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Cherry Hill, Jain Saugh Pathishala
Growth and Success!!
As teachers, we are very proud to be involved with the Cherry Hill Jain Sangh Pathshala. Our Pathshala, like many, started several years ago with a few children. Over the past few years, the number of enrolled students has grown rapidly to nearly 70! Fortunately, we have many talented volunteers with invaluable skills, like having a thorough knowledge of Jainism and the ability to develop creative techniques to make learning thorough and enjoyable.
This rapid growth did not come without some pain. The dramatic increase in the number of classes (and students per class) created a shortage of teaching space. The growing participation by students, their families, and teachers in Sangh activities amplified the inability of the existing facilities to meet our needs. The Executive Committee and Board of Trustees published a 'Needs Document' in which these shortcomings were listed, along with a vision of the future. After presentations and discussions, the Sangh membership embraced the concept of expansion to meet our growing needs.
An open, unbiased process was used to start the conceptual design. Membership input was requested and their comments were incorporated. The result of this was the overwhelming approval of the project by the Sangh membership. Importantly, and thanks to the hard work of the fundraising committee, the project was approved with nearly 85% of the -$1,000,000 budget already secured. Sangh members completed the design, construction management, and supervision for the project. The new building includes 5 Pathshala rooms, a Swadhay hall and stage, a kitchen and dining hall. The hard work of all the volunteers (EC/BOT, Sangh members, and Donors) was apparent on December 16-17th, the Grand Opening Ceremony. During the 2-day ceremony we were proud to have the Pathshala kids demonstrate their talents, especially what they had been learning in class.
Our students, who range in age from 3 to 16 years, are divided into five classes according to their age, each taught by several teachers. Pathshala takes place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Last year the teachers revamped the class curriculum to better fit the students' age groups. We referenced JAINA and other Pathshala curriculums. Each of our class' syllabuses was designed to cover a period of 2 to 3 yrs and minimize repetition. So, as a student progresses from one class to the next, he or she will always be learning new information. Our
Jain Education International Dedma mesa
Jain Digest Summer 2007
curriculum includes Jain Philosophy and Sutras. We have a separate sutra class for ages 9 and up, while for younger students, they are incorporated in their curriculum.
The teachers are free to adjust individual class programs and/or use creative teaching techniques, making their task enjoyable and gratifying. We believe much of our success is the result of having regular teachers' meetings. Here, we openly discuss current issues and consult with each other to keep our Pathshala successful.
We believe simply preaching Jain Philosophy may disinterest students. Instead, we use hands-on Derasar activities
including Kesar Puja, Ashta Prakari Puja, making Ghawli and Saathiyo, in addition to games, arts and crafts, and songs. One of teachers has found it helpful to conduct 5 minutes of Dhyan (meditation) before beginning class. Another teacher has found doing (1) Navkarvali before teaching Sutras helps little kids to concentrate and be attentive. For the 5-6 year old class, the class teachers compiled a reading book that includes Jain topics and Jain images. This has proven to be very important in helping kids of this age understand Jain philosophy. Some students maintain bi-weekly logbooks entitled "Practice of Jainism in Real Life." They record when they do Navkarvali, avoid wasting food, bow to their parents, help parents with daily chores, read about Jainism, and more. Most classes save a few final minutes to play informational games on Jain Philosophy.
We make all the students aware of the major Jain festivals including Aymbil ni oli. Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan. But to help understand what they are all about, we get them involved; for example doing Chauvihar for (1) hr for Paryushan. Every year we celebrate Diwali. All the students perform kesar pooja and decorate their "diva ni thali" for Samuh Aarti.
To reward the students' hard work, we organize annual picnics like Chaitraparipathy to nearby temples. Recently, we had a "Cherry Hill Jain Pathshala" logo competition among the students. The winning logo was printed on T-shirts given to all the students, and are worn during Pathshala.
Each class makes an end of the year project that we proudly display during the Cultural part of our Anniversary Program. Last year we created three-dimensional models of Trisla Mara's 14 Swapnas.
Recently, a speaker from P.E.T.A. (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), presented information on cruelty to animals and what we can do to help rescue them, and at least be aware of all the food ingredients and clothing materials
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