Description
Loka is currently supporting an experimental educational project near the city Varanasi, North India. To further develop current educational activities and to create many smiling faces, a Centre of Knowledge is going to be realised. A school and garden will be part of this Centre. It's basis will be small with only 20 residential students (small is beautiful) but with these students every day tuition will be given to hundreds of children throughout the area. Both theoretical and practical classes will be given, such as Hindi, English, mathematics, cooking and gardening. Sanskrit will be the main subject. The school will be built using natural materials such as mud and clay and natural resources like the sun and wind to provide electricity.
Focus themes
Arts & CultureEducationProblem statement
India is growing fast, not only the population but also the economy. High rise buildings, shopping malls and business centers are starting to dominate the towns of India. But as the towns are growing the villages are left behind. Mahatma Gandhi used to say that the soul of India dwells in its villages. Economical growth is useless unless the villages are developed. Loka supports the realisation of a Centre of Knowledge in North India with the aim to develop the villages through education.
Goal
1) To offer a four-year residential study programme to 20 children from rural areas in North India; 2) To offer daily classes to hundreds of children residing in villages. These classes are given by the residential students; 3) To initiate projects to raise social awareness for a cleaner and more beautiful environment; 4) To strengthen and develop existing schools in order to bring the education in the villages to a higher level; 5) To promote Sanskrit learning and literature; and 6) To develop cultural and educational interaction between East and West.
Main activities
All buildings of the Centre will be made as far as practical possible from natural materials, such as clay and grass. This way building costs are saved and the Centre will blend in with surrounding villages. Construction work should be finished by the end of 2010. Throughout 2009/2010 children will be selected for the residential programme through the current activities. Beginning 2011 the first 4-year programme will start, educating children who otherwise have little chances.
External risks
We try to work as good and thoroughly as possible, believing that if the intentions of the people and organisations are pure, this will also attract good circumstances. We already have some years experience working in this area and have experience with corruption, threats and floods. We always try to stand strong and find the best solution in every circumstance. Because there is a solution for every situation.
Budget breakdown
Centre of Knowledge 2011
01 Mar 2011
Since some months the realisation of the Centre of Knowledge has been progressing rapidly. A living area, school and cow shed are being constructed, 10 cows have been purchased and the second harvest is due. Planning is that the traditional Indian school will be openend by the end of the year. Main subject will be Sanskrit and we are applying for funds in India for teachers of the Veda's (ancient Indian scriptures). The children will also be participating in gardening, farming and taking care of the animals. Through organic farming and selling cow products such as milk, cow dung and urine (for medical purposes) the Centre of Knowledge will be made self-sufficient.
Manik
23 Feb 2010
This is the story of Manik Chandra, a 13-yearold boy from India. In this video he talks about becoming a cricket player and about his religion: Hinduism. This is the short version of a video Loka made in cooperation with Cultural Centre XL de Ateliers in Dronten, the Netherlands. Recently the video was shown to a group of Dutch children. This presentation inspired the children to think about subjects such as religion, school and food in a different way.
Mona
09 Feb 2010
This is the story of Mona, a sweet and talented 13-year old girl from a village in India. In this video she talks about her dreams and eating-habits. The story of Mona s the short version of a video Loka made in cooperation with Cultural Centre XL de Ateliers in Dronten, the Netherlands. Recently the video was shown to a group of Dutch children. This presentation inspired the children to think about subjects such as religion, school and food in a different way.
What is happening?
07 Dec 2009
A warm welcome to all readers of Loka on Pifworld. Currently all work is continuing as usual. The children of Loka are happy and healthy. They are studying hard as in daytime they go to school, in the afternoon they study Sanskrit and in the evening an extra teacher comes to guide them with their homework. Besides studying Sanskrit grammar the children have also started learning the Veda's. The Veda's are a large body of texts originating from ancient India and composed in Vedic Sanskrit. The reason the children are learning this, is to keep the wealth of ancient India alive as it contains so much wisdom, and is a great gift to the world, to... read more
Donating happiness
27 Oct 2009
Recently the company ‘Briefopbestelling’ (LetteronDemand) donated a large amount towards the realisation of the Centre of Knowledge in India. Loka would like to send a big THANK YOU to all the 86 (!) people who wrote a letter of which the revenu was donated to the Centre of Knowledge. This is a great example of how one person or one company can make a difference. Loka is very happy. Not only because of the donation, but also because Briefopbestelling is a special company. The people connected to this company write all kinds of letters such as letters of application and love letters. This work surely creates many happiness and smiling faces... read more
Manik Chandra
04 Sep 2009
Manik is the first residential boy student. He is a pure hearted, happy and intelligent boy. He wants to become a famous cricket player after completing his study. His favourate subject is English. Most Indian names have meanings. The meaning of Manik is ruby. The meaning of Chandra is the moon.
Mona Kumari
04 Sep 2009
Mona is the first girl residential student. She is very talented and wants to become a good doctor after completing her study. She is also a great dancer and recently won a dancing competition. Mona is a star.
Land in Bihar 2
04 Sep 2009
This part of the land will be used for the educational center, a garden and playing area.
Land in Bihar
04 Sep 2009
This part of the land will be used for organic farming. Part of the harvest will be used to feed the children and part will be sold. This way the project can become self sufficient within the coming 5 years.
Small is beautiful
04 Sep 2009
Since some weeks I am back in the Netherlands. At last a fast internet connection and the possibility of giving an update to the friends and people interested in Loka on Pifworld! In the meanwhile a company from Delhi has surveyed the land in Bihar and the architect will soon start designing the buildings for the Centre of Knowledge. The construction work will be done with local and -as much as possible - with natural materials, respecting and inspired by local architecture. I am now in the Netherlands among others to work and raise funds to finance the construction work. If all goes well we hope to start building at the beginning of 201... read more
Fundraisers
Supporters
Supported by
Top supporters
Top fundraisers
