WHY WE STARTED THE GREEN EDUCATION
Welcome to our Green Education initiative, a response to the undeniable truth that Mother Earth is suffering, and as humans, we bear a substantial responsibility for this plight. From pervasive pollution in the air, water, and soil to the alarming issues of ozone depletion, biodiversity loss, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change, our planet faces an imminent crisis. The very soil that once fostered the growth of civilizations is now under threat of extinction, echoing the urgency of the challenges we confront.
Despite the severity of these issues, it is disheartening to observe the prevailing lack of awareness among our younger generations. Our society grapples with concerns such as food insecurity, nutritional deficiencies, and water scarcity, placing an additional burden on an already fragile environment. Civilization began with the profound discovery of farming, yet today, the farming community, which played a pivotal role in human development, is distressed and marginalized, on the precipice of extinction.
This dire situation is exacerbated by the inadequacy of the modern factory-schooling education system in addressing these critical issues. Governed by competition and comparison, this system breeds fear, extinguishing individuality and creativity.
The joy in learning is lost, rendering it obsolete in the current age of information. Moreover, there is a profound disconnect with nature and the Earth.
Enter the solution: Forest School.
Contrary to its name, a Forest School is not confined to a forest nor adheres to the traditional concept of a school. It is a perpetual learning space for all residents and visitors alike. As J. Krishnamurti eloquently stated, a school should be a place where both teacher and student explore the totality and wholeness of life, delving into the outer world of knowledge as well as their own thinking and behavior.
In the Indian context, Forest School is not a new concept. Before the Mughals and the British, every Gurukul was akin to a forest school. It is not merely a summer program; it embodies a philosophy where children find innate joy in learning naturally, on their own. Our aim is not to teach them but to provide a space where they become passionately curious about the world around them. Join us in reimagining education, fostering a connection with nature, and cultivating a generation that is not just aware of environmental challenges but is actively engaged in creating a sustainable future.