Sathya Sai Education
The five human values (Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, and Non-violence) are the basis of the Sathya Sai Education (SSE, formally known as the Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Programme). SSE is the medium through which the Sathya Sai Organisation provides development of these five values for children. According to Sri Sathya Sai Baba, when these values are developed, good character manifests, which is the ultimate aim of education.
SSE classes have been held in Fiji in since 1972. Currently, there are 10 Centres and Devotional Groups all over Fiji. SSE is regularly held in the form of Sunday Classes, which include various age groups and involves the use of stories, quotations, silent sitting, bhajans, group singing and group activities. Through these methods, participation children achieve the following:
Children from ages 4 to 17 are training in various activities that incorporate the core teachings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to help develop right thinking and actions, to purify their minds, and to kindle and develop their conscience. Our world today is facing very challenging times with corruption, crime, and poor ethics, and the SSE program is geared to provide sufficient resources to children to grow up as law-abiding and highly moral and ethical people, who may become our future leaders.
At the end of every year, the SSE students are provided with certificates of participation, and special awards to those who have displayed excellence in their participation during the program over the year.
THE INSTITUTE OF SATHYA SAI EDUCATION – FIJI
This Institute was established in June 2006. A proposal to the European Union (EU) provided justification for the need to include a human values curriculum in the education system to train future citizens to be committed to the moral foundations of democracy. Tolerance, equality, peace, human rights, truth, non-violence, respect, freedom of speech and regard for the laws of the country including accepting election results were values needed for true democracy to thrive. The EU accepted the proposal which involved developing resources and training programs to enable teachers of primary and secondary school to offer a structured values education program in their schools.
SSE classes have been held in Fiji in since 1972. Currently, there are 10 Centres and Devotional Groups all over Fiji. SSE is regularly held in the form of Sunday Classes, which include various age groups and involves the use of stories, quotations, silent sitting, bhajans, group singing and group activities. Through these methods, participation children achieve the following:
- Ability to differentiate between right and wrong
- Spiritual transformation
- Develop good habits and self confidence
- Bring forth the attitude of selflessness and service to humanity.
Children from ages 4 to 17 are training in various activities that incorporate the core teachings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to help develop right thinking and actions, to purify their minds, and to kindle and develop their conscience. Our world today is facing very challenging times with corruption, crime, and poor ethics, and the SSE program is geared to provide sufficient resources to children to grow up as law-abiding and highly moral and ethical people, who may become our future leaders.
At the end of every year, the SSE students are provided with certificates of participation, and special awards to those who have displayed excellence in their participation during the program over the year.
THE INSTITUTE OF SATHYA SAI EDUCATION – FIJI
This Institute was established in June 2006. A proposal to the European Union (EU) provided justification for the need to include a human values curriculum in the education system to train future citizens to be committed to the moral foundations of democracy. Tolerance, equality, peace, human rights, truth, non-violence, respect, freedom of speech and regard for the laws of the country including accepting election results were values needed for true democracy to thrive. The EU accepted the proposal which involved developing resources and training programs to enable teachers of primary and secondary school to offer a structured values education program in their schools.
Chairman of SSIO visiting the Institute
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The ISSE worked closely with the Ministry of Education to provide teachers with materials and guidelines on Human Values to help teachers. The Institute developed eight handbooks for teachers consisting of lesson plans for each of the eight classes in a primary school. It also developed activity books, a teacher’s guide, a parenting manual as well as a handbook for secondary schools for teaching values.
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While the Institute was developing resources for the program, awareness programs as well as six - hour workshops were being conducted to enable them to deliver human value lessons in schools.
Education Minister meets teachers attending SSEHV training
While the SSEHV program was being implemented two external reviews were carried out to assess the impact of the program on children. Their recommendations have been implemented.
There is an ongoing training of teachers and supervision of the programs in the schools. It is pleasing to note that teachers from all religious denominations are keen to attend our training programmes.
Contributed by:
Ambika Prasad, Director of the Institute of Sathya Sai Education (ISSE), Fiji
Ravindra Dutt, Head Teacher, Sathya Sai Primary School
Manpreet Kaur, Institute Board Member
Dr Narendra Reddy, Chairman, Institute of Sathya Sai Education (ISSE), Fiji
There is an ongoing training of teachers and supervision of the programs in the schools. It is pleasing to note that teachers from all religious denominations are keen to attend our training programmes.
Contributed by:
Ambika Prasad, Director of the Institute of Sathya Sai Education (ISSE), Fiji
Ravindra Dutt, Head Teacher, Sathya Sai Primary School
Manpreet Kaur, Institute Board Member
Dr Narendra Reddy, Chairman, Institute of Sathya Sai Education (ISSE), Fiji