|
|
2024
Background
Living Values Education India constantly strives towards a wider outreach to all sections of the community. The passionate volunteers associated with us are the backbone of our projects. Our strategy is to continuously invest in people who have demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm, unwavering faith and dedication to create a values-based society. We are appreciative of their commitment and determination. They are a beacon of hope in a world of conflict and unrest.
Download a pdf of this full report here.
Professional Development Workshops
LVE-India hosted two professional development workshops in January/ February 2024 for:
- 24 teachers of Udaya Public School (UPS), Ayodhya; and
- 27 teachers from 27 schools each in South Goa.
The experience of both the workshops was tremendous. All the teachers vehemently voiced the need of such workshops to foster a culture of peace, respect and unity in the school and within the families. We were able to draw huge cooperation from Sangath (a Goa-based organization that fosters child development and physical and mental health of young people), Udaya Public School, Ayodhya, and Adarsh V.V. high school, Goa, to conduct both workshops successfully. We anticipate that the sowing of seeds of human values through 2 these workshops will be a springboard for more such LVE initiatives in the future. We continue to nurture these seeds through regular interactions and meetings, helping them to bloom into beautiful trees.
Here are a few glimpses of the workshops!
Living Values Education (LVE) at Udaya Public School: A Collaborative and Creative Approach
Duration: February to September 2024
Location: Udaya Public School, Ayodhya
Goal: To create a vibrant school environment that fosters positive values and empowers responsible, engaged learners.
Introduction: The Living Values Education (LVE) programme at Udaya Public School was implemented to cultivate a nurturing atmosphere where students learn to embody and share essential values. Our goal was to engage students actively in their education while fostering responsibility and empathy. This report outlines the collaborative efforts of our LVE teachers, detailing the strategies and activities implemented to create a values-driven community.
Teacher Selection Criteria:
To ensure the effectiveness of the LVE programme our senior management selected teachers based on specific criteria to participate in the training programme. The chosen educators demonstrated:
- Creative Approach: Candidates displayed innovative thinking and the ability to integrate LVE principles into their classes.
- Empathy: Teachers were assessed on their ability to connect with students, understanding their needs and fostering an inclusive environment.
- Enthusiasm: A passion for teaching and a proactive attitude towards student engagement were essential qualities.
- Eagerness to Learn: Selected educators showed a willingness to grow professionally and embrace new methodologies.
These criteria ensured that the teachers who became LVE facilitators were well-equipped to implement the programme successfully.
Collaborative Planning
Teacher Integration
Our LVE teachers, who were trained by Ms. Helen Sayers and Ms. Indu Gupta - both integral to LVE at an international level, facilitated planning sessions that enabled them to seamlessly incorporate LVE principles into the existing curriculum. They implemented the programme independently, focusing on generating creative ideas that enriched lessons without adding extra workload.
Interdepartmental Collaboration
Teachers from diverse departments - including Science, Humanities, and Arts - came together to collaborate on projects that embedded values in their subjects. This interdisciplinary approach ensured a holistic integration of LVE across the school.
Activities to Foster Positive Values:
Teacher-Led Activities Promoting Empowerment - Our LVE teachers organized a series of activities aimed at instilling empathy and kindness in students.
Empathy and Kindness Activities:
- Empathy Mapping, Gratitude Circles, and Kindness Chains were conducted to cultivate compassion and gratitude.
- The Empathy Game - Walking in Others’ Shoes involved activities like the Bus of Kindness and A Meal Shared, encouraging students to appreciate different perspectives.
Living Values Projects:
- Students created cards and posters reflecting on their values, followed by group discussions.
- Initiatives like Ship of Values focused on spreading positive values within the community.
- The Sharing is Caring project reinforced the significance of helping others.
Unlocking Potential Buddy Pairing:
Students were paired to support each other academically and emotionally, fostering a sense of community. Values in Action: Real-life scenarios allowed students to apply their learned values in practical contexts.
School-Wide Engagement Activities:
Value-Based Tools
- Visiting Cards Activity: At the beginning of the year, this activity encouraged junior students to build personal connections within the school community.
School Environment & Well-Being Initiatives:
Cleanliness and Hygiene Campaign:
Students actively participated in promoting cleanliness through campaigns that emphasized proper waste disposal. Integrated lessons on personal hygiene taught self-respect and consideration for others.
Recycled Art Project:
Students engaged in creating art from recycled materials, which fostered environmental awareness and encouraged resourcefulness among young learners.
Social Media & Art Integration:
The school’s approved social media platforms were utilized to showcase student participation in various activities, while values were woven into music, painting, and other forms of art, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.
Additional Activities:
Acknowledging Student Achievements Our LVE teachers recognized and celebrated random acts of kindness and positive behaviours. This initiative focused on highlighting students' qualities without fostering competition, reinforcing a supportive community spirit.
