mainstream education in South Africa are on a slow

decline. The enthusiastic principal and staff offer their best under difficult

conditions. The large prayer hall offers an excellent venue for silent sitting

and meditation. External facilities are used for swimming and annual sports

meetings,

Principal: J, Sounder Moorton

Address: P.O. Box 56541, Chatsworth 4030. South Africa

Telephone: +273431404342

Sathya Sal School Lenasia South

The Sathya Sai School of Lenasia South (Gauteng Province) started in January

2000 and has forty-nine students in pre-school up to Grade 2 and three

teachers. The school offers totally free education and also provides the pupils

with breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. Transport to and from the school is

also free of charge. The students and members of the Sai Organisation do all

the cleaning around the school; therefore there is no need for a cleaning

staff. Volunteers also prepare the meals.

The school occupies new buildings with six classrooms, bathrooms/showers, a

temporary kitchen, dining facilities and offices. A large assembly hall is

being completed which will house a library as well. The Sai Organisation owns

the property and a playground will be developed on site. The land is large

enough to expand; therefore, there are plans to grow into a full primary

school.

The school enjoys an excellent relationship with the parents. Meetings are held

every quarter and many have indicated very positive transformation in their

children. The school is very well situated and conducive to the practice of

human values.

The School Board of Management is trying to meet all requirements of the

department of Education and these should be fulfilled shortly. Thereafter the

school will be registered as an Independent School.

Principal: Shirley Naggan

Address: 2809 Kingfisher Street Daxina, Lenasia South West Rand, Gauteng

Tel: +83-703-2603

SATHYA SAI SCHOOL, TAIWAN

The Sathya Sai School in Taiwan opened with a kindergarten class on September 1

2000 with eight students. It is a co-educational day school and the medium of

instruction is Mandarin There are plans to expand to a complete school by the

year 2003.

There have been five Teacher Training Seminars over the past four and a half

years and over eight hundred teachers have been trained . There was also a

workshop on values parenting. In addi tion the children are taught foreign

languages such as Japanese and English.

Principal: Mr Huang Pang Chu

Address: Ting Chou Road Sec 2,No 170.

Telephone: +886 223676712

Fax: +886 223686397

Email: ehvtpe .tw

SATHYA SAI SCHOOL, THAILAND

The Institute of Sathya Sai Education was established to integrate the ideals of

Sathya Sai Education in Primary and Secondary schools, colleges and

universities. In establishing exemplary model or demonstration schools, it is

necessary to have experienced trainers to ensure effective learning seminars

for school teachers. It is thus necessary to set up Regional Institutes of

Sathya Sai Education in various countries throughout the world.

The aims of the Sathya Sai Regional Institute are to be a centre for training

teachers in the Region and to assist in coordinating the training of teachers

in every district in the country. The Regional Institutes are responsible for

conducting research on the effects of Sathya Sai Education on students,

teachers and parents. This results in the study and development of teaching

skills, methodology, lesson plans and course content. The Regional Institute is

also responsible in helping and encouraging the establishment of Sathya Sai

Schools and adopting schools in every country. Additionally, the Regional

Institute is responsible for contacting and introducing the concept of Sathya

Sai Education to academics, the Ministry of Education and other governmental

bodies.

Roman'">

The Institute of Sathya Sai Education, Thailand was officially opened in May

1998. The following year, the Sri Sathya Sai Education in Human Values Trust,

Mumbai, India, established the Institute in India. Most recently in January

2000, the African Institute of Sathya Sai Education was launched. Both the

Indian and African Regional Institutes are affiliated with the Institute in

Thailand. Many other countries have also established their own branches of the

Institute. Their responsibilities include training teachers and establishing

new Sathya Sai Schools within their own country.

The Institute of Sathya Sai Education

108 Sukhumvit 53,

Bangkok 10110

Thailand Tel: +66 2 262 0832

Fax: +66 2 258 7679

E-mail: isse (AT) ksc (DOT) th.com

Website: www.sathyasaieducation.org

The Sathya Sai School in Thailand opened in May of 1991. It is a co-educational

school comprising one hundred and eighty-five Students in trades 1-9 students.

There are twenty-two full-time Thai teachers and three full-time foreign

teachers. During the Diploma course that is organised by the Institute of

Sathya Sai Education twice a year, up to twenty foreign teachers assist in the

classrooms. The medium of instruction is Thai although the school is working

towards being bi-lingual in English.

Presently, the school has ten classrooms, one science laboratory, a well-stocked

library, a computer laboratory, an art room and a swimming pool. The residential

facilities comprise three hostels namely, a teacher's hostel, a hostel for older

boys and a separate hostel for girls and younger boys. The kindergarten opened

in March 2001 with seven day students.

The addition of an upper secondary level, starting with Grade 10, is planned for

May 2002. Residential facilities are currently in the process of being changed

to family-style living. Children will live according to the five 'houses', each

representing on of the core human values. The children will live together with

house-parents, carrying out daily duties and activities as a family-unit. The

children will eat breakfast and dinner in their houses and take lunch all

together in the canteen. One project that is currently underway is the

construction of pagoda-style houses in which the children from the five houses

of Truth, Right Conduct, Love, Peace and Non-Violence, will have their

meetings. These meeting houses will also be used as outdoor classrooms. Each

house is involved in creating and maintaining a garden in the

school grounds.

The children are involved in many special activities such as learning Japanese,

sewing, cooking and Thai classical dancing and music. The children also learn

drama and art and have formed a school band. There are sports days and academic

competitions with other schools in the district. The foreign teachers, who come

to be trained at the school as part of their Diploma Course at the Institute of

Sathya Sai Education, teach English and conduct weekend clubs and activities for

the students.

The school has adopted the child-centered approach as required by Thai law

whereby, the teacher works more as a facilitator to project-style learning. The

child-centered approach fits in with 'Sathya Sai Edu-care which sees learning as

a whole and aims to draw out the inherent human values from the children. The

children have been involved in several projects, where many subjects are

explored in one theme. Projects have included a mushroom project, a corn

project and a water project. The children have also been actively involved in

learning and supporting drug prevention programmes and worked on a service

project with AIDS patients. This term the whole school will work together on a

saving energy project. The purpose of this project is twofold. Firstly, for the

children to be aware of the necessity of saving energy and

develop good habits. Secondly to help reduce the school's utility bills.

Parent training is offered at the beginning of the academic year when the

children are first brought to the school. The parents stay at the school with

their children for two nights and three days for activities, demonstrations and

lectures. The teachers receive on-going training in Sathya Sai Education in

Human Values and are also required to attend seminars on various topics such as

child-centered education, computer skills, class research techniques and scouts'

training.

There are many stories of transformation. Many parents report how their children

are more loving and respectful and more careful about spending money. They bring

good habits into their homes, which help to uplift the entire family.

Principal: Dr. Art-ong Jumsai Na -Ayudha

Address: Sathya Sai School, 99 Moo 2 Suranarai Rd, Lamnarai District, Chaibadan,

Lopburi 15130, Thailand

Office: 108, Sukhumvit 53, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Telephone: +66-01-257-9718 or +66-01-212-7758

With Sai love from Sai brothers – ‘’

Courtesy: http://www.sathyasaiehv.org.uk/

Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football