Mosamat Budhiya Shiksha Nirman Sangathan

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SUMMER AT THE CENTRE

JUNE – JULY, 2021

This is an update on May and June at the MBSNS centre. Along with the regular study, Dhyan, and sports, the highlights for this month included a workshop for children on understanding good and bad touch and a parents learners (facilitators and students) meeting.

Focus on learning languages

The Hindi Class – In April, children started with reading simple Hindi text and learning to write summaries. In May and June, they began engaging with the language in new ways. Children prepared a song in Hindi, which they chose from the songs they had heard at the centre. They prepared the song ‘tu zinda hai toh zindagi ki jeet mein yakin kar’. They also prepared a play with Abhimanyu’s help. It had been over a month since the children moved into the centre, and they started missing their parents. Due to the covid protocol, children were not allowed to meet the parents while at the centre. Although they were allowed to call home on Sundays, a new activity of writing letters to the family was also initiated. Engaging in these activities gave children a sense of achievement, which they could be proud of. Their previous engagement around learning was restricted to just reading and writing, which did not give them that sense of achievement.

In these months, some concepts of grammar were also introduced like सर्वनाम and विशेषण (pronouns and adjectives). At the same time, working on phonetics is a continuous process as few sounds in regional language are quite intermixed in pronunciation like र (Ra) and ड (Da), स (Sa) and श (Sha).

The English Class- In April children learned the basics of phonetics and vocabulary building exercises in English. We made our first phonetic videos and completed all 26 alphabets by June.

In May and June, the two-hour English slot was reorganized into three parts – immersion songs, the introduction of a new concept, and reading or writing groups or games (depending on what children chose).

The children have come a long way since April. When they came to the centre, they knew alphabets and could read three-letter words without understanding the meaning. In these last two months, they now sing along a selection of 6 songs displayed on a projector screen. This repertoire of songs has 3-4 nursery rhymes like Old Mac Donald had a farm, to anthems like Imagine (by John Lennon), what a wonderful world (Louis Armstrong), the sound of silence (Simon & Garfunkel), and action songs like Ram sum sum. These two months focused on understanding and learning nouns, pronouns, verbs, prepositions, and other parts of speech through fun and interesting activities like charades and other games.

Parents Learners (Facilitators- students) meeting (PLM)

13th June was a special day. It was the first parents meeting at the centre. In some cases, both parents could not come due to financial constraints. For example, Jaikrishnaji could not come because he had to tend to the mango orchard, which they have leased this year. Reeta Devi and Hareram Bhaiya had similar financial constraints, while Sanjay Paswan has migrated to Bengal for work. In other cases, younger siblings came, enthusiastic and clingy, curious about their older sibling’s new home – The Centre.

The centre facilitators shared their idea of holistic education with the parents. Abhimanyu emphasized the need for parents to interact with teachers and caregivers, as this provided a two-way interaction and allowed for a common aim for their children. He shared how all children were bright and a joy to work with. He also reiterated that children enjoyed learning and there was more to learning than just memorization. Mithun further talked about the schedule at the centre and how each child followed the same and sometimes went over and above the schedule putting in additional shram daan (manual work) or study hours. He talked about pedagogy and interactions with respective teachers of English, Hindi, Maths, Science, and Computers. Sangeeta talked about children’s well-being and different learning styles.

Everybody, including children, parents, and facilitators, introduced themselves. This was followed by a skit that children had prepared as part of their Hindi class. Over the last two months, older children have written stories in their English class, which was also typed in their computer class. Each child chose one story which they read in English and then explained in Hindi. This was followed by the children giving their parents a copy of the compilation of stories named “Our First Book” and a letter each child had written to their parents in Hindi class. This session ended with children singing the song “tu zinda hai to zindagi ki jeet men yakeeen kar.”

