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Welcome to the February 2004 Issue. This month:
Please do send us an email if you have any feedback about this newsletter, or if you'd like to share your experiences of SSEHV, to: feedback@ssehv.org.uk. Kind
Regards, |
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Many readers may not be aware, however, that in addition to our Foundation Course which leads to a Certificate in Competency in SSEHV, we also offer an Open College Network (OCN) Accreditation, for the benefit of those who would also like to receive a qualification which has academic recognition. The National Open College Network (NOCN) is the UK's foremost provider of accreditation services for adult learning. NOCN is a recognised national qualification awarding body and is the central organisation for 28 Open College Networks (OCNs) based across the UK. We have worked with the OCN to develop a suitable assessment process which leads to an OCN recognised qualification for SSEHV. The OCN course can be done at two levels:
In terms of quality, level 2 corresponds to a GCSE, and level 3 to an “A” level in the context of current UK educational qualifications. The extra work involved in doing the OCN qualification includes:
Course participants are under no obligation to do the OCN qualification - this is one of the options we provide; it is entirely up to you to decide whether it is of interest. Many people are happy to attend the Foundation course only which provides a solid foundation for those who want to go on to teach SSEHV to children, and also presents a powerful opportunity for self development and personal growth.. The Foundation Course (non OCN) consists of six one-day modules which comprise a mixture of presentations and experiential activities such as role play, discussion, inner reflection, games, silent sitting and singing. Students have an opportunity to experience and truly understand the five human values, as well to learn about how SSEHV lessons are constructed around a particular theme. For further information on our training please visit the training section of the SSEHV website (www.sathyasaiehv.org.uk) or contact our national training co-ordinator Rolando Ciaravaglia . Further information on the Open College Network may be found at their website: www.nocn.org.uk . |
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Two
days that changed my life I completed Modules 1-6 of the SSEHV Foundation Course almost a year ago as part of a project to try and kick-start an SSEHV youth centre in the Manchester area. Unfortunately, that didn't happen and it left me thinking how I was going to use the gift of SSEHV. I wanted to get involved with the SSEHV camps in Oldham, but because of work etc. I never got round to it. Then came the Christmas camp in Oldham and I found I had volunteered to help for two days. I was both excited and nervous as I've not been around primary school children for a long time - well, since I was that age myself! Babies are fine, but I really had no idea what to expect with bigger children. How would they relate to me? How would I be around them? What would I say to them? I don't know what they like or what the 'in things' are to talk about.... all these thoughts, all these concerns were going round in my head. And there I was, sat in the car park on my first day. I decided to just 'be' the values and to 'be' love. Wow. My heart was totally melted by the love of these children. Irrespective of their backgrounds, at the Christmas school they were all the same - children allowed to just be children, free and happy. They seemed to leave their troubles at the door and just feel great about themselves. I knew the theory and structure of SSEHV, but to see it in action was amazing. The children would just come up and talk to me, hug me, explain things to me and show me their work. It was amazing how many just loved the fact that someone was totally interested in what they were doing and gave them attention! And to see them sitting quietly for lunch and for the silent sitting... I never expected that! Looking
back, I had a very deep and profound experience. Perhaps it was reconnecting
with my inner child... perhaps it was seeing what is possible in the world
from running the SSEHV programme... perhaps it was just being around children
again. I don't quite know, but I do know the impact that SSEHV makes is
real and that I have been given this experience for an important reason.
Nothing happens by chance. I look forward to doing more work with BISSE
and supporting more of these camps across our already very SSEHV-active
region in the future. |
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Acky
Wacky! Ben loved his granddad. He called his grandparents Grandpa Em (because Grandpa's name was Emrys) and Grandma Em. Grandpa Em was famous because he grew the best vegetables and flowers in this Welsh valley. He never went out without putting a flower in his old cloth hat, and when he was dressed in his best clothes he always put a flower in his jacket buttonhole. Grandpa Em didn't put any of his produce into shows. He just grew all the lovely things and ate them or gave them away. Whenever any friends came to the little terraced house where they lived, he would give the ladies a big bunch of flowers, usually sweet peas. Everyone said he had 'green fingers', but they didn't look very green to Ben - just a bit rough and brown from the sun. Ben
loved to go to Grandpa Em's allotment and help him with the digging and
planting or picking the fruit and vegetables. He particularly liked his
Grandpa because of the jokes and rhymes that he would sing. Sometimes
Grandpa Em would say a rude rhyme and then they would both laugh together.
