|
|
Living Values Education is gradually expanding in India.
We now have three cities operational offering individual reports:
Mumbai ~ Goa ~ Ayodhya
2024 - Annual Report
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.
You can download a pdf of this full report here.
Professional Development Workshops
LVE-India hosted two professional development workshop 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 the workshop successfully.We anticipate that the sowing of seeds of human values through 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, 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.
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
You can download a copy of this full workshop report here
Background
Living Values Education- India has been sustaining people, primarily educators having keen interest to work on values-based education since last 2 years. Due to mobility restriction during Covid, no offline workshop could be planned. ALIVE’s distance facilitator course turned out to be a boon for people who wanted to do something meaningful during lockdown. After two years, it was now time for an exposure to an offline workshop and upgrade skills- from personal values to values delivery techniques.
About the trainer Ms. Taka Nudriana Gani
Taka Nudriana Gani is an experienced Living Values Education (LVE) Facilitator and Consultant. She embarked on her LVE journey in 2002 when she attended the TTT in oxford UK. She has since conducted numerous trainings for educators and trainers. She is the National Coordinator of LVE in Indonesia and leads Karuna Bali foundation, an associate of ALIVE International. Ms. Indu Gupta is focal point India for ALIVE International.
Profile of Participants
A total of 17 participants attended the training - women of age group 24-52. They included:
- Teachers in Montessori school and other private schools
- College Lecturers
- Trainers and counsellors
- NGO representatives
- Business women
- Student
Objectives
The objectives of the training:
- To create values Awareness - Values development in Self
- To understand LVE theoretical model
- To impart skills to create a Values based Atmosphere
Methodology
Explore, experience, express – through:
- Reflection
- Visualization
- Group work
- Discussion/dialogue
- Energizers/ice-breakers/quiet moments
- Creative expression (through drama, poetry, song, dance, drawing, games)
Workshop Proceedings - Day 1
Welcome and Inaugural by Ms. Indu Gupta, Focal Point India
Ms. Indu Gupta welcomed all participants and trainer and gave a brief introduction of the trainer, Taka Nurdiana Gani. The inaugural of the training was done with lightening of the lamp. The owner of the hotel Mr. Piyush Patel attended the inaugural session.
Introduction of the participants
Taka Gani began the training asking for introduction of the participants. Participants stood in a circle telling their name and purpose of attending the training.
Overview of LVE
Taka gave a presentation sharing
- About LVE and birth of LVE, presence of LVE in 40 countries
- Purpose of education, four pillars of education
- Formation of ALIVE International, its vision & mission
- Exploring and developing universal values for a better world
- Purpose and aim of LVE
- LVE books
Warm up – Concentration
The participants counted their number and every time 3,5, 6 came they clapped.
VALUES AWARENESS SESSION - Our Values, Values Development in Self
Reflective Exercise
Participants were divided into 6 groups of 3 each and discuss about
- Person who has influenced you in a positive way
- What values or qualities you see in that person that makes a difference to you?
- If everyone in the world has that quality or value, would the world be different?
The objective of the exercise was to make participants reflect and explore their own values and the importance of values in their own lives. Some of the participants felt that it was easy to share in small groups. They feel affirmed. The small group work reflected following values:
Tolerance, Peace, Respect, Responsibility, Humility, Happiness, Understanding, Compassion, Patience, Integrity, Truth, Joyfulness, Cooperation, Communication, Passion, Calmness, Good listener, Balance, Faithful, grateful, acceptance, Non-judgmental, Simplicity, Freedom, Unity, Courage, Trust, Collaboration, Clarity, Nationality.
Tell the adults of the world activity - for a few minutes, I would like you all to pretend you are five years old and tell the adults of the world what would you like them to do and how you would like them to treat you.
Participants Response
- Help me to be good
- Be with my pace
- Be friendly to each other
- Please be there and listen
- Give me time and Love
- Trust me
- Play with me
- Listen to me
- Don’t criticize me in front of others
- Allow me to speak
- Respect me
- Be patient and tolerant with me
- Respect me for who I am
- Guide me
- Understand me
- Help me
- Show me how to do it
The session was ended with a dance on children-creation LVE song ‘Aaram sha sha, Aaram sha Sha, Gully Gully Gully Gully ram Sha Sha, Amore’.