After the children left, the parents and caretakers sat for an open session, in which parents gave their feedback and discussed their children’s wellbeing at the centre. Most were very happy to see that their children had adjusted well and did not want to leave the centre to go home. They were also impressed by the confidence they saw in their children. All of them were convinced they wanted their children to continue at the centre. We also discussed holidays and the academic calendar, emphasizing that we did not want children to take frequent leaves. Parents suggested holidays during the festive season, and together we have worked out a holiday calendar till 15th March 2022. Mandavi, one of the mothers asked if all parents should contribute to the running of the centre and it was decided that each would do what they can. For example, those who were daily wage labourers would try and give sharm daan at the centre; those with more stable incomes would try contributing financially; and those with farming would contribute in kind.

The Personal Safety Workshop

On 9th June, we organized a workshop on personal safety facilitated by Mithun and Abhimanyu. The workshop used a module from Arpan, aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. It introduced the idea of good and bad touch and explained the need to reach out for help from adults in their trusted circle.

Tree Plantation

Love is a special quality that children have, and their love has no boundaries. This thought is beautifully captured in a famous Hindi song “जो भी प्यार से मिला हम उसी के हो लिए” (becoming one with everyone who meets us with love). The centre has a patch for planting trees and a small plot marked for farming. From the very first day, children have loved the idea of planting, watering, and caring for plants. They have also found different levels of connections with the stray dogs, who have found a home at the centre, by petting, feeding and hugging them. This is their silent connection with nature – plants and dogs. A world dominated by the anthropocentric view has made nature peripheral to our existence; we hope children growing up at the centre will be able to find their connection with nature. It is with this thought in mind that children were part of a plantation drive this monsoon, taking ownership and responsibility of attending to one tree they planted.

And so it goes on … learning in and out of classrooms. In the spirit of holistic education, children continue to engage with physical exercises, sports like athletics, kho kho and kabaddi in the evening, and Dhyan. Though mostly the everyday shram daan involves cleaning and working in the field and caring for trees on campus, but sometimes children find creative ways of doing shram daan. For instance, Rani decided to be the centre barber, styling children’s hair. Not only was it a creative pursuit but it also meant we could limit the outside exposure of the centre inhabitants during these COVID-19 times- one hairstyle at a time!

We are available at Abhimanyu (9460969188) ashekhawat.16@stu.aud.ac.in kamayani (9771950248) kamayani02@yahoo.com, mbsnsbihar@gmail.com

January 2026: Welcoming 2026 in Jeevanshala’s unique way and a winter break

We welcomed 2026 with a joyful picnic under the gentle winter sun. Children and teacher-learners came together to cook, share meals, sing, and celebrate. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that learning communities are built not just in classrooms, but around shared plates, laughter, and time spent together. This spirit of togetherness defined the year’s beginning.

Welcoming 2026 with shared cooking and community spirit.

Meals shared together mark the joy of a winter picnic.

The first week also carried a deep moment of reflection. On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, children watched Phule and engaged with her legacy as a pioneering educator. What followed was especially moving — students wrote heartfelt letters to Savitribai Phule, expressing gratitude, dreams, and their commitment to learning. These letters reflected how history, when taught with care, becomes personal and transformative.

Focused writing sessions strengthen expression and confidence.

As the month progressed, Dr. Vasu and Dr. Aditya from Jan Swasthya Abhiyan visited the centre for an in-depth conversation on health. Children asked curious, thoughtful questions and worked through common myths around the human body and illnesses, strengthening their understanding through dialogue rather than fear.

Daily news reading became a regular practice, helping students slowly build awareness of the world around them. Special English grammar classes were introduced to strengthen written expression, with teacher-learners participating alongside students — reinforcing the idea that learning is a shared journey.

Daily news reading builds awareness and critical thinking.

To understand children’s learning curve better, we arranged for special assessment tests. Staying true to Jeevanshala’s philosophy, there were no marks or grades. Instead, teacher-learners held one-on-one conversations with each child during parent–teacher meetings, focusing on individual progress rather than comparison.

Thoughtful conversations deepen learning beyond textbooks.

The month ended quietly, as children headed home for a well-deserved break – carrying with them not report cards, but reflections and confidence.