Conclusion:
The Living Values Education (LVE) program at Udaya Public School has successfully created a positive, collaborative, and value-driven environment. Through the dedication of our LVE teachers, engaging activities, creative projects, and active student participation, we empowered learners to become responsible individuals. The emphasis on kindness, empathy, and teamwork has contributed to the holistic development of our students, laying a strong foundation for their futures. This initiative continues to shape a nurturing school community where positive values are lived, shared, and celebrated every day.
Glimpses of Activities:
Card and poster making activity
Cultivating empathy and kindness activity
Ships of Values, Sharing is Caring
Living Values Sessions at Puvidham School, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu
Vasupradha Venkatkrishnan, initially accredited as a LVE Distance Facilitator, attended a TTE in Goa. A corporate consultant, she has a deep interest in addressing the emotional needs of children. She has designed Groawesum, a programme which focuses on building resilience, growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and kindness in children.
Her voluntary association with the Puvidham Rural Development Trust enabled her to integrate values in the classroom of its alternate school. She teaches social and emotional learning to the online/ home schooling children associated with it.
Puvidham is a registered organization with focus on 'Education for Sustainable Living' offering a humane and child-centred education environment for children, integrating the principles of sustainable living, minimalism, environment protection, water conservation and soil preservation while implementing effective organic farming techniques, design and construction of Eco-Buildings, Art, Craft and Green Product Manufacturing.
The organisation does not believe in traditional teaching methods, instead, it strives to create a learning environment that sparks curiosity, inspires children to ask questions, seek answers, and engage deeply with their learning environment. This approach ensures genuine understanding and retention, far beyond mere memorization from textbooks.
Theme: Active Listening and Values Education Date: 01 June, 2024
Location: Puvidham School, Dharmapuri
Facilitator: Vasupradha Venkatakrishnan
Introduction: On 1st June, a session on 'Active Listening' was conducted at Puvidham School, Dharmapuri, for a group of parents as part of the Living Values Education initiative. The objective was to provide experiential learning on how active listening can make a child feel loved, valued, respected, understood, and safe. Methodology The session was designed to be interactive and experiential. Parents were paired up and asked to sit facing each other. They were given a set of prompts to guide their conversations. The aim was for them to experience:
- Being interrupted.
- Receiving unsolicited advice.
- Not being listened to attentively.
- Being ignored.
- Being criticized.
Each of these experiences helped the parents reflect on the effects of these common behaviours on their children.
Key Insights:
Many parents had 'Aha' moments during the session when they realized that, often, their interactions with their children mirrored these negative behaviours. The experiential format helped them see the impact of such behaviour first-hand and how it can undermine a child’s sense of being loved, valued, and understood. Parents expressed that the session was eye-opening, and they appreciated the learning experience.
Feedback:
The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Parents highlighted the experiential nature of the session as something that made the concepts of active listening and emotional support memorable and practical. Many stated that the session would change the way they approach conversations with their children.
________________________________
Life Lessons from Ganesha
Theme: Ganesha & Values
Date: 07, Sep, 2024
Location: SEL & EI - Online Class
Facilitator: Vasupradha Venkatakrishnan
Life Lessons from Ganesha:
A special session was created for the kids with a worksheet for Ganesh Chaturthi. This worksheet integrated Living Values Education principles with the cultural significance of the festival. Students explored Ganesha’s attributes and each attribute was inspired by a core value. This activity sparked a great deal of engagement from the children, who were able to reflect on the values associated with Ganesha and how they relate to their own lives. Below is the snapshot of the content along with the inspiration:
1. Always Think Big - Ganesha’s big head teaches us to always think big, believe in ourselves, and dream big dreams. With determination, we can achieve amazing things! Inspired Living Value: Responsibility - By thinking big and setting ambitious goals, we take responsibility for our growth and the impact we wish to create.
2. Listen Attentively - Ganesha’s large ears remind us to listen attentively, understanding others better by listening more than we speak. When we pay close attention, we build stronger friendships and learn from one another. Inspired Living Value: Respect - Listening attentively shows respect for others' thoughts and feelings, strengthening relationships and cooperation.
3. Always Focus - Ganesha’s large ears remind us to listen attentively, understanding others better by listening more than we speak. When we pay close attention, we build stronger friendships and learn from one another. Inspired Living Value: Peace - Staying focused helps us achieve inner peace, as we complete tasks without distractions, leading to a calmer mind.
4. Embrace Flexibility - Ganesha’s long trunk symbolizes flexibility and adaptability. Just like him, we can adjust to changes and find new ways to succeed. Inspired Living Value: Tolerance - Flexibility teaches us tolerance, as it helps us embrace change, adapt to new situations, and understand different perspectives.
5. Resilience - Like Ganesha, we can be strong and keep trying, even when things are tough. Every problem has a solution, and we can find it with determination. Inspired Living Value: Happiness - Resilience leads to happiness, as overcoming challenges gives us a sense of fulfilment and joy in our accomplishments.