Participants felt soothing, connected and gentle after the warm up.
CREATING VALUES-BASED ATMOSPHERE (VbA) - Rekindling the Dream
Taka did a guided visualization with the participants. Participants closed their eyes and took a dream ride on a magical vehicle.
Participants experience of the visualization exercise
1) I want to have a center with pool of lotus flowers where people think of others and develop themselves.
2) Vehicle is magical, I feel transformed when I was in magical vehicle. I did not see any resistance. It gave confidence, you can ask what you want. It already worked even before you do anything. There was a feeling of empowerment.
3) My vehicle did not take me to any noisy place. I reached a place where there was peace, happiness and joy among all the people. They were sharing all eatables. Their smiling faces made me feel peaceful.
4) There was no raising of voices. I am feeling happy, peaceful, accomplished, understanding.
5) Lots of love was given. They gave me warm welcome, ready to listen that made me feel loved.
6) I felt a sense of achievement and confidence. I could feel this way because I could create the atmosphere I want.
7) I feel Successful - sincerity and dedication made me feel successful. The staff was coming on time, their punctuality, serving the customers, love and harmony amongst the staff.
8) There was trust and confidence of the people.
The values reflected in the rekindling exercises:
Love, Tolerance, Peace, Respect, Responsibility, Humility, Happiness, Understanding, Compassion, Patience, Integrity, Truth, Joyfulness, Faithful, Joyfulness, Grateful, acceptance, non-judgmental, Simplicity, Freedom, Unity, Courage, Trust, Clarity, Nationality, Cooperation, Communication, Passion, Calmness, Good Listener, Balance.
Out of all the above values it was explored that there are 6 important fundamental values.
Taka explained:
In relation to feelings a child/individual needs to feel
- Loved
- Understood
- Valued
- Respected
- Safe
Participants were divided into 5 groups. Each group was assigned one of the five feelings to the discuss what action can help to fulfill the basic emotion in the classroom/school/organization.
________________________________
Presentation
Feeling Loved
Feeling of trust:
- Make another person feel safe
- Non-Judgmental
- Open and Friendly
- Sharing
Active Listening:
- Empathizing with other’s feeling
- Be present in the moment
Sense of belongingness:
- Feeling wanted
- Attention
- Time
- Good energy and wishes
Selfless and Unconditional giving:
- Keeping others above you
Serving without expectation:
- Expressions of love
- Giving of our senses (Language of love)
- Connect to their emotions
Feeling Understood
- Don’t Judge
- Don’t React
- Don’t get angry
- Listen
- Empathize
- Reach out
- Support
- Observe
- Kind
- Communicate
- Giving time
- Harmony
- Just be there
- Accept
- Be peaceful with Self
- Eye Contact
- Understanding
- feedback to the person
- Feel secure
- Express yourself
Feeling Valued
- Happiness
- Loved
- Appreciation
- Understood
- Respected
Feeling Respected
- Accept as they are
- Greet with humility
- Be gentle
- Be a good listener
- Value other’s opinion
- Do not differentiate based on caste, class and religion
- Avoid harsh words
- Be polite
Feeling Safe
- Love and acceptance
- Understood
- Respect
- Gentle Speech
- Empathy
- Hug
- Smile
- Listen
*** Lunch Break ***
LVE Theoretical Model
Educator’s personal Values
Taka gave presentation of a few slides of LVE theoretical model which was followed with a peace relaxation exercise.
The questions and participant’s responses after peace relaxation exercise:
1. How do you feel when you are peaceful?
- Happy
- Joyful
- Content, Stable, Powerful
- Empathetic, Perspective changes
2. What makes you feel at loss of peace?
- Lack of patience
- Change of place, people
- When there is lots to do
- When criticized, complained or gossiped
- Expectation from self and others
- When I am not heard
- Unwanted/needless desires
- When angry
- Peace is a calm and relaxed state of mind.