Ben's favourite rhyme was: Grandpa Em was always in the garden or his allotment. He loved to be outside. When Ben held his big, rough hand, although the skin was dark and wrinkly, he always felt safe and warm inside. Grandma Em would have jacket potatoes in the oven when they both came in from the garden and Ben and Grandpa Em would sit at the table together. It sort of felt 'right' in their house. It was quiet, but Ben felt he just 'fitted' there. When Ben came home from school one wet, Wednesday afternoon, Mum wasn't there. He shouted for her and was surprised when Mrs Vincent from next door popped her head out of the living room door. Mrs Vincent said, "Your Mam won't be long, she's just had to pop out for a few moments so I told her I'd get you some tea." Ben was a little confused because his Mum was always at home when he came in from school. Ben ate his beans on toast and helped himself to an ice-cream bar and then went to watch children's BBC. While he was watching, he heard whispering coming from the kitchen and then Mrs Vincent shouted in to him, "Ta-ra, Ben! See you soon." Ben went out to see his Mum, and when he looked at her, he knew that something was wrong. She was pale and looked sad. Mum sat down with Ben and started to tell him some really sad news. "I know how much you love Grandpa Em, and I know that he loved you, but he died earlier today." Ben couldn't believe what she was saying, his heart felt shaky and he had a very sad pain inside and he began to cry. Mum put her arms around him and eventually he stopped crying but he still felt frightened and so unhappy. Ben thought to himself, "Perhaps I'm being a baby." But he couldn't stop being upset and feeling lonely because he really missed his Grandpa Em. Ben wanted to go to the funeral so his Mum said that he could. It was strange to see adults crying. It made him think that perhaps he hadn't been such a baby when he cried. It was hard for Ben to go to Grandma Em's house knowing that he wouldn't see Grandpa Em, but she smiled at him and was so pleased to see him when he visited her, that it made him feel a bit better. He loved to be there because he felt closer to Grandpa Em. It was as if a little bit of him was left with each fruit and flower. Ben would pick flowers for Grandma Em and that would help them both to remember Grandpa Em. He knew when he worked in the allotment and garden that Grandpa Em was somewhere nice - somewhere where flowers and vegetables grew. Ben
still misses his Grandpa Em, but now he smiles when he's in the garden
remembering the lovely times they had together. And sometimes he sings.
This is his favourite song...
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Second Summer Club to take place in domestic violence project in Leicester In June 2003, Michele White, BISSE county co-ordinator for Leicestershire, was approached by the co-ordinator of a home in Leicester for women and children who have been victims of domestic violence with a view to running a summer SSEHV club at the home for eight of their children. The club started in July and was held for two hours each Tuesday over six weeks. Due
to the problems experienced by the mothers in the past, i.e. domestic
violence, substance abuse and mental health problems, the co-ordinator
expressed a wish for them to participate in the club as much as possible
in the hope that this would help improve their interaction with their
children. This proved so successful that a second group was started for
the mothers, which focused on silent sitting and art activities. Michele
has now been asked to run both groups again in the coming summer holidays. Expansion of SSEHV activities in Leicester school Ranjana Ladd, who was a co-volunteer with Michele at the summer club at the domestic violence project in Leicester, has been running a good values club at a local primary school, where her husband is a governor, since September last year. In January, the club was moved from a lunch-hour to an after-school slot in order to have more time and so that it could be opened up to more children. As
well as the club, the school has incorporated SSEHV into its whole-school
and class assemblies and the teachers then carry the theme on into the
classes which follow. From March 1st, Michele will also be delivering
sample SSEHV lessons in PSHE classes on Monday afternoons, observed by
staff, and this will continue until all classes have been covered. Training course provides fresh volunteers Michele is also currently running an SSEHV Foundation Course which began on 15th February and continues until 18th April. Nine of the 11 attendees have so far signed up to volunteer at one of the three SSEHV Good Values Clubs that already take place weekly in Leicester. Two primary school teachers within the group plan to establish Good Values Clubs within their schools, as does a member of a school Parents' Association, and a secondary school teacher has already incorporated aspects of SSEHV into her tutor group. Michele writes, "I'm using the clubs as a base for people to gain hands on experience straight away in a supportive environment. It also helps the clubs, who are in need of volunteers." Contact: Michele White |
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Following the success of last July's holiday programme organised by Joyce Power in a Harrow primary school, an after-school club has been set up at the school on Friday afternoons. The head teacher, who attended the July camp and was extremely supportive and interested in the SSEHV programme, expressed her desire to continue the programme in her school in the form of an after-school club in a surprise announcement to children, parents and volunteers during the final assembly of the camp. We are delighted that this objective as now been realised. In keeping with the popularity of the holiday programme itself (which was attended by 101 children), the after-school club has been somewhat oversubscribed. Instead of the anticipated twenty children, 48 came to the first session. As a consequence, Joyce is desperately looking for volunteers to help run the camp on a regular, ongoing basis. If you live in the Harrow area, are free on Friday afternoons, and would like to help, please email feedback@ssehv.org.uk and we will put you in touch with Joyce directly.