6. Seek Wisdom - Ganesha is super smart and loves learning. He reminds us to explore new things every day. Books and knowledge are treasures for our growing minds. Inspired Living Value: Honesty - Seeking wisdom encourages honesty with ourselves, as we recognize the value of learninand strive for personal growth.
7. Humility - Ganesha’s broken tusk teaches us humility. It’s okay to make mistakes; that’s how we learn and grow stronger. Inspired Living Value: Humility - Humility helps us accept our imperfections and continue learning without ego, fostering a sense of simplicity and understanding.
8. Respect for Parents - Ganesha loves and respects his parents, just like we should. Our parents are our superheroes, and they deserve our love and respect. Inspired Living Value: Love - Respecting and valuing our parents reflects the deep love and unity within families, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Active Listening session was a valuable learning experience for both the parents and students. Parents appreciated the hands-on, reflective approach to understanding active listening, and the Ganesh Chaturthi worksheet was well-received, providing cultural and educational enrichment.
________________________________
Living Values Sessions at Peace Cottage, Goa
Peace Cottage is a resource center for Living Values Education. It is an eco-friendly building, which harmonizes with the Goan landscape. Eleanor Viegas, the generous owner of Peace Cottage and a LVE veteran, hosts a session every month. The objective of these sessions is to help LVE facilitators to delve deeper into one of our core human values. The ambiance of Peace Cottage gives everyone an opportunity for deeper self-reflection. The experience of peace, love and joy helps LVE facilitators and other friends to be emotionally resilient to navigate the challenges of life with ease. The outcome of these sessions is deeper engagement in life (as well as in LVE!).
Theme: Value of Peace
Date: 27 February, 2024
Facilitator: Anjsecia Rodrigues
Session Overview:
LVE session at Peace Cottage on February 23, 2024, facilitated by Anjescia Rodrigues, centred on cultivating inner peace and fostering harmony among participants.
Key Insights:
Through shared reflections and guided practices, each member - Godeliva, Percy, Eleanor, Brenda, and Anjescia - experienced a deep connection with the understanding that peace is an intrinsic part of human nature.
The group discussions emphasized how embracing peace can enhance both personal well-being and collective happiness. Participants reflected on the transformative power of inner peace, noting that it not only calms the mind but also nurtures compassion and patience in everyday interactions. By practicing mindfulness and meditation, the group explored how to remain grounded in moments of stress or conflict, reinforcing the idea that peace begins from within.
Feedback:
Percy shared how being peaceful helped her navigate challenging situations with more grace, while Brenda expressed gratitude for the clarity and relaxation she found during the sessions. Godeliva and Eleanor both emphasized the importance of making peace a daily practice, integrating it into their routines to create lasting positive change.
By the end of the workshop, participants felt more empowered to spread peace in their communities, recognizing that a peaceful individual can inspire a peaceful world. Overall, the event was a meaningful step towards bringing people together to create a more harmonious and compassionate society.
________________________________
Theme: Staying Strong
Date: 24 April, 2024
Resource Person: Eleanor Viegas
Session Overview:
On a hot sultry Goan summer day, Jaqueline, Percy, Anjescia, Yu and Yvonne came together to listen to Eleanor Viegas at Peace Cottage Betalbatim in Salcete, Goa, delivering an engaging talk on the theme of "Staying Strong." With grace and wisdom, she seamlessly wove Living Values into her discourse, prompting participants to embark on a journey of self-reflection. Against the serene ambiance of Peace Cottage, attendees delved into profound discussions on values such as simplicity, humility, freedom, love, responsibility and peace.
Key Insights:
Eleanor's presentation encouraged participants to explore their strengths, skills, and traits, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their potential. Through moments of silence and introspection, attendees connected with the core principles of resilience. The collective atmosphere of contemplation and camaraderie enriched the experience, inspiring attendees to embody the values discussed.
Eleanor's talk inspired personal growth by emphasizing the significance of universal values in developing inner strength. It exemplified the profound impact of thoughtful exchange and communal reflection, lifting each other up and cultivating a culture of cooperation, resilience, and harmony.
________________________________
Theme: Humility
Date: 12 June, 2024
Resource Person: Eleanor Viegas
The session started with reflection and participants were asked to express their thoughts on Humility.
Q. What is Humility?
Participants shared how humility is based on self-respect. With self-respect there is knowledge of one’s own strength. With the balance of self-respect and humility there is an acceptance and appreciation of one’s qualities from the inside.
To understand humility, they looked at the opposite of humility which is ego and arrogance. They concluded that humility does not boss. When someone is behaving in a bossy way, they may have fear and insecurity inside. They felt that the one who has humility does not demand respect, and there is a natural expression of love and regard.
________________________________
Theme: Happiness
Date: 3 August, 2024
Resource Person: Eleanor Viegas
There was a small group of three in this session. Participants explored happiness through fun activities. They laughed and made drawings of each other with a smiling face. After a reflective exercise they concluded that happiness is a value inherent in all. Happiness increases by maintaining a positive outlook and having feelings of gratitude and forgiveness.
