Jain Digest 2007 11 1

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 41

JAINA and YJA Conventions. The curriculum for these two levels generally revolves around preparation for the presentation of these projects. This approach brings a new light to the material presented in earlier levels, and also gives an opportunity for the youth to come up with innovative methods to present the material to others. Level 1 through 4 students study prayers, stories, and other basics of Jain philosophy. Students also present dramas, skits, and musicals during cultural programs. Summer camps are held generally every other year at Siddhachalam. The project-based curriculum for the upper-level youth and numerous cultural programs for all students have helped to foster long-term bonds between Pathshala students and also their parents.
The landmark contribution by the Level 6 students was a multimedia presentation of the Tattvärtha Sutra entitled, "The Ancient Scripture Comes Alive," during the 1997 JAINA Convention in Toronto. Other major projects presented by the JCGB youth at JAINA and YJA conventions include, "Jain Rituals," "Comparative Religions," and a game show, "TicTac-Toe: Three Jewels in a Row." Over the years, the Pathshala staff has compiled the scripts for numerous dramas and skits, many of which are available on CDs and DVDs. We hope to put these materials on our website sometime in the near future. Contribution of JCGB's Pathshala To Jain Youth
Education
The first set of Pathshala books (Level 1, Level 2, and Level3) was published in the 1980s by JCGB and was basically a collection of Xerox copies from different sources. Considering a shortage of Jain educational material, these books become popular during that time and many Pathshalas used these books. A few years later, Dr. Ratilal Dodhia of the JCGB published another set of three books. His books also become very popular. One of the highlights of JCGB Pathshala program is the organization and hosting of the first Pathshala Teacher's Conference in North America in May 1998. The goals of this conference were to standardize the Pathshala curriculum, develop a plan for the publication of new high quality books, and to prepare plans for Pathshala teachers regarding how to effectively teach Jainism. This three day brainstorming conference was a groundbreaking event that achieved great success. Along with the JAINA president Dr. Dhirajbhai Mehta, 81 teachers attended the conference from different areas around the continent. For the conference, JCGB compiled and published six new books and reprinted five books for all of the age groups of Jain youth. The improved materials have been now complied and published by the present JAINA Education
Committee under the direction of Pravin Shah.
During the last few years, the JCGB Pathshala has published a number of booklets and audio CDs that have become very popular in North America.
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1. Jain Prarthanas for Youth (with transliteration and translation)
2. Shri Samayik Sutra for Youth (with transliteration and translation)
Level 1 Pathshala Lessons
Audio CD of Jain Prarthanas and Samayik compiled by the youth for the youth
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4.
JAIN DIGEST Winter 2007
5. A Play Audio CD of the five auspicious events in Lord Mahavir's life compiled by the youth
A Play - Audio CD of Lord Mahävir's past lives A Play DVD on Lord Adinath's life story Strengths of JCGB Pathshala
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7.
The JCGB Pathshala youth and staff have produced prominent and thought provoking programs at JAINA and YJA conventions throughout the past fourteen years. The 2006 YJA convention was successfully hosted by recent alumni of the JCGB Pathshala. The Pathshala staff consists of members from all sects of Jainism. Mutual cooperation and respect for one another has resulted in excellent teamwork. The JCGB Pathshala has no drop-out rate. Teaching Jainism to youth has become a rewarding and gratifying experience for the staff. the next generation of Jain youth. Our Pathshala has created lifelong bonds of friendship among
Swadhyay
The swadhyay group meets monthly and discusses topics based on study material from JAINA. Topics like Samayik, Pratikraman, and Tattvärtha Sutra.are discussed.
Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
Pathshala: 375 students, ages 3 1⁄2 to 65; Swadhyay: 60 adults ages 25 - 65
There are 9 age based classes meeting monthly. The criteria for curriculum selection is: Proper understanding of Philosophy, Jain rituals, Jain Holy Days, Application of Jainism in day-today life, How to live a Jain life in western culture, Jain prayers, and importance and incorporation of community service in curriculum. Progressively deeper and detailed discussions of the course material are addressed at upper levels, keeping in mind traditions from different sects. We see our students participate in other activities outside of Pathshala too. As a matter of fact four of our Pathshala graduates are now Pathshala teachers.
Our mode of teaching is interactive lectures, discussions, open forums, guest lectures, occasional student led teaching, homework, games, field trips, summer camps. We extensively use audio video and power point presentations for teaching. Some of our innovative ideas include field trips, open forums, active participation of parents, annual declamation contest, very active recruitment efforts.
shiksha