Gyan Anant Vidyalaya - Initiative by Mobius Foundation
Gyan Anant Vidyalaya was conceptualized and realized in 2020 as one of the two educational projects by the Mobius Foundation group to impart knowledge in an environmentally sustainable approach. Located in the rural area of Hapur, near Village Atrouli, the school boasts a diverse design. The school reflects its unique aim of instilling, inspiring, and addressing the crucial yet arduous task of environmental responsibility.
Gyan Anant Vidyalaya instills education in rural areas by raising awareness about environmental issues. A school is a place that inculcates values and skills to ensure a well-rounded and holistic development in children. Taking an example from nature, it sows new ideas that germinate and develop roots, growing tall and sturdy in the face of adversity. It is a one-of-a-kind space that encompasses the entire universe of knowledge. School addresses an environment in which creative minds congregate, interact with one another, and construct visions of new realities. Many notions of truth and wisdom are challenged and imbibed in this pursuit of knowledge.
Non Formal Learning
The following list of pedagogies will be opted for some of the types of ‘nonformal learning’ activities that can take place through teaching the curriculum and extracurricular activities:
- Group work/ Teamwork
- Student presentations
- Competitive activity
- Lessons designed by students
- School trip or an overnight stay
- Outdoor activities
- Work in the community/Social work
- Mentoring or support from older students
- Work according to written instructions (e.g., a worksheet)
- Long-term project work
- Hosting guests
- Work experience
Nonformal learning will help in Building Character, which could be looked at building base of three character ‘capabilities’:
- Application, or ‘the ability to concentrate, discipline and motivate oneself to persist with and complete a task.’
- Self-regulation, or ’emotional control and emotional resiliency – an ability to bounce back from disappointment, conflict and distress’
- Empathy, or ‘an ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes – and to act in a way that is sensitive to other people’s perspectives.’
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities will include music bands, sports (indoor and outdoor), student newspaper, literary, social service, acting & drama, music (vocal and instrumental), cultural activities. These are the Strong pillars of building a ‘positive attitude’ in an individual. A list of enrichment activities from the following broad categories of extracurricular activity can be outlined:
- Sports activities (like team or individual sports)
- Creative activities (like art, dance, drama and model-making)
- Volunteering or social action (helping out your community, maintaining cleanliness in the school campus and its surroundings, doing things for charity)
- Outdoor activities (like visiting wildlife sanctuaries, hiking, camping, and trekking)
- Deliberative activities (like debating societies, a model UN, youth parliaments or school elections)
- Uniformed activities (like NCC, Girl Guiding and Scout, traffic controlling or similar organisations)
Extracurricular activities will play the main role in the moral character framework for Character Education in Schools, which will include four core dimensions of ‘character’:
- Moral virtues such as courage, honesty, humility, and gratitude
- Civic virtues such as service and volunteering – the moral virtues acting in society at large
- Intellectual virtues such as curiosity and critical thinking
- Performance virtues such as resilience, application, and self-regulation
With Added Focus On Integrating The Skills Of:
- Perseverance, resilience, and grit (through the visits to heritage sites and giving the children the feel of our rich culture)
- Confidence and optimism (by encouraging them to participate in debates and open forums)
- Motivation, drive, and ambition (letting their creativity and imagination flow miles ahead by activities-based competitions in arts and science)
- Neighbourliness and community spirit (adopt a village/visits to orphanages and old homes, teaching and caring for poor children)
- Tolerance and respect ( team building activities and games)
- Honesty, integrity, and dignity (project-based activities and work)
- Conscientiousness, curiosity, and focus (Yoga, Meditation, and value education)
Apart from different activities and skills, the school will emphasise civic education from the beginning to develop the feeling of nationalism by providing instructions about Government history, law, and governance and discussion on current/local/national/international issues. The respect for the national flag, national song, national property, and leaders who sacrificed themselves for the country will be imbibed in the children.
To know more go to: gyananantvidyalaya.org