Feedback:
Nandini shared that it was very refreshing and rejuvenating to be a part of such a fun filled discussion. She also loved her portrait.
________________________________
Theme: Celebrating World Values Day with a workshop on Simplicity
Date: 17 October, 2024
Facilitator: Brenda D’Cruz
Session Overview
Brenda D’cruz, a LVE facilitator and teacher in Manovikas School, Goa volunteered to conduct a session on Simplicity in celebration of World Values Day. The session was attended by six friends, who come regularly to get drenched in the fragrance of love and respect in the peaceful ambiance of Peace Cottage.
Key Insights:
The beauty of Simplicity was emerged by interacting and sharing a thoughtful reflection by each participant.
Simplicity is not only to be felt from within but also lived fully to inspire and inculcate the value in others. A great learning happens when inspiration is taken from the experiences well lived by our ancestors and enlightened wise messengers such as Mother Theresa, Jesus and Mahatma Gandhi and various deities worshipped worldwide.
Brenda demonstrated how all the values are connected to this one value, particularly honesty, humility, love and gratitude. Participants were asked to share how Simplicity was helping them bring changes in their life.
________________________________
LVE Workshop for JBCN International School, Mumbai
Theme: Orientation of LVE
Date: 14 October, 2024
Location: JBCN International School, Parel, Mumbai
Facilitator: Toral Shah
Session Overview
A Living Values Education orientation workshop for leaders and teachers of JBCN International school, Parel (Mumbai) was organised on October 14, 2024. Around 35-40 participants attended including school principal, teachers from all sections and others from the senior management of the school.
The objective of the workshop was to orient the school management and teachers about ALIVE International and give them an experience of Living Values.
Methodology:
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Visualization Exercise
- Reflection
- Discussion
- Games
Key Insights:
The values activities session enthused participants. It gave them a new and positive perspective to deal with situations in the classroom as teacher or a parent at home. It gave them an opportunity to reflect on and experience peace, love and joy in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. It was something new, something to give them an adrenaline rush!
Feedback from Teachers:
- Teachers are often more concerned about academics of their students while it is equally important to focus on their behaviour.
- We know about all these values but are we actually living them!?
- Explore, Experience and Express values is the first step.
- To slow down and take some time out for self-reflection and journalling daily.
- Teachers felt calm and comfort during the visualisation exercise.
________________________________
Living Values session at Damodar College, Goa
Date: 18 September, 2024
Location: Damodar College
Facilitator: Godeliva Gomes
Session Overview:
A Living Values session was conducted for 45 BBA students of Damodar college as a part of psychology of adjustment subject where it was skill-based activities, process of knowing oneself. Sessions were conducted in relation to values at the work place too.
________________________________
Action plan for the year 2025
- Udaya Public school, Ayodhya will continue incorporating LVE in their curriculum through creative ideas
- Vasupradha Venkatkrishnan will continue incorporating LVE in Puvidham School through offline and online sessions
- Monthly LVE sessions at Peace cottage
- Fortnightly LVE sessions for parents and teachers at JBCN International, Parel (Mumbai) for one year
- LVE workshops for a grass-root NGO, Ibtada in Alwar (Rajasthan)
Conclusion
Living Values Education India, through its multifaceted approach has expanded to five states of India. The adoption of the programme by Udaya Public School, Ayodhya and alternate school, Puvidham has increased the visibility of the programme. We are very delighted to introduce LVE to JBCN International School, Parel (Mumbai). They have acknowledged the need of such intervention with the parents and the teachers to foster a culture of peace and respect in the school. The unique approach 'Explore, Experience, Express' has helped everyone think out of the box. We hope to expand to more states next year as more passionate volunteers join us along the way.
________________________________
January - June Activities
We are delighted to publish this Living Values Education activity report shared with us by Udaya Public School, Ayodhya. It is heart-warming to see children engaging in creative activities around values, helping to lay a strong foundation for promoting a culture of peace, unity and responsibility in the school.
These are just a snapshot of the report. We invite you to view the full video report on our YouTube Channel here.
Living Values Educators training - February 5 & 7, 2024
Living Values Education India acknowledges Percy Cardozo (Project Lead, Inclusive Education Projects, Sangath), Genesis D’Silva (Manager, Adarsh V.V. High School) and Svetlana Borges (Principal, Adarsh School) for their support in bringing together 27 teachers from 27 schools around South Goa for a two-day experiential workshop on creating a values-based atmosphere. The workshop took place at Adarsh V. V. High School on 5 &7 February 2024.
This collaboration enabled us to sow the seeds of LVE with its unique approach ('Explore, Experience, and Express' our universal values) and offering ways for the teachers to creatively introduce values in their teaching.
Sangath is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation with primary focus areas in child development, adolescent and young health, and mental health.