December 2025: Exploring world cinema and celebrating Christmas at Jeevanshala

December unfolded at Jeevanshala like a thoughtfully crafted film—full of stories and reflection. As the year came to a close, learning continued to deepen, moving seamlessly between classrooms, conversations, and community life.

Cinema became an important window into imagination and expression this month. Children balanced regular lessons – making herbariums, learning new English words, and exploring concepts across subjects. A special film screening of the Oscar-nominated Chello Show was organised by the teacher-learners, which sparked conversations about dreams, childhood, and the power of storytelling among our students. Inspired by it, children reflected on the movies that have shaped their own imaginations, reminding us why exposing young minds to world cinema remains a core part of learning at Jeevanshala.

Children explore creativity together during art-based learning sessions.

Hands-on activities bring imagination and collaboration to life.

Learning continues outdoors in the warmth of the winter sun.

Health and hygiene also took centre stage. Through stories, videos, and everyday practice, children explored the importance of cleanliness and self-care. Younger children revised habits like brushing teeth and washing hands, while regular classes in maths, reading, and geography continued alongside these lessons. Older students balanced academics with music sessions, learning both online and offline.

December was also a time to look inward at social behaviours and beliefs. After Hindi lessons and playful English word games, children watched Ab Toh Sab Bhagwan Bharose, a sensitive film that explores inclusion, friendship, and community beyond religious divides. The screening opened up honest reflections, emotions, and questions. It highlighted how powerful stories can nurture empathy and critical thinking.

As the year drew to a close, Jeevanshala celebrated Christmas in its own joyful way. Children made decorations, lit up the mango tree, shared cake and pakodas, and created a festive atmosphere rooted in togetherness.

Jeevanshala celebrates Christmas with joy, cake, and togetherness.

December reminded us that education is not just about knowledge. It is about becoming thoughtful and caring human beings.

November 2025 : Students return to Jeevanshala

In the first week of November, children return to everyday learning at Jeevanshala after the festive break. Children came back refreshed, excited, and full of stories. They shared moments from their holidays – days spent fishing, playing cricket, visiting fairs, and enjoying time with family – bringing a sense of lived experience into the classroom

Regular classes resumed and the Centre quickly settled back into its energetic rhythm. Younger children participated in sessions on good touch and bad touch, helping them understand personal safety and boundaries in a sensitive and empowering way. Older students, meanwhile, explored ideas of leadership and collective decision-making by forming their own “parties” and writing manifestos on how they would govern Jeevanshala – an exercise that sparked debate, imagination, and responsibility.

Students settle back into everyday learning after the festive break.

Children engage in thoughtful discussions and collaborative learning.

A major highlight of the month was the visit by the team from Artist India, who conducted an immersive art-based learning workshop. Over several sessions, children explored art beyond paper and paint—through sound, touch, smell, movement, and materials from their surroundings. Working in groups, they created diverse projects: food stories rooted in memory, carpentry-inspired models, and even a house built using bamboo, grass, and natural materials. Senior students began the exciting process of developing their own short film, experimenting with storytelling, characters, and visuals.

Winter sunlight becomes a warm classroom for focused study.

As winter gently set in, learning moved outdoors. Classes were held in warm sunlight, making the most of open spaces. In a Saturday workshop, the Japanese animated film My Neighbour Totoro was screened and the children responded to it through drawings, discussions, and imagination. Younger children drew the things they love most from their surroundings, filling the space with colour and laughter.

Imagination comes alive through art, colour, and storytelling.

November was a reminder that learning thrives where curiosity, creativity, and care come together.

