Isha Vidhya
Encyclopedia
Isha Vidhya is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, which is committed to raise the level of education and literacy in rural India and help disadvantaged children realize their full potential. It's stated mission is to establish 206 English-medium, computer-based schools in rural Tamil Nadu and bridge the gap between urban and rural education standards in India.
school was established on June 19, 2006 at Santhegounden Palayam, Coimbatore district
. Subsequently, three more schools have been established at Tuticorin, Erode
and Nagercoil
in 2007. In 2009,two new schools in Villupuram and Cuddalore
were opened, and in 2010, another school was opened at Vanavasi
near Salem. Each year the schools will expand one grade level until they are running at full capacity with classes from lower kindergarten through 12th standard. Currently there are over 3000 students at all seven schools.
(TPR) and Karadi Rhymes are used. TPR blends language and movement so that students learn using the entire body. By combining language with movement, students intuitively grasp the English meanings without needing to translate. Karadi Rhymes employs a carefully crafted music-rhyme scheme that helps students intuitively learn language while having fun as they sing and dance. Students are given books with which to read along as recordings of well known Indian actors and actresses read the story scripts aloud. Intermingled within the story are lively songs and motions which keep the children engaged and entertained. The children are also introduced to computer-based learning from kindergarten.
Extensive libraries with print, audio, video and computer materials enhance the learning process. All the teachings at Isha Vidhya revolve around recognition and celebration of the identity, culture and tradition of the rural communities. From CD ROM lessons to organic farming, Isha Vidhya schools empower rural children to have vocational options.
The schools presently cater to more than 2,800 students from nearby villages, with approximately 60% - nearly 2000 students, supported by full scholarships. Isha Vidhya successfully integrates students from all backgrounds, including children from tribal villages, backward castes and scheduled castes. Special focus is given to promoting education amongst girls; the schools maintain a roughly 50-50 ratio of girl and boy students.
Students explore their talents and interests in classes such as art and craft, physical education, nature class and library period. Students push their limits and display their prowess in writing, elocution, running, and sports competitions. They have an opportunity to display their work and appreciate the work of others during the yearly exhibitions for science and art.
Parents are regularly invited to attend competitions and festivals, sharing in the joy of the day and in acknowledging students’ achievements and India’s cultural diversity. As the majority of parents are illiterate, a regular schedule exists throughout the year for parents to come and speak to teachers, thus minimizing the need for written communication. Parent-Teacher Meetings are held at the end of each term to share ideas, discuss new plans, and address any issues that arise during the year.
The reality of this situation necessitated the development of a scholarship program. The scholarships represent a truly life-changing opportunity for many of our students who would otherwise not be able to attend school. Many Isha Vidhya students are the first in their families to attend a matriculation school, learn English, and anticipate a future beyond poverty.
The Scholarship Program began in the 2007-08 academic year. Isha estimates that 2100 new students will require scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year. As of 2010, more than 1264 students are provided with a donation based scholarship. A donation of Rs. 10, 000 provides tuition, books, notebooks and nutritional health supplements for one child for a year. In addition, the donation helps cover expenses for teacher training, classroom learning materials, computer facilities and school administrative costs. Donors are matched with a student and will receive periodic progress reports, photos and letters from the student(s).
The Isha Vidhya Scholarship Panel assesses all sponsorship applications and conducts home visits to ensure that the most financially deserving students receive assistance.
, Life Insurance Corporation of India
(LIC), Agility Logistics Pvt. Ltd. and Royal Bank of Scotland
. Funding for Isha Vidhya has also been launched in the London Walk-a-Thon, Mumbai Marathon 2011, and the Great Delhi Run.
History
Isha Vidhya was formed in 2006, and its first MatriculationMatriculation
Matriculation, in the broadest sense, means to be registered or added to a list, from the Latin matricula – little list. In Scottish heraldry, for instance, a matriculation is a registration of armorial bearings...
school was established on June 19, 2006 at Santhegounden Palayam, Coimbatore district
Coimbatore District
Coimbatore District is one of the more affluent and industrially advanced districts of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Coimbatore is known as the Manchester of South India. It one of the most industrialized towns of Tamil Nadu. It has the highest GDP among the districts of Tamil Nadu, even ahead...
. Subsequently, three more schools have been established at Tuticorin, Erode
Erode
Erode is a city, a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Erode district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is situated at the center of the South Indian Peninsula, about southwest from the state capital Chennai and on the banks of the rivers Cauvery and Bhavani, between 11° 19.5"...
and Nagercoil
Nagercoil
Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
in 2007. In 2009,two new schools in Villupuram and Cuddalore
Cuddalore
Cuddalore is a fast growing industrial city and headquarter of Cuddalore district in the Tamil Nadu state of southern India. Located south of Pondicherry on the coast of Bay of Bengal, Cuddalore has a large number of industries which employ a great deal of the city's population.Cuddalore is known...
were opened, and in 2010, another school was opened at Vanavasi
Vanavasi
Vanavasi is a town panchayat in Mettur taluk, Salem district, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.Vanavasi is a small village popular for the hand loom silk sarees and its temples....
near Salem. Each year the schools will expand one grade level until they are running at full capacity with classes from lower kindergarten through 12th standard. Currently there are over 3000 students at all seven schools.