Through various reflective activities, games and small group discussions, teachers explored the needs of a child and how to create a values-based atmosphere, contributing to the holistic development of a child. The sessions on active listening, conflict resolution and lifeskills provided teachers with tools to deal with some of the many challenges they face - in their personal development, and in their interactions with children and parents.
LVE India trusts that the experience of this unique workshop will remain etched in the teachers’ hearts forever and will serve as an impetus for more such LVE workshops in the future. Through this beautiful collaboration with Sangath and Adarsh V.V. High School, we envisage further sowing of the seeds of human values in the schools of South Goa which will bloom into beautiful trees contributing to the overall human development index of Goa.
We invite you to view the full video report on our YouTube Channel here.
Noticing each others qualities through their words and their eyes
Sharing and discussing visions
Discussing the basics needs of a child
Activity in active listening
Activities to develop harmony, cooperation, attention, discipline and coordination
Living Values Educators training - January 29-30, 2024
Living Values Education - India is pleased to present a video report showcasing a successful two-day teachers' workshop held in partnership with Sangath (a Goa based organisation that fosters child development and physical and mental health of young people) and Udaya Public School in Ayodhya on 29-30 January 2024. The workshop centered on the experiential approach of Living Values Education, focusing on self-reflection through the 'Explore, Experience, and Express' method and offering a transformative experience for educators.
During the workshop, teachers engaged in a variety of activities designed to deepen their self-awareness and understanding of Living Values Education. They explored children's needs, discussed the qualities of effective educators, and highlighted the importance of parental involvement, fostering stronger connections with students and nurturing a positive learning environment. Interactive sessions and discussions provided educators with the tools necessary to establish a values-based atmosphere conducive to children's holistic education.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed motivation and readiness to embark on a journey of personal development and to empower their students with essential life skills and values.
The collaboration between Living Values Education - India, Sangath, and Udaya Public School in Ayodhya has laid a solid foundation for promoting a culture of respect, compassion and responsibility in the field of education in India.
We invite you to view the full video report on our YouTube Channel here.
Train the Educator Course, India
LVE Methodolgy: Explore, Experience, Express
Creating a Values-based learning environment: What are the basic needs of a child?
Reflect on the attitudes and actions we can use to fulfill this need of our children / students
2023
Living Values Education Activities in Goa, March 2023
Helen Sayers's visit to Goa was an enriching experience for all. She interacted with teachers and NGO representatives who were eager to learn more about Living Values Education.
LVE workshop for staff at the Bookworm Library, Panjim, Thursday 2 March
Established in 2005, this is an award-winning library and registered non-profit organisation promoting stories and love for books. 'Our vision is to inspire and develop a love for reading as a way of life, nurturing humane engagement in every girl and boy'.
Feedback
It was an enjoyable workshop held by Helen Sayers on living values education which helped us a lot. The manner in which the session was conducted allowed us to reflect deeply on several values. The introductory 'visiting card' activity allowed us to interact with each other and share how we feel about another person and the qualities we observed in them. I also appreciated a creative exercise which enabled us to think about values using the parts of a tree as metaphors for certain aspects of our lives. There is a lot of potential to explore this segment in the school.
Follow-up workshops for facilitators who attended TTE training workshop in 2022
Several TTE participants came together for a number of half-day workshops at Peace Cottage, a beautiful venue where they were warmly invited by host Eleanor Viegas who has been supporting LVE activities for over ten years. The sessions were designed to reinforce the skills and application of values that had been explored at the TTE, to encourage participants to share their experiences in the field, and to provide additional support and imagine new horizons together.
Feedback
The session at Peace Cottage on 3rd March was an in-depth learning experience. Sharing of a variety of challenges faced professionally and in daily life were discussed. Values contribute to provide us with the required strength, spark and positive energy to overcome and face difficult times. Helen shared values-based anecdotes, stories and experiences that were extremely inspiring, empowering and motivating. The reflection time was a treat and a great boost, energising us from within. We left the session feeling valued and enriched.
Brenda D'Cruz - LVE facilitator
The workshop I co-facilitated with Helen gave me an opportunity to reflect on my personal values observe how I am applying them. I experienced a safe and supportive environment and felt encouraged to share my thoughts and experiences without fear of judgement or criticism. Overall, living values sessions have been an enriching and rewarding experience for me , helping to deepen my understanding of my own values and develop practical skills for living those values in my daily life.
Anjescia Rodrigues - LVE facilitator
The LVE workshop touched base with our communication skills and how we can consciously work on improving them. We learnt that having values-based communication skills is highly likely to promote positive health for ourselves as well as for those around us. The practice session highlighted how a non-productive conversation can develop when we give too much advice, ignore, interrupt and criticise the other. The reverse is possible when we listen and speak with respect. The quality of our communication is directly linked with our own state of mind and vulnerability at the moment. Repeated practical sessions (started at Peace Cottage and then at home) drove this fact into my consciousness and I could mindfully guide myself in a positive direction and see my own values developing and changing the dynamics of any communication. The fantastic take home message from the workshop with Helen and Eleanor was that a Better Communication with others improves our own self-confidence and self-worthiness.
