Promoting Experiential Learning
A destination for fun and self-expression where children learn to be themselves
Abhivyakti means self-expression, a quality that is inherent in all of us but often lost in the process of becoming adults. Children need space to learn and express their creativity in an environment that supports this inherent connection. Abhivyakti, a primary school in Avani’s campus at Tripuradevi, is an effort in this direction. In April 2011 a small creative learning centre based on a child-centric learning model was set up in the campus, to engage the young children who often accompany their parents to Avani, where they worked as weavers, natural dyers, farmers and administrative personnel.
The school that started with three children who lived on campus, today draws children from the neighbouring villages as well.
What started in a makeshift borrowed building has now expanded to a full fledged learning space with airy classrooms, a child friendly kitchen, a full pottery workshop and its very own playground with swings and slides; a rare treat for school going children in this remote Himalayan region.
Abhivyakti functions with the core belief that creative learning is a tool for developing creative minds, and primary schooling is the foundation for this learning. Various activities running on the campus such as hand spinning, knitting, weaving, felting, braiding, painting, natural dyeing, gardening and composting provide learning avenues for the school children. The children also benefit from the constant stream of international visitors, interns and volunteers who introduce students to their unique cultures, customs and languages – even if it’s just in the form of a song or a rhyme.
In line with Avani’s ethos, Abhivyakti strives to provide children with a holistic learning experience which in turn is enabling them to become socially and environmentally conscientious.