- Whatever is happening will pass
- More creative and productive helps things move faster.
- This too shall pass. This takes me through difficult times and give inner peace.
- I prioritize - near and dear one’s health disturbs my peace.
- Comparing with other’s situation.
- Peace is a state of mind - just know who you are. When we don’t know what we want we lose peace.
Activity:
Express through Art when you feel peaceful
Majority of the participants expressed peace through drawing. One participant, Anisha Rodrigues wrote a poem on Peace:
The world with peace is something I don’t want to cease,
Instead, the world with peace is something I want to live in forever;
But for you, me and for many it might seem,
Like never, until we understand the storms in our minds can pass over.
The world with peace is something we all look forward to,
But do we understand there is a lot inside me I need to do?
When we get together and grow within and amongst each other,
There is a world of Peace, we all can desire.
Taka again got back to the presentation on developing values schematic by linking it to the values activity.
After the presentation a few questions were welcomed from the participants. Some participants said that developing values schematic is only a flow chart for them until they experience it themselves while others had a few technical questions related to circles and squares in the flow chart.
Skills to create Values-based activity:
Acknowledgement, encouragement and positively building behaviour
Taka explained how to help individuals grow in which she presented few simple rules to create a values-based atmosphere
- give believable praise
- make it specific
- give specific praise and name the quality
- be genuine (appreciate and love)
- descriptive and genuine appreciation is different
- praise and encouragement always leave a positive feeling in the receiving person
- when a new behavior is first beginning, praise it immediately
Group work: Participants were asked to pair with someone they are sitting close to and share their observation and thoughts about them, mentioning one or more descriptive positives and one or more qualities. In the large group, the participants shared their feelings of the small group work.
- Sharing and caring
- Happy and nice
- Surprised to know partner’s quality
- Feel connected, relationship has blossomed
- Got to know each other deeply, appreciate an enterprising woman
- Feel elevated, spoke truthfully about herself. It requires effort to be appreciative but this happens
Question and Answers - Closing of day one
The participants shared their experience at the end of day one.
- Feeling intoxicated, nice to discuss with the stranger
- My daughter has the ability of asking for acknowledgement and feeling good about it. It is good to acknowledge. (Rekha)
- When we encourage genuinely, they start trusting us, feel safe. I have seen even if a child has done something wrong, he will say 'teacher, teacher, I have done this wrong'. When encouraged genuinely. They feel safe in your presence. (Ramola)
- It is a reward to be here, taking time to appreciate is something we are losing. (Jackie)
- I got a compliment from a friend that you are very daring that you would be sharing room with someone you don’t even know, you never met. I have been associated with LVE for 2 years and because of this I feel safe, trusted. (Debshree)
- I feel fortunate to be here. I am more and more aware about myself
- When we experienced the exercise, it opened lot of thoughts. This discussion helped me understand values deeper.
- LVE should be for parents also. (Anna)
- It is important to work with the teachers in the school. (Lizel)
- Young Indians (a Club) works with the schools in Goa. We can collaborate with young Indians to spread the work. (Ambika)
- Today, I found a platform where I could speak my feelings. It is like a dream come true. (Standy)
In the end, Taka gave a value card to each participant and asked to reflect on it at home.
Workshop Proceedings - Day 2
Day 2 began with circle time wherein participants shared reflection of value cards they were given at the end of day 1.
- Transforming my mind, it gives me self-ability to think and focus what I am supposed to do. The world from the Bible keeps me going. (Ramola)
- It is very close to me after I have become mother. Flexibility is what I have learnt after I became mother. (Anisha)
- I feel as a teacher I teach truth to my students. I like truth. If you are true to yourself, there is lot of gain. Truth is alive in my heart.
After sharing of the reflection of value card, the participants sang a motivational song as a part of warm exercise.
