Education

A Revolution for Education

Free School Education Programme

Imagine a world in which children from rural areas, tribal areas and slums are able to free school education. Well, imagine no more. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has set up more than 117 free schools in the tribal and rural belts of India where child labour and poverty are widespread. 10,000 children benefit annually from the education imparted by the free schools. Children are not only provided with free education but also skills which will enable them to go forward in life. Read more

117 free schools
Tribal, rural and slum
12,639 children benefitted

Our Vision

Our schools provide free, value-based education in a stress-free student friendly environment that:

Enables the students to discover their inner talents and to blossom to their fullest potential
Broadens the vision and deepens the roots of the students by enabling them to appreciate the cultural heritage of their own country and yet have a global vision

Free Schools

The Art of Living’s free schools are located in various rural, tribal and slum areas across India. Each school has its own set of challenges based on the geographical and cultural set-up of the land and its people.

Some areas are extremely remote, surrounded by forests and no roads or electricity. In some of the places, the children are more familiar with guns than soap! The need to impress education and schooling, as a means towards a future is imperative.

In rural areas which are more accessible, parents prefer to send their children as domestic helpers or to the farms to earn a few rupees, rather than opportune them with an education. This is even more so for a girl child. It is common practice that when she turns 14 she gets married, by 20 has 5 children, has no education behind her, no money and furthermore no self-confidence nor self-esteem.

Slums have their own set of challenges. Located in the hearts of cities, the disparity between the urban and slum dwellers is a constant impression on young minds. Lack of availability of free education forces them to look for other means to earn the quick buck. Drugs, violence, alcohol, tobacco are easier to come by than books.

These facts have made it pertinent to broaden our vision and deepen our roots by bringing education to each child in need.

The Art of Living volunteers, inspired by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have laid the foundation and created structures to facilitate this vision of free education to children in such areas. Starting from awareness campaigns to providing free transportation, uniforms, mid-day meals, books and accessories, building free schools in the remotest of areas, a revolution has begun - a revolution in school education!

Education - Newsletter

Vol 1
Vol 2
Vol 3
Vol 4
Vol 5
Vol 6
Vol 7

Videos

Testimonials

Triveni
Another student, who passed out from school in 2003
I studied in the school without paying any contribution. I was also given scholarship for 2 years to pursue higher education. Teachers not only supported me academically, but personally as well . The school, without expecting anything in return, has given me a lot.

Triveni, student, who passed out from school in 2003

I studied in the school without paying any contribution. I was also given scholarship for 2 years to pursue higher education. Teachers not only supported me academically, but personally as well .The school, without expecting anything in return, has given me a lot.

Induja, Student, SSVM School

I am studying in 4th standard. My father’s name is Muthukumar and mother’s name is Manimeghalai. My father has a tea stall and my mother is a house wife. My favorite subject is mathematics. I am the class first rank holder. I like this school very much and teachers are also teaching well. In future I want to become a computer engineer.

Rohan Bhansali, Volunteer and Investment Banker, J.P.Morgan Chase

Respectful and playful, disciplined yet naughty. The students of SSRVM Dharavi have it all. Their potential should reap wonders.Being with them is fun! I sometimes wonder if I give to the children even half of what they give me.

Saroj Srivastav, Sub Divisional Magistrate

I am overwhelmed after seeing the school. The all round growth of the children is very satisfying.