Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sadhna Learning Centre?

Our endeavour is to provide a free and open learning environment. The children will take the responsibility of their own education in collaboration with their parents and facilitators. We have set up this centre in central Mumbai, to help people access it from various corners of the city. Awareness and understanding of our principles will be essential for prospective parents.

What is a typical day like?

It is highly dependent on the children and their interests. The day will begin with some kind of games or play, stressing on physical activities. There will also be circle time, lots of self exploration and some planned sessions if they choose to attend. The centre will begin at 8.30 in the morning till 2.30 pm.

How will we come to know what the child is interested in?

By giving them freedom and then observing the child. The interest keeps on changing. We need to be patient before they narrow down on definitive choices.

What is the fees?

We are a non profit organisation and always will be. The fees per child is a direct corelation to our costs. At present (for June 2019) our financial working is adding up to an annual fee of around Rs. 1 - 1.3 lakh per child. Our yearly financials will be shared with all coparents. We intend to be frugal with apt resources. Your expertise to review and bring down the costs in future is most welcome.

Which board is this centre affiliated with?

There will not be any board affiliation. However, if at age 12-13 learner’s identified future path is heading towards conventional courses, learner and their parents will be guided towards independent 10th equivalent board examination (NIOS or IGCSE). Learners can continue to be in LC and start preparations on their own for either NIOS or IGCSE with self-directed methodology.

How is this learning centre different from home schooling?

The learning spectrum in today’s world varies between two extremities of unschooling to regimental schooling. This learning centre provides an option somewhere in between which is mix of individual centered learning and development in social peer group. The key objective is to provide setup for children to “think” and not produce or reproduce and learn to think with perspective of self as well as society.

How will you take decisions?

It will be more driven by dialog and consensus. We believe that taking everyone along takes longer but ultimately is the right model for us going forward. And rules will be made as we go along. There will be situations, diverging opinions, conflicts that we have not anticipated and as long as we define a way to have a dialog and resolve such issues, we will be fine.

How will you evaluate progress? What if the children end up being slackers?

One of the core principles of our system is non-coercion. So if a child wishes not to engage in any kind of activity or exploration or skill building, what shall we do? As of now we are not clear. Here are some thought. Children are curious by nature, left by themselves, they will develop interest in some activity, skill or another. We will expose them to excellence and encourage them to critically evaluate and compare their work to the best in the field. We will try and map their growth in their area of interest so that they develop a system of evaluation and growth.

What if students just enjoy and only have fun?

We have to trust the child and their decisions. Learning is not about pushing somebody to do it now. Learning is when learner himself or herself wishes to strive for it. Learning is boundary less and has no limits (age or resource barrier). It will continue till curious mind keeps finding answers for next question. Even the process of having fun and enjoying has learning in-built in it.

What is the role of teacher in the learning centre?

There will not be any teachers at learning centre. There are only facilitators at learning centre. The role of the Facilitator is limited to introduction of various concepts and then observe kids during their learning.

What does the logo stand for?

Our logo is inspired by the traditional Warli designs. If you look at it closely there are four firm corners that form a robust circle of facilitators, parents, the learning space and the community. All these together ensues an ideal nurturing environment that is stimulating and enriching for the child to learn and grow. You will also observe learners as being represented between the four corners as coming and going into the inner circle.