Category: Integral Education

Gardening sessions this term started in the classroom with children sitting quietly, listening to a rendition of Frédéric Chopin’s ‘Waterfall’.  Then we made a list of what plants need to grow and thrive. Going outdoors into the garden I picked leaves for the children to smell – we smelt the leaves of mint, lavender, spearmint, rosemary, and nutmeg pelargonium.

At the worm farm children stood on chairs to watch the worms, and feed them vegetable peels, apple cores, kitchen scraps and water. I was able to quickly identify helpers who were keen to help manage the worm farm! Composting and planting of vegetable and herb seedlings are activities lined up for the end of February.

Children were then introduced to the Peace Garden and learnt that this corner of tranquility was a safe space to take a break when they were feeling upset or feeling sad. They held the smooth stones and figurines in their hands and watched the sun dance off the glass mosaic that is mounted on the wall. Before going in for snack time we all sang ‘blessings on the blossoms’ which the children enthusiastically recited, together with the hand gestures. Creativity and wonderment is born from our five senses therefore children need to be out in nature as much as possible.

The first term has started with our two classes, a total of 22 children settling into the daily routine with boundless enthusiasm! Sunflower class has welcomed a new group of 3 -4 year olds. Class assistant Juliet helped each one find their place around the classroom table to enjoy their first breakfast together.

Grade R class made the most of the sunny weather last week and walked to the park with teacher Nushfeekah and class assistant Ntombi. The daily attendance in both classes has been very encouraging. Parents are making an effort each morning to get their children ready in time for when our educare driver Danny arrives to fetch them.

A successful Parent Teacher Meeting was held this week with most parents attending. It was an opportunity to educate our parents about primary healthcare and child development. They were encouraged to stimulate their children at home with simple and practical home programs.

 

This year 4 of our most vulnerable children start their formal schooling in Grade R at Heatherdale Primary School in Athlone. To assist with their transition into the new system Colt has committed to their parents and the Principal of Heatherdale to provide the children with uniforms, stationery and daily transport to school. Working hand in hand with the children’s parents and their new Grade R teachers the staff and volunteers at Colt will be supporting the 4 families as much as possible.

If you are able to assist with school supplies and uniforms, or wish to volunteer in 2022 kindly contact Mala Maitri Makan on 084 9194864.

If you wish to make a donation please follow the link http://colt.org.za/donate/

Kindly note that the name of the Colt bank account has changed to Children of Light Educare Trust. The Bank account number and branch remain unchanged.

Bank:  Absa (savings account)

Name:  Children of Light Educare Trust

Account No:  93 2207 3615

Branch:  632005 (Claremont)

Kindly email your contact details and proof of payment to Devi at info@colt.org.za

Today we celebrated our Advent Festival, and graduation of our Grade R learners.  A proud moment was to see some of our children, who have been with Colt since it started, don their gowns and enter the festival spiral to extinguish their candle. We have witnessed them overcome challenges and grow in confidence. Today we honoured their progress! It was a joyous and proud morning for all our children, parents, teachers and Colt friends.

           

 

A Spring Family Day in Newlands Forest was thoroughly enjoyed by Colt children and parents on Friday. We found a beautiful spot under a canopy of trees with large rocks close by for the children to play on. Being surrounded by nature like this has a nurturing effect on both adults and children.

We formed a large circle  for Yoga exercises and after some stretching and breathing we lay on our backs to look up at the canopy of trees, watching how the wind played with the branches and leaves. Everyone joined the forest walk alongside the river, and then we created mandalas. After our lunch and beverages we slowly walked back to the school bus for the trip home.

COLT children were so excited to be back when the Educare opened for the third term 2021. The healing routine of the Educare daily program makes them feel safe and happy, and keen to learn.

Teachers maintain a predictable and nurturing timetable which allows the children to relax and calmly get on with their activities. Priyanka visited today and took these photos that capture the heartfelt essence of the children’s expressions.

       

 

 

 

At the COLT AGM last month our speaker, Swami Vidyananda, spoke on the topic ‘Yoga in Education’ from the aspect of ‘Yoga is Education’. He highlighted that to educate is to facilitate the process of bringing out the innate intelligence, harmony and happiness in that person. Education is derived from the Latin word, “educe” which means, “to bring out or develop” not fill with information, which is the current way in most schools. The so called ‘norm’ doesn’t work in Yoga; education is a communal process and everyone is involved, not just the pupil.

Yoga is not separate from education. Yoga guides our every step and if we manage to bring a child’s potential to the foreground, we are doing well. Even if a child is at COLT for a short time, they might benefit now, maybe not now, maybe not even in this life time, but the next. There will be growth, like in the roots of the tree.

Young people entering the working environment get influenced easily, they might struggle with relationships in work and personal life. Ethics and morals were not part of their education. This is how corruption in the workplace can start.  If they were exposed to Yoga in their education, they would be emotionally stronger and handle their working environment and other aspects of their lives with more respect, integrity and harmony.