September 2025: Jeevanshala’s first-ever Science, Art and Craft Exhibition

September was a month of deep engagement, joyful collaboration, and powerful imagination at Jeevanshala. Learning moved far beyond textbooks as children explored ideas through role reversal, hands-on experiments, storytelling, and collective creation.The month began with a memorable Teacher’s Day celebration, where older students stepped into the role of Teacher-Learners and taught younger children. From history, English, maths, Hindi, to social science, classrooms were filled with energy, empathy, and responsibility. Around the same time, children watched Gattu, a film about dreaming big, and expressed their own aspirations by writing them on colourful paper kites. Younger children also performed thoughtful plays on bullying and teasing, with seniors guiding and supporting them—reinforcing lessons of kindness and solidarity

Older students stepped into teaching roles, celebrating Teacher’s Day with responsibility and empathy

Everyday classes continued with creative twists. Children discovered lesser-known Indian states through fun Hindi activities, explored grains and sand under microscopes in science class, and fifth graders learned about human evolution through engaging videos. Saturday workshops became spaces for children to express dreams through stories and drawings.

Students expressed their ideas and dreams through thoughtful artwork for the exhibition

A large part of September was devoted to preparing for Jeevanshala’s first-ever Science, Art, and Craft Exhibition. Children developed the habit of reading the news, designed card games on food and nutrition, and created collages to understand the climate crisis and the grassroots impacts of war. This preparation culminated in a vibrant public exhibition.

Children recreated historical and social realities through detailed model-making.

Across multiple sections, the exhibition showcased remarkable work: experiments on how heat affects iron and wood, how plants produce oxygen, the role of protein in food, and the harmful effects of smoking on lungs. Children recreated the Indus Valley Civilization while critically examining misinformation about history, busted myths around solar and lunar eclipses, and engaged parents through sensory guessing games.

Students confidently explained their science and social studies projects to visitors.

Parents engaged actively with children during Jeevanshala’s first Science, Art and Craft Exhibition.

The exhibition also featured powerful installations like Aaj ka Gaav and Be-Gham Gaav, where children imagined present realities and more just futures, alongside discussions on nutrition, healthcare, and environmental awareness. September stood as a testament to curiosity, courage, and learning rooted in science, art, and social consciousness.

After the exhibition, children went back to their homes with their parents to celebrate the festive season of Diwali.

August 2025: Celebrating Independence Day and a short monsoon break

This month at Jeevanshala was all about settling into the rhythm of the centre for new students, a 10-day monsoon break and creating unique systems for learning and growth.

Learning was truly in full bloom. Children strengthened their English-speaking skills, explored maths and science through hands-on activities, and engaged joyfully with lessons designed as games and experiments rather than rote tasks. Our newest students found their feet too, slowly feeling at home within the Jeevanshala community. Library time emerged as a favourite, nurturing a growing love for reading, while teacher-learners participated in reflective sessions on inclusive education to deepen their pedagogical practice.

Peer learning in action as students work together to solve maths problems.

The return of sweet Malda mangoes was met with delight, and children enjoyed art sessions using leaves and flowers near the Van Vibhag. Some Hindi classes even moved outdoors, under shady trees, reminding everyone that learning need not be confined to four walls.

Learning continues under the open sky, where nature becomes our classroom

Creativity blossoms as children create art using leaves and flowers.

Life skills continued to take centre stage. Through Jeevanshala’s unique child-led banking system, children learnt how to save, deposit, and withdraw money responsibly. Music, movement, and body-based workshops added rhythm and creativity to the weeks, encouraging expression and confidence.

Students confidently share their ideas during a collaborative learning session.

Children went back to their homes for a monsoon break to spend some time with their parents, friends and family in their respective villages.

The month also marked important milestones. Children returned refreshed and celebrated Independence Day with flag hoisting and the national anthem. A film screening of Mazhabi Laddoo led to meaningful discussions on secularism and harmony. National Scientific Temper Day was observed through a special science workshop honouring Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, where children questioned superstition and explored ideas through stories of Copernicus, Galileo, and Bruno.

Nutritious meals, evening sports like kho-kho, cricket, and football, and a joyful Saturday workshop designing imaginary restaurants rounded off the month.

July 2025 – Jeevanshala organised its first-ever cultural program

Through July, teacher-learners worked closely with children to strengthen their spoken English, helping them form full sentences and speak with growing confidence. Alongside academics, Teacher-Learners engaged with ideas of inclusive education through reflective readings from Adharshila.

Teacher-learners guiding children in a group activity to enhance spoken English skills.