Session: Skills to create Values Based Atmosphere - Active Listening
Participants were asked what is active listening? The following responses were recorded:
- Empathizing
- Be there
- Listening without judgment
- Complete attention
- Feeling connected
- Listen to understand
- Someone to be there
There was another question from the trainer to the participants, what would stop you from sharing?
- If someone starts giving suggestions
- Previous experiences with the person
- If someone says come after 5 minutes, ignores you
- Tone of the voice of the person
- Attitude of the person
- Frequency of question/open ended question
- Can be different for different people, depends on the relationship with the person you are sharing
Trainer then shared blockers and stoppers in active listening
- Accusing
- Blaming
- Distracting
- Giving solution
- Judging
- Moralizing
- Punishing
- Sympathizing
The how’s of active listening
It is about accepting another’s feelings with understanding and compassion. It is not agreeing
- Reflecting back some of the content
- Reflecting back some of the emotion that another person is communicating without sounding like a parrot
- Listen with your heart
There was a small group work of 3 person each.
Person 1 Talker
Person 2 Listener
Person 3 Observer
Talker is to share something positive that happened to her. The listener is to actively listen. The observer is to make sure the listener is not using Blockers and Stoppers, asking questions, or responding with their own experiences.
The participants were asked their experience when they shared their story?
- It is very nice to listen, to connect, to relate to someone even if you are not related.
- Other person feels relaxed that someone is listening to her pain.
- There is a feel of being connected
- The listener was having full eye contact. When I finished, she appreciated how I handled situation. I had tears in my eyes that someone listened to me.
Listener’s experience.
- As a listener I felt happy that I could give time to someone.
- I felt it was a very big responsibility. I felt very nervous because she was already feeling brittle and I did not know how to make her feel better. It was very challenging.
- She put some negative event of her life in a positive way. Then I felt why could not I do it. It was about death of her parents. Something that had stocked in her mind. I feel privileged that I was listener.
- As a listener, I found that when the person herself knows how she gets peace, I found it difficult to restore peace by distracting. She gave example that just observe and see what is bothering you. Then she reads and restores her peace. She knows how to process it.
Observer’s experience
- Actually, as an observer it was tough. Probably I like to connect to both observer and listener. I was observing body language of talker and listener. There are moments listener starts thinking that what should I say. She is listening to respond but not understand.
- An additional responsibility of helicopter view over you. Observer plays a very important role - look at the situation but gives no suggestions.
- As an observer it took me a little while to adjust. In the initial stage I was disconnected but then I had to focus. It took me a while to connect to both but then I started connecting. I was connecting to both the talker and listener.
- reat your mind like your child. Stop, talk to yourself, very soon the pain will go away.
Trainer’s comment
Being an observer trains us to focus. All of you have observed body language, eye contact, sitting posture- it should be comfortable.
Conflict Resolution
A role play was enacted by two participants with trainer as mediator and all other participants were observers. They were fighting over food choice and their mother favoring one over another.
Observation of participants over mediator’s role:
- You were neutral
- Listening to both sides and resolve
- You asked them to repeat each other’s words
- Both were accepting you
- It was getting tough for you to resolve the conflict but your patience helped them to
- You were not suggesting but you were bringing up their issue to help them understand better
- Good strategy by repeating what other wants. You repeated and they trusted you because you were neutral.
Trainer’s comment
Being loving and firm is a creative way to resolve a conflict.
What would have been the blockers and stopper in resolving the conflict?
- Taking sides
- Giving solution
- Giving interpretation rather than reflecting
- Realization
- Words that trigger the conflict
- Judging one person to other immediately
- Listening separately
Steps as mediator to resolve a conflict
Ask both
1. Please tell me what happened
2. How did you feel when that happened?
3. What would you like to stop/not to happen again?
4. What would you like him/her to do instead?
5. Can you do that?
There was small group work again on conflict resolution. Two participants started the conflict, one acted as mediator and another as an observer.
*** Lunch Break ***
Post lunch a warm up exercise was done. This was a light & bit funny moment for all, interesting enough to not invite afternoon nap after lunch.
Session - Evaluation in LVE
The participants shared their two days experience and also enquired into process of project evaluation.
