Samani Vishad Pragya
JVB London - Souvenir 2007
on
Ahimsa
Non-violence
Build A Better Future Generation
Bringing up a child is like constructing a multi-storey building. Carelessness while laying the foundation may not show effect immediately. No structure will sustain in the forthcoming years with a weak foundation. Similarly, childhood years are the most formative years. Education plays a great role in shaping the personality of a child. However, cultivating righteousness in children is a burning problem for parents, especially those outside India.
Keeping the development of future generations in mind, in 2003 I Jain Vishva Bbarati London started JVB Children's School. The School teaches not only about Jainism but also guides the children to respect the environment, tolerate other religious beliefs and develop empathy towards less fortunate people. It especially teaches them to become responsible adults.
It accepts children of all races and religion, aged between 4 and 12. Classes are held every Sunday from 10:30-11:30am. It also holds workshops for youth, aged 13-21, every first Saturday of the month from llam-12:30pm.
The weekly school starts with a prayer, then a yoga and meditation session. There is then a session on Jainism, followed by games and other activities. Students learn Bhaktamar, Pratikramana, Uvasaggaharam Stotra, Namokar Mantra, Vandan Path, Manga/ Path, names of 24 Tirthankaras and also Logassa Path. They learn various poses of yoga, like the Triangle pose, Rabbit pose, Palm-tree pose and Lotus pose. They also practice Mahaprana Dhvani, deep breathing and bright white colour meditation.
For the monthly workshops, we discussed topics like Vision & Values, Memory Development, Developing Concentration, Building Friendships, Vegetarian & Healthy Diets and a Holistic.Approach through Yoga and Meditation. In Paryusbana, evening Pratikramana was specially designed for them in English.
During the course of the year, JVB Children's School presents various cultural programs. The children enjoyed doing a "Skit" during Diwali. The children also participated in Paryusbana by observing different aspects of penance for the whole week.
JVB London would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers for their dedication to this noble cause. It would also like to thank the parents for bringing their children every weekend. But most of all it would like to thank the community for their unflagging support over the years and hopes for their continued support.