Learning extended far beyond textbooks. Children relished Malda mangoes they had plucked weeks earlier, turning patience into a sweet reward. A unique children’s banking system introduced them to saving, depositing, and withdrawing money — nurturing early financial literacy. Our friend Rimjhim joined us online to teach our students in early music skill and began preparing a children’s choir. And for Saturday’s workshop, Nidhi from Ikmann Foundation led a fun body-mapping activity that helped kids understand how movement benefits their bodies.

July also brought emotional transitions and celebrations. The Jeevanshala community bid a warm farewell to teacher-learner Priyanka, with children sharing heartfelt memories of learning Maths and Science from her. A week went into the preparations for Jeevanshala’s first ever cultural program for which children prepared dances, songs, and theatre — including adaptations of Andher Nagri Chaupat Raja and Premchand’s Eidgaah. The month culminated with the vibrant Cultural Program. Children performed with confidence, older students anchored in Hindi and English, and parents watched proudly — many for the first time. It was a powerful reminder that education, when rooted in care and creativity, truly transforms lives.

June 2025 – Learning under the tree and in open air

June at Jeevanshala was a vibrant month of learning that moved seamlessly between classrooms, playgrounds, trees, and community spaces. The month opened with children diving into hands-on activities that blended creativity with curiosity. Children participated in a bunch of things apart from academics from cleanliness drives and waste-to-art projects to counting pebbles under trees and learning English in the open air. Art, colour, and imagination flowed freely as children painted their favourite things and explored history through Bharat Ek Khoj.

Students engaged in a lively outdoor learning session under the shade of trees, showcasing the dynamic learning environment at Jeevanshala.

A total of 15 new children joined Jeevanshala to start a new session and it was a journey to gently push them to open up and engage in the Jeevanshala way of learning. Students, young and old, learnt languages through playful methods, while teacher-learners prepared new entrants to confidently stage short plays on friendship, education, and sports for their saturday workshop. One of the most memorable learning moments came when children climbed mango trees, plucked raw mangoes, and turned them into tangy pickles — a lesson in teamwork and learning beyond textbooks.

Children engaged in a playful math activity using colorful beads at Jeevanshala.

The month was also marked by joyful milestones: Students received new shoes which brought them big smiles, they learnt maths through games and poems, and colours came alive through creative activities. Storytelling flourished after they watched the Oscar-winning film Flow, as part of one of their Sunday binge inspiring children to write and share their own imaginative stories.

Children engaging in a collaborative learning activity using chalk and leaves, fostering creativity and teamwork at Jeevanshala.

Physical movement and science went hand in hand, with mornings filled with sports, seed-sprouting experiments, geography quizzes, and hands-on science lessons. The month culminated in powerful nukkad nataks on social and environmental issues, alongside experiments on refraction, solar energy, and magnetism — reinforcing Jeevanshala’s belief that learning is most meaningful when it is active, collective, and rooted in real life.

Children engage in a hands-on science experiment, exploring concepts of light and shadow with magnifying glasses and everyday objects.

May 2025 – Welcoming New Students to Jeevanshala

May 2025 was a vibrant and meaningful month at Jeevanshala. Our learning spaces were filled with curiosity, creativity, and collective joy as children engaged in a wide range of academic, artistic, and outdoor activities. Through group learning, individual practice, and guided sessions with teachers, the children continued to grow not only academically, but also emotionally and socially. At Jeevanshala, we believe learning thrives in an environment of care, freedom, and participation. This month beautifully reflected that belief.

Students and teachers at Jeevanshala celebrating creativity and camaraderie in May 2025.

Art and creative expression remained a strong focus throughout the month. Children spent time drawing, coloring, and experimenting with shapes and patterns. These activities helped improve concentration, fine motor skills, and self-confidence, while allowing children to express their thoughts freely. Each child worked at their own pace, supported by facilitators who encouraged exploration rather than perfection.

Group learning sessions played a key role in building communication and listening skills. Children sat together in reading circles, shared books, discussed lessons, and supported one another’s understanding. These sessions fostered cooperation, patience, and peer learning—essential foundations for lifelong education.