Anisha – By doing activity on value ‘Love’, I found out that there is a change in understanding and realization. What I used to think about love missed out my love for environment and animals. Ambika- I feel powerful. Vani Janaki- A transformation is taking place in me for last two days. I realize if I transform, I would be able to change people around me. Quiet time, reflection & visualization makes me feel powerful internally. Standy- I feel I know myself a little better. I feel good. Debshree- Especially in visualization, it gives you hope and faith because you are reaffirming it. Vani Janaki- What are the parameters of evaluation? Jackie- What we are doing today is beginning of a journey. To make it a living experience is a practice. But how do we do that?
What Next?
Before going for tea break, trainer probed with the group about what should be the next step.
The following comments came from the participants
1) How do we take it to the schools?
2) What do we say to the management of the school?
3) How do we handle a big group?
4) How this group can be connected more often?
5) How can we practice when we talk to others?
6) How do we work with children?
7) Do I have to create a template or how can we engage parents?
8) How can we engage all groups?
9) Is there any presentation for the schools to orient them?
10) What are the techniques?
11) Can we spread the work through word of mouth?
There was a tea break. The participants were divided into 3 groups and asked to choose a value and perform an act on that value. During the tea break the participants also prepared their act.
After the tea break, the trainer got back to What Next and prioritized the most important question of all that had been asked before tea break. After hearing from the participants what should be the next strategy, trainer identified Staying connected to be the most important question that had been asked.
1) It was decided that the group should meet on the fourth week of the month or once in a month.
2) First meeting would be within 15 days of the training.
3) The meeting on 9th October 2020 at 2-4 pm was fixed. Further discussion would be through WhatsApp group. Agenda will be shared by Indu Gupta.
After the presentation and discussion on what next, the groups performed on each value they were supposed to prepare an act on. Their act brought up all other interrelated values. It was heart comforting performance by all the groups.
Closing & Vote of thanks
There was again a circle time and the participants shared their feedback and experiences of two days.
Eleanor Viegas, one of the contributors in LVE books welcomed all to peace cottage where she stays, for further assistance. Then few other participants gave their feedback and shared their gratitude. Participants also shared their views to spread LVE in society. There was a request to come forward and stay connected and grow in our values.
In the end, Focal point Indu Gupta shared how with a feeling of unity and everyone’s cooperation, this workshop could be planned and conducted. She thanked Eleanor Viegas and Anisha Rodrigues for their support and cooperation for the event. She thanked trainer, Taka Nurdiana Gani for taking out time and come all the way from Indonesia despite a busy schedule. Lastly, she thanked all the participants for their energy and enthusiasm for the event. The workshop could be planned only because there were so many people who wanted an exposure to this training because they have the passion to work on Values based living.
Taka ended the training again with dance on Italian song ‘Aaram sha sha, Aaram sha Sha, Gully Gully Gully Gully ram Sha Sha, Amore’.
Certificate distribution
Sarpanch Mr. Anthony and Deputy Sarpanch Mrs. Niola Pacheco of Betalbatim panchayat were invited to distribute certificates to the participants. They gave certificate to all the participants. Deputy Sarpanch spoke a few words in the end. She said she is pleased to see such event being organized and, in the future, they are ready to extend all kind of help for such events.
Participants List
1) Anisha Rodrigues – Teacher trainer
2) Debshree Laikangbam - Business woman
3) Jennifer Brenda d Cruz - Teacher
4) Anjescia Rodrigues - Student
5) Jacqueline Fernandes - R & D
6) Suparna Mukherjee - Teacher
7) Ami Hathi - Professional
8) Rekha Vaghela - Professional
9) Vani Janaki - Professional
10) Jennifer Naik - Teacher
11) Larnina Cardozo - Home maker
12) Lizel Carvalho - Teacher
13) Ambika Praveen - Teacher/entrepreneur
14) Renu Chopra - Educator
15) Anna Pereira - Teacher
16) Ramola Lourenco- Teacher
17) Standy Braganza- Teacher
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!"