Revolutionizing Education, VVMVP Rural School

Background

Ved Vignan Maha Vidhya Peeth (VVMPV) was the first rural school started by Sri Sri Ravi Shankarin 1981. It started when Sri Sri observed some local children playing in the dust near The Art of Living Centre. When he saw that they had no access to education he decided to do something to help them.

A local volunteer was appointed to look after the children to give them basic lessons in hygiene, teach them educational games and to serve them free healthy food for lunch. This became a big attraction for the children and their parents, and continues to date. As the school has progressed, a formal educational structure has been established and the number of students and teachers has increased.

Today this school has become a model for 174 similar free schools that are revolutionising education in rural and tribal India.

First generation learners

Almost 95% of the students are first generation and the school is proud to have a 100% success rate in local exams.

“At this young age my daughter would have been working in the farms. We never dreamt of her getting an education! I am so happy to see her going to school!” - Mrs Savitri, a parent

Stress-free school

The students are provided with uniforms, shoes, books, writing materials, bus service and mid-day meals to neutralize any factors that can prevent them from attending school. Yoga, meditation, sports and creative activities like dance, music, drawing and painting form an essential part of the school curriculum to ensure a healthy body and mind.

The ART Excel is organised regularly for students to help them to handle any negative influences at home. Outdoor medical facilities and a mobile dispensary are also made available.

In order to make students more aware of the political system and inculcate leadership skills in them, the school has its own cabinet. The school children themselves elect the school cabinet. Through this system, children learn the importance of the Indian democratic system of governance in a practical way. The school cabinet takes responsibility for the junior classes and helps with the running of the school.

Developing community

Emphasising girl’s education and women empowerment, senior students are also taught vocational skills like tailoring, computer training and carpentry and encouraged to pursue secondary education.

To maintain the bond between former students and the school, alumni meetings have recently started. Alumni share their experiences with other students and encouraging them to pursue secondary education and their goals.

The alumni group holds regular meetings with parents and children to raise awareness about the importance of education.

Videos

Testimonials

M.,
age 26
“I had decided to go back to my anti-depressants before this (The Art of Living) course, but now I don’t need them. I will practice these techniques every single day for the rest of my life. I only hope other people are lucky enough to take this course. It has given me more help than I could have ever imagined possible. Thank you.”

Course participant

“I’ve been suffering from a loss of concentration, weak memory and extreme anger. Now I feel as if something heavy has been lifted from my back.”

Course Participant

“I found that this training of breathing is so useful and its benefit shows when I do it. I feel that my heart is stronger and younger. When I can’t sleep I just do the breathing and I feel energy in all parts of my body.”

Dr. Venus

“I feel peace with myself and have less stress. I think if I continue with the practice, this feeling of peace will continue to grow.”

M. Ali Bankat

"Before this experience, I was sad, depressed and starting to lose hope because of the situation here in Iraq. Now, after only four days, I feel confident in myself – happier, have hopes and dreams again and I feel that life is so beautiful. I have started to love everyone and physically I have much more energy and am able to do more things. I want to thank you very much for helping all of us feel better.”