Jacqueline Fernandes - LVE facilitator
Helen asked us to spend time in silence in the garden looking for things that interest us and connect them to ourselves. Since I was attending the session with Nasya, my daughter, I could not move around the garden so I observed a tree and connected it to the different areas of my life: Roots being the values I have been brought up with and that I believe strongly in, moving deeper into the areas (soil) where I could get more knowledge (nutrients) to develop; Bark being the support system - my family and even Eleanor (Peace Cottage) which helps me stay strong and flourish; Stems - spreading my wings to different areas of life and spreading knowledge, guidance, love and values to others around me (moving towards different directions), it also resembled my students taking the knowledge ahead into the space and flourishing. The leaves are something that provide the tree with food - so this is related to LVE and my mentors who provide so much in terms of resources and help (food to our soul, mind and heart) that keeps us going; Flowers and fruits - the goals and achievements that we accomplished, the raw ones to remind me that I still need to grow in some areas to ripen (shine or be experienced) in those areas as it will require more time. The one that could not ripe or fell from the tree - giving me hope for improvement and accepting my failures; the buds - those dreams and achievements that are bidding up; the ones I need to be ready for as they could bring me new challenges, my dreams and achievements that I still need to work on and start planning to turn them into reality.
Anisha Rodrigues- LVE facilitator and coordinator
2022
Train the Educator Workshop
For teachers, consultants, NGO representatives.
When: 24th - 25th September 2022
Conducted by: Living Values Education- India
Supported by: The Association for Living Values Education International (ALIVE)
Venue: Coconut Groove Beach Resort, Goa
Download a copy of the workshop report here
2018
Living Values Programme for School Students in Tuticorin
May 2018
PALMS is a soft skills training organisations based in Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, India, providing a range of training services to Corporates, Professionals and Students in the region.
We regularly organise Summer Camps for School Children and this year we organised a Summer Camp based on the Living Values Education programme, between 16th and 19th May 2018, at PALMS Centre, Tuticorin. It was a 3 day programme, planned for the children of ages 8 to 14.
We decided to cover the 12 Values in 3 days. Each day we covered 4 values. Each session was for 90 minutes with refreshment and lunch breaks in between. We made it totally activity based so that the children could engage in the learning process, which would help them to better imbibe the value.
To do this programme we involved a mix of professionals such as Teachers, Doctor, Lawyer, Entrepreneurs and home makers, who would be in a position to handle these sessions. We were lucky to find a number of them to volunteer to be a resource person. We had a resource team of 9 people and 4 people to play a supportive role. We had a few preliminary discussion meetings, to make sure the programme shaped out well in a holistic manner.
Day 1 - 16th May 2018
1. Peace - Ms. Ramya
2. Respect - Ms. Rajeevi
3. Love - Ms.Meena
4. Tolerance - Ms.Ramya
Day 2 - 17th May 2018
5. Happiness - Ms.Vani
6. Responsibility - Ms.Rajeevi
7. Cooperation - Ms.Divya
8. Humility -Ms.Vigneswari
Day 3 - 18th May 2018
9. Honesty - Adv.Sornaltha
10. Simplicity - Ms.Jeyanthi
11. Freedom - Dr.Nirmala
12. Unity - Ms.Meena
The following teaching methodologies were adopted:
- Group discussions and presentation
- Questioning
- Role Play/ Drama
- Games/ Activities
- Story telling
- Songs, Music and Dance
- Drawing
- Chart paper work
- Visualisation exercise
- Video clippings
- Minimal use of powerpoint presentations
We had 24 participants and we formed them into 4 groups of 6 each (age wise). Each group was assisted by a resource person.
We had a token system, to motivate the student to participate fully. Each token value was 100 points and we said the group that gets the maximum tokens will get a prize, at the end of the three days. This made the students to actively participate in all the activities.
The programme was well received by the students and the feedback was very positive. It was an overall enjoyable learning experience.
D. Senthil Kannan
Director, PALMS
2015
India: Living Values Education Workshops in Bangalore, Gadag and Jaipur
"A two-day workshop in late January was held at Inventure Academy, a prestigious school in Bangalore, with 25 primary school teachers," reported Uma Sridhar, the Focal Point for Living Values Education in India. "It was great fun and a creative learning experience. Rekindling the dream exercises brought out some fantastic imaginative dream schools with very good sharing on best teaching practices. Active listening was an eye opener for many and was very well received. The participants reflected honestly about their own listening skills and were determined to work on it. The teachers were also keen on creating a kindness culture in the classrooms and school after a session conducted on bullying. The school is contemplating including values sessions in its curriculum."
