Farm Kindergarten
planting seeds and watching them grow
SAMRID
Kerala has a high standard of education, which should translate into a better society. But instances of injustice are increasing, and there seems to be a disconnection from nature and from human values. What can we do to add to the educational environment to alter this? How can we teach and instil the importance of direct relationships among people and between people and nature, and through this to have an impact on the injustices? One aspect is to recognize that while technology is an important part of education and life, kindergarten is the time to develop the foundation for learning and of human values that will last a lifetime. By ingraining human values and the love of nature in children, they will have a humanistic and environmental foundation with which to learn technology at the appropriate age later and then use it to its best advantage.
With the Farm Kindergarten, we intend to address these current problems by providing a unique and meaningful kindergarten learning and teaching through organic farming, to educate children through agriculture and nature, and to build a lifelong appreciation of and connection to nature. The goal is to generate the interest and love for organic farming & agriculture directly and indirectly at the kindergarten level, and through this to their parents and impact society.
The organic farm setting also gives the opportunity to incorporate health into daily life with fresh, natural air, outdoor play, organic products to eat. Learning and experience the value and importance of proper nutrition is something else that will have lifelong effects on the children, parents and society.
All the kindergarten basics, such as colours, shapes, sizes, numbers, letters, health, habits, caring & sharing, as well as additional life values, can be taught through the farm as the classroom.
To create awareness among parents and society, the organic farm will welcome parents to stay at our organic – eco habitat by being part of our daily activities (at a reasonable price). This will also foster cultural awareness for the children.