Teaching methodology
The schools feature English-medium, computer-based education with multiple-sensory learning which helps students absorb new material on a deeper level by engaging them on more than just visual and auditory levels. Multiple-sensory learning methods such as Total Physical ResponseTotal Physical Response
Total Physical Response is a method developed by Dr. James J. Asher, a professor emeritus of psychology at San José State University, to aid learning second languages...
(TPR) and Karadi Rhymes are used. TPR blends language and movement so that students learn using the entire body. By combining language with movement, students intuitively grasp the English meanings without needing to translate. Karadi Rhymes employs a carefully crafted music-rhyme scheme that helps students intuitively learn language while having fun as they sing and dance. Students are given books with which to read along as recordings of well known Indian actors and actresses read the story scripts aloud. Intermingled within the story are lively songs and motions which keep the children engaged and entertained. The children are also introduced to computer-based learning from kindergarten.
Extensive libraries with print, audio, video and computer materials enhance the learning process. All the teachings at Isha Vidhya revolve around recognition and celebration of the identity, culture and tradition of the rural communities. From CD ROM lessons to organic farming, Isha Vidhya schools empower rural children to have vocational options.
The schools presently cater to more than 2,800 students from nearby villages, with approximately 60% - nearly 2000 students, supported by full scholarships. Isha Vidhya successfully integrates students from all backgrounds, including children from tribal villages, backward castes and scheduled castes. Special focus is given to promoting education amongst girls; the schools maintain a roughly 50-50 ratio of girl and boy students.
Extra-Curricular Activities
School is not just about learning the basics — reading, writing and arithmetic — or even about passing an examination; but rather, education means nurturing the wellbeing of children on all levels — academically, physically and mentally. Isha Vidhya schools enhance the academic curriculum with a wide range of extra-curricular activities, events and competitions.Students explore their talents and interests in classes such as art and craft, physical education, nature class and library period. Students push their limits and display their prowess in writing, elocution, running, and sports competitions. They have an opportunity to display their work and appreciate the work of others during the yearly exhibitions for science and art.
Parents are regularly invited to attend competitions and festivals, sharing in the joy of the day and in acknowledging students’ achievements and India’s cultural diversity. As the majority of parents are illiterate, a regular schedule exists throughout the year for parents to come and speak to teachers, thus minimizing the need for written communication. Parent-Teacher Meetings are held at the end of each term to share ideas, discuss new plans, and address any issues that arise during the year.
Scholarships Program
Isha Vidhya provides high quality education at very low costs. However, even minimal fees are unaffordable for many rural families. With parents engaged in entry level positions and working as laborers, carpenters, field workers, construction workers, and street vendors, income is inconsistent and varies based on the season and demand for employment. Even with two wage earners in the family, income is often insufficient for meeting basic household and dietary requirements. Even minimal school fees strain already limited budgets, forcing families to cut expenditures in other areas such as food, medicine and clothing.The reality of this situation necessitated the development of a scholarship program. The scholarships represent a truly life-changing opportunity for many of our students who would otherwise not be able to attend school. Many Isha Vidhya students are the first in their families to attend a matriculation school, learn English, and anticipate a future beyond poverty.
The Scholarship Program began in the 2007-08 academic year. Isha estimates that 2100 new students will require scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year. As of 2010, more than 1264 students are provided with a donation based scholarship. A donation of Rs. 10, 000 provides tuition, books, notebooks and nutritional health supplements for one child for a year. In addition, the donation helps cover expenses for teacher training, classroom learning materials, computer facilities and school administrative costs. Donors are matched with a student and will receive periodic progress reports, photos and letters from the student(s).
The Isha Vidhya Scholarship Panel assesses all sponsorship applications and conducts home visits to ensure that the most financially deserving students receive assistance.
Partnerships
Isha Vidhya has partnerships for fund-raising and educational methodology with Asha for EducationAsha for Education
Asha for Education is a volunteer-run action group dedicated to radical change in India by focusing on basic education, in the belief that education is a critical requisite for socio-economic change...
, Life Insurance Corporation of India
Life Insurance Corporation of India
The Life Insurance Corporation of India is the largest state-owned life insurance company in India, and also the country's largest investor. It is fully owned by the Government of India. It also funds close to 24.6% of the Indian Government's expenses. It has assets estimated of...
(LIC), Agility Logistics Pvt. Ltd. and Royal Bank of Scotland
Royal Bank of Scotland
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group is a British banking and insurance holding company in which the UK Government holds an 84% stake. This stake is held and managed through UK Financial Investments Limited, whose voting rights are limited to 75% in order for the bank to retain its listing on the...
. Funding for Isha Vidhya has also been launched in the London Walk-a-Thon, Mumbai Marathon 2011, and the Great Delhi Run.