Children engaged in a group learning session, fostering communication and cooperation at Jeevanshala.

Learning extended beyond the classroom walls as children engaged in outdoor play and exploration. Activities such as climbing trees and playing together strengthened physical coordination, confidence, and teamwork. Outdoor time also gave children space to connect with nature and with one another in joyful, unstructured ways.

Children engaging in outdoor play by climbing trees, fostering physical coordination, confidence, and teamwork.

Teachers and facilitators continued to guide structured learning sessions, ensuring that every child received attention and encouragement. Older children supported younger ones, reinforcing a sense of shared responsibility and community care. These sessions reflected Jeevanshala’s commitment to inclusive, child-centered education.

Children engaged in a dynamic group learning session outdoors, fostering collaboration and communication skills under the shade of a tree at Jeevanshala.

April 2025 – Year ends on a high note with a Patna trip

In April, Jeevanshala halted operations for a Spring Break for the children, but before they went back to their homes, the senior children were beaming with energy for an educational trip to Patna that we organised for them. The younger ones went back home with their parents after the Parents-Teachers Meeting, and a total of 15 senior students, along with the Teacher-Learner (TL) community, packed their bags and got on a train to Patna for an excursion around the city. They visited the Bihar Museum, where they were most excited about the children’s section for its many interactive exhibits and audiovisual (AV) aids. Among the many places they visited were the book fair at the historic Gandhi Maidan, Sri Krishna Science Centre, the zoo, the planetarium, and ending the trip with a mesmerising cultural programme. It was a trip of many firsts for the children as they witnessed the first elevator of their lives, saw rare animals for the first time at the zoo and saw science in action at the Science Center.

Heading to Patna… forst ever train journey for many

While Jeevanshala was on vacation-mode, our teacher-learners Sangeeta, Priti, Rashmi and Suman didn’t take a break and continued their support for the Ambedkar Center – located in the Safai Karamchari Basti of Araria. It is a vibrant informal learning space where children left out of formal schooling system come to learn, sing and play.

Children at the Ambedkar Centre also celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14 with great gusto. Social activist Tanmay joined them for a special session, sharing stories of Ambedkar’s life and his vision for equality and justice. With bright eyes and loud voices, the children sang songs of equality and chanted slogans of fraternity and constitutional rights.

The TL team also actively participated in reorganising assessment resources, books at the library and making it ready for the children to embark on new learning journeys. TLs also went to the marginalised neighbourhoods near the Jeevanshala to distribute leaflets and create awareness on the importance of education for young children and enrol a new batch of students at Jeevanshala.

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July, 2023 – Ending the semester with a PTM!

As we headed for our break in July, the Parents-TL Meet (PTM) was a major event. We try to meet parents atleast twice a year, at end of a full semester, to talk about the childrens’ learning level. One part of the PTM involves a collective discussion reinforcing for both the parents and children that what we learn at the Jeevanshala, does not remain at the Jeevanshala, infact it is meant to be taken with us, to our villages, and to our lives. The second part of the discussion involves the need for parents to be sensitive to the child and not fall into old habits of scolding, hitting and blaming children for all things that go wrong in our lives. From encouraging healthy eating patterns to practicing non-violent behavior toward children, are shared and reemphasized for the parents and the children are part of this discussion. After this collective conversation the TLs sit separately with each parent, with the children alongside, discussing the children’s individual level in each subject and how they are dealing with collective living.

Meeting parents individually during the PTM …

The two weeks that we had for learning with the children before the break, we had the usual fair of classroom learning, sports, board games and visitors. This month we had one special guest, Sri Shailesh Diwakar, who was the Sub Divisional Officer, at Araria and dropped in to meet the children, before he was transferred from the district headquarters. He inspired the children to think of ways to make the world a better place for everyone. The children had many questions for him including why their village was without roads and why their was corruption in the police stations, but most importantly they could ask him questions without hesitation and its this confidence that we pride ourselves in.