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RENAISSANCE IN JAIN EDUCATION
Ever since Sadhvi Shilapiji arrived in the UK four years ago, she was determined to help educate our children about Jainism and Jain values. With the cooperation of Veerayatan U.K. trustees and the Young Jains, the first school was launched in North London at Canons High School premises, with classes every Friday night. Today, some 200 children have enrolled. What is the secret formula behind such a resounding success? Why has Sadhvi Shilapiji succeeded where others in the past have failed? What does this mean for our future as a community here in the U.K.? These are the questions addressed in this article.
learning about Jainism because of their children. Mahatma Gandhi used to say that no community can call itself civilised if it cannot look after the well-being of its children. If we do look after our children, the rest automatically falls into place. If not, we will never attain lasting happiness.
Education is a basic necessity for human progress and development. In East Africa, our forefathers used their business success to build schools all over the country, and as a result of this, the UK Jain community is generally prosperous and successful today. When we came to the UK, the basic infrastructure of schools was already there, so there was no pressing need to build a network of schools. Instead, the need became one of retaining our culture, religion and values among young people, a task which requires a combination of vision, teaching ability, and financial resources. Without cultural identity, we would become totally lost in this world. Until recently, we did not have the leadership, will or determination to build such a Jain community school. We are now fortunate indeed to have Sadhviji here who has set us up on the road to great progress for the next generation.
The actual curriculum involves study of Jain history, development, philosophy, prayers and stories. As such ready material in English for such teaching is not easily available, so at present, it is being developed and taught at the same time. For example, prayers are written in English text (not translated) and the whole class sings at the same time. There are plans to organise and co-ordinate the syllabus, such that the material can be published and used more widely. The crucial thing to note is that the educational material is not developed in a vacuum: it is being tried and tested with our children at the same time, and this makes it very vibrant and relevant to the modern day. Contact is maintained with the Jain school in Nairobi so that the material and techniques can be shared. Nearly 200 children have enrolled in the Chandana Vidya Pith in Nairobi.
Every Tuesday evening, the teachers meet to prepare for the coming Friday, and obtain any feedback from the previous week. The lives of many of the teachers have been totally transformed after getting involved in the school. They have discovered a new joy in their lives, for what could be more fulfilling then conveying our heritage to the next generation? No amount of wealth can replace this fulfilment. Despite people leading very busy and hectic lives, many know that there is something missing, and want to do something about it, but lack the guidance and encouragement to do so. Sadhvi Shilapiji has high standards, but at the same time, she motivates and encourages everyone who wishes to get involved.
It is worth examining her teaching approach. All classes are conducted in English. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging children to ask questions, and the reasons behind everything is explained. Thus young people are not asked to follow blindly, but encouraged to criticise and question. In this way. their voices are heard, respected and never ignored. Young people everywhere love this approach because too often, elders tell them don'ts rather than do's, and rarely do they encourage questioning. For the teaching, Sadhviji involved anyone in the community who was willing to learn and committed to teach young children. She now has a group of 20 teachers, most of whom happen to be women. All the teachers work on a voluntary basis, and there are five additional administrative helpers.
future prospects for the school look very exciting. Already there is a similar school in South London. Jain philosophy is unique, profound, and worthy of deep study for everyone. It is likely that once the understanding is there, Jains will become much more committed to preserve their identity. A true Renaissance in Jain study is underway in the western world.
Are you a part of it?
In order to save time and effort for parents to pick and drop children, parent classes were also started, taught by Mr. Vinod Kapashi and Mr. Harshad Sanghrajka. To date there are some 90 parents who are
At present, the School has moved to new premises at Kingsbury High School, Stag Lane, Kingsbury, London N. W.9 and for further information, please call Mr. Mahendra Mehta on 0181-445 6625 (office hours).
July - September 1999 • Jain Spirit 21
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