Another Living Values Education Workshop was held the 11th and 12th of April at Bala Vinayaka Vidhyaniketan in Gadag, Karnataka State. Mrs. Sridhar reported, "The workshop was at a small upcoming school with very enthusiastic teachers intent on learning how to create a loving and nurturing learning environment. The teachers started off a bit inhibited to speak due to being unfamiliar with expressing themselves in English, but soon overcame this by combining English with Kannada, the local language, once a fun, encouraging and non-judgmental atmosphere was established.
Games were played, stories and experiences were shared followed by reflections. What really impressed me was the beautiful and convincing way value activities were undertaken by the participants. Each group came up with historical stories to enact a value. New skills and insights were the take away. The workshop days were two happy, fun-filled learning days with the teachers determined to make their classroom learning a joyful experience."
A creative four-hour workshop with the theme "Empowering Ourselves to Empower the Youth" was organised on the 11th of April for TAABAR with the support of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation in Jaipur. Ms Shahina Parveen, the Project Director of TAABAR, spoke of the work of the organization in the field of effective child care services. Participants from the organization included teachers who teach at Day Care Centres being run for deprived children in various urban and suburban areas of Jaipur, counsellors and day wardens who are engaged in institutional care services for children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with law and project officers and project coordinators who shoulder responsibilities of implementing and managing the project as well as human resource. Facilitated by Helen Sayers, an Living Values Education International Trainer, and Indu Gupta, an Living Values Education Facilitator in India, they engaged participants in an introduction to Living Values Education, a value awareness session, and an active listening skill-building session as a precursor to conflict resolution. Participants were also asked to reflect on one of the key constructs of Living Values Education's Theoretical Model, that is, when we create an environment in which each young person is loved, respected, valued, understood and safe, we are empowering them to move toward their potential. Thank you TAABAR and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation for your work for young people and your love for values.
Read the full report of this workshop with TAABAR
2014
Living Values Education Workshop in Tuticorin Uses Theater of the Oppresseds
In Tuticorin, 30 educators from ten schools participated with great enthusiasm during a two-day Living Values Education workshop, 23 and 24 August. They were open to learning and contributed with their experience. Inspiring stories were shared and the teachers were highly motivated to bring about positive changes in their classrooms.
Uma Sridhar, the Focal Point for Living Values Education in India, reported, "We tried out the Forum Theater from Theater of the Oppressed for the first time to address the issue of bullying in schools and found it to be very effective. Many teachers are seeing it in their schools and were eager to try it out in their respective schools. The LVE skill-building segments were found to be very useful and were much appreciated. The rekindling the dream exercise was a lot of fun for the participants who turned child-like to draw and color."
2013
Living Values Education Workshop at the Podar International School in Bangalore, December 2013
An Living Values Education workshop, led by Uma Sridhar, was held on 23 and 24 December 2013 at the Podar International School in Bangalore. It is an upcoming school with about 550 students.Twenty teachers participated in the workshop.
The teachers took part in the workshop with great interest and participated in the activities with zest and enthusiasm. The values activities served as good bonding exercises and also helped the teachers to interact well with each other at a different level. Some of the issues the teachers were facing were addressed and solutions suggested.
Interestingly, the workshop made the teachers aware of their behavior at home and how they could better deal with family concerns, especially with their own children. After the skills segment on the first day, many of them went home and tried out a different behavior which was very positively accepted. The teachers returned a happy bunch the next day! Theystated that they would continue to make positive changes and be more appreciative of the family.
The workshop ended in high spirits with an exchange of Christmas gifts, appreciation of each other and warm hugs. It was a lovely beginning to the Christmas holiday.
Joy and Practicality - Living Values Education Workshops in Bangalore and Indore, September 2013
"We had an amazing Living Values Education Workshop on the 24th and 25th of May at Bright Beginnings at Whitefield, Bangalore," wrote Uma Sridhar, the Focal Point for LVE in India. "It was an invocation for the teachers before the start of school year. The energy was astounding, with teachers participating with enthusiasm and zest. There was lots of sharing and exploration of individual values. The teachers were given value activities to do in the form of skits, mind mapping and using hands to demonstrate the values of Love, Respect and Honesty for children aged 3-6. These highly motivated, creative teachers were interested in learning how to inculcate values into the little ones with fun, laughter, music, skills and all the tools LVE has to offer.
The conflict resolution methodology was well received and tested. The teachers felt it could work well with children to diffuse tension. The Active Listening segment made the teachers reflect on their own behavior. They realized how involuntarily they use the blockers and stoppers which affect active listening. There was so much love and bonding for the new and existing teachers by the end of the workshop. Solutions and some changes for the school were discussed and will be tried out. We created a LUVRS (loved, understood, values, respected and safe) environment and went home happy and in high spirits."
The Indore Living Values Education training was held from June 3-5th with 28 participants, including teachers, parents and youth, and was organized by the Submission Society, a social welfare organization.
It was a fabulous experience with lots of sharing, bonding and learning. There were youth stepping into work life and some just graduating from school. The age was no barrier for them to actively participate and interact with the older participants, settled in life and work. Some of the parents were surprised at how articulate the youth were and confident about their values.
One mother tried out the conflict resolution with her children and shared with us at how well it worked on the last day of the workshop. Some found active listening sessions to be an eye opener as they reflected about their own way of responding and listening. Others found the sharing immensely satisfying as it gave them the opportunity to talk and listen in a value based environment.
The workshop ended on a high note with lots of laughter and joy with the promise of implementing it in their daily lives and work.
A wonderful experience!
Chandigarh Living Values Education Workshop, August 2013
An Living Values Education workshop was held at St. John School for all the teachers of Junior and Senior School with the total number of participants over 90. The school has an impressive values program in place with very dedicated and motivated teachers.
The Values exploration session was very interactive with teachers actively sharing their views along with the activities undertaken at various levels at school. Active listening segment was well received. The Tower building activity showed the enthusiasm of the teachers and the fun they had at it.
The teachers went back from the workshop a happy lot and with appreciation for each other. It was a great opportunity for the Junior and Senior school teachers to get to know each other and bond. It was a lovely experience for the facilitator as well.
Living Values Education Training Bangalore, May 2013
"We had an amazing Living Values Education Workshop on the 24th and 25th of May at Bright Beginnings at Whitefield, Bangalore," wrote Uma Sridhar. "It was an invocation for the teachers before the start of school year. The energy was astounding with teachers participating with enthusiasm and zest. There was lots of sharing and exploration of individual values. The teachers were given value activities to do in the form of skit, mind mapping and using hands to demonstrate the value of Love, Respect and Honesty for children aged 3-6. These highly motivated, creative teachers were interested in learning how to inculcate values into the little ones with fun, laughter, music, skills and all the tools Living Values Education has to offer.
The conflict resolution methodology was well received and tried out. The teachers felt it could work well with children to diffuse tension. The Active Listening segment made the teachers reflect on their own behavior. They realized how involuntarily they use the blockers and stoppers which effects active listening. There was so much love and bonding for the new and existing teachers by the end of the workshop. Solutions and some changes for the school were discussed and will be tried out. We created a LUVRS (Loved, Understood, Values, Respected and Safe) environment and went home happy in high spirits."
Living Values Education Training Indore, June 2013
An Living Values Education training in Indore was held the 3rd, 4thand 5th of June with 28 participants. Organized by the Submission Society, a social welfare organization, the workshop included teachers, parents and youth. Mrs. Sridhar wrote: "It was a fabulous experience with lots of sharing, bonding and learning. There were youth stepping into work life and some just graduating from school. Age was no barrier for them to actively participate and interact with the older participants, settled in life and work. Some of the parents were surprised at how articulate the youth were and how confident they were about their values.
One mother tried out the conflict resolution with her children and shared with us at how well it worked on the last day of the workshop. Some found active listening session to be an eye opener as they reflected about their own way of responding and listening. Others found the sharing immensely satisfying as it gave them the opportunity to talk and listen in a value based environment.
The workshop ended in a high note with lots of laughter and joy with the promise of implementing it in their daily lives and work.
A wonderful experience!
An Living Values Education Workshop in Lucknow brings skills, insights and happiness
"We wove the magic of Living Values Education during the workshop that left us warm, happy and glowing by the end," wrote Uma Sridhar, Living Values Education's Focal Point for India. "The training was held at a lovely place with lush green gardens filled with all kinds of trees and flowers. I also spotted peacocks!
Twenty mentors, caretakers and teachersof the organization COME took part in the training. They were from Delhi, Lucknow and Ghorakpur Homes. Most of them had rural backgrounds and were not sure what to expect. Initially they were reticent to share their views, as women culturally do not speak up especially in front of men and strangers, but by the end of the first day, they had dropped their inhibitions and were actively taking part. There was much laughter and amusement at the games we played which they felt turned them into kids again!
Rekindling the dream with the visualization of a dream school was wonderful and also touching. Most of them drew schools with big playgrounds and lots of greenery and teachers being attentive and caring. One of the young teachers from a village drew toilets! A basic facility which is taken for granted and yet a luxury for a village school.
The active listening exercise brought about considerable awareness of one's own behavior and the participants practiced the communication skills with great interest. The tower-building challenge was a big hit; they were very enthusiastic and went all out, demonstrating fantastic team work and cooperation.
The conflict resolution model was new to them and they were eager to try it. They felt it would help children calm down and try to resolve issues peacefully. Mind mapping was seen as very useful for bringing clarity about values and anti-values and its effects on self and other others. It was found to be simple and effective for children to understand.
Many specific questions related to the current problems faced by the Homes were discussed. Many new measures are going to be put in place.
The workshop was a wonderful success and I am truly blessed to be a part of Living Values Education. I would like to add one comment from a young participant after the Rekindle the dream visualization. She said she was surprised how she could reproduce her dream in a drawing. If said that if she could do it on paper, she could do it in her life too! It gave her so much confidence in herself. It was a wonderful moment!"