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We reprint below some of the many testimonials we have received on both the SSEHV training and feedback from schools: On SSEHV Training... Fiona,
Ireland "The human values programme is practical, fun and is the basis of human character. I only wish that every child on this planet could experience the wonder and learning of it. Adults can certainly benefit from it too!!" *** Kalpana,
Pinner "In this day and age, it is unbelievable to attend a course like this completely free of charge. I praise you for presenting it in such a professional manner and its thorough contents. The group was of mixed age and backgrounds, but gelled together so well - we have come out with new friends and we all bonded so well. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me so much knowledge." "The course has helped me to develop myself. The silent sitting helps to calm me down and just be aware of myself and realise the potential within me. The course too, has helped me to build confidence in myself. I always knew the values of love, peace, non-violence, right conduct and truth, yet I didn't know how to apply them. So the course has helped me to understand them better and has taught me how to apply them. I now see good in everyone and the whole environment." *** Deequa,
(19 year old asylum seeker from Somalia, still learning English), Oldham "I started this programme in September of 2002, continuing the second programme in March of 2003. I would like to say this is my first chance to learn the life because I have had a lot of problems before. I thought I was experienced with my life when I came to the UK. I had a lot of problems when I came to the UK and through this programme have been able to sort them out, especially myself. Many of my friends have had the same problems as I did and through sharing what I have learnt they have also been able to resolve their situations. I think this programme could be covering myself all my life. I would like to learn more because this is an amazing programme. I would like to help the children in Africa and all the world with this programme. I thank all the people giving the training programme for what they have given to me." *** Lesley,
Oxford (Psychologist) "The course fulfilled and went beyond my most optimistic expectations. I discovered through personal involvement in the programme how it promotes self-referring wisdom and practical ethical behaviour and outlook. I have already mentioned the course to many of my colleagues and to my Professional Association, and am recommending it to anyone who has involvement with children." *** Nicolas,
Oxford "My initial thoughts were, "What is this course going to 'tell' me that I do not know already?" I was only right to the extent that the course did not 'tell' me anything, but rather highlighted many interesting things that I had neglected and did not consciously think about doing in my daily life. The approach and methodology used were precise, concise and easy to follow. I also feel that this very practical course is very much a citizenship course as well, and have ho hesitation whatsoever in recommending it to everyone for the sake of humanity."
Testimonials from Schools Primary
School Headteacher "I would like to recommend the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values programme, which has proved to be an invaluable addition to our curriculum. It has helped the teaching staff to follow a programme of social and moral education which is well supported by a published scheme of work that includes songs, stories and questions that together form an integrated approach that teachers can easily follow. We have noticed that the programme has a considerable effect on improving the behaviour of our pupils. Their interaction and cooperative skills have been enhanced by the weekly opportunities involved in the circle time approach required by the scheme… We hope to continue working with our Sathya Sai colleagues for many years to come." *** Roman
Catholic Primary School "Since Year 2001, the School has had valuable input in the teaching of good values through the Sathya Sai curriculum… Since Year 2000-2001 when the behaviour in School was poor, we have noticed a steady ongoing improvement. We were able to develop a Peer Mediation system because the children became ready to appreciate that conflicts could be resolved without recourse to physical confrontations. Now in Year 2002-2003 there is a huge reduction in incidents that need Headteacher intervention. Children are more considerate and caring of each other. The School Community is a much happier place. Many factors may be responsible for this change but I have no doubt that the input from the Sathya Sai team has contributed hugely and we are very grateful for this wonderful support." *** The SSEHV programme and the training have fitted very well into our thinking school. It stimulates language development, is accessible, spiritual and works with teaching and learning styles which enhance pupils learning. I am looking forward to the new school year when we will continue introducing the programme across the age range. It is a good contributing factor in raising the attainment of children who have EAL." *** Community
Primary School Headteacher "Two years ago, my school was introduced to the above course. Initially training was given to Year 5 and 6 teachers and they piloted the scheme within the school. Their enthusiasm for the course resulted in the whole course training and Sathya Sai is now part of our PSHE curriculum and is taught from Year 1 up to Year 6. The benefits of the scheme have been significant. One of the key issues from our last Ofsted inspection was that spirituality was not being addressed within our curriculum. Our children have very quickly become used to the "stilling" section of the lessons and their powers of reflection and guided visualisation have developed considerably. The core aim of the programme, that of developing positive values in young people, is one that is also at the heart of any school's ethos and Sathya Sai has enabled us to further progress this aim at Hearsall. I wholeheartedly recommend the programme to you and would be delighted to personally answer any questions you may have about it." *** "Over the last twelve months we have used aspects of the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values programme. It is part of our PSE curriculum and the children particularly enjoy the stories." *** Community
Primary School Headteacher "We were delighted to be approached to be part of the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values project… The children responded extremely well to the lessons and the staff were impressed with both the impact it had and the way it raises self-esteem - particularly with our ethnic minority groups. We have now included the Sathya Sai programme with our Healthy Lifestyles and Citizenship programmes to ensure an effective PSHA programme." *** Primary
School Acting Headteacher "I would like to thank you for all your help and support with the Sathya Sai programme. I really feel that it has had a very beneficial effect on the children, and I know that they thoroughly enjoy the lessons, songs, etc. I have enclosed a copy of the summary report for parents from our Ofsted report. The provision for spiritual, moral, cultural and social development was judged to be very good and Sathya Sai has a special mention… Thank you once again for all your support." *** C
of E Primary School Headteacher "We have built Sathya Sai Human Values into the two-year rolling programme for our curriculum in the PSHE strand. We do not therefore cover the same material every year as the children would repeat the work. The next time we will use the programme is in the Autumn of 2003. We are very pleased with the programme and look forward to using it again."
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All the forthcoming Easter and summer holiday programmes are still recruiting volunteers, both trained and untrained, experienced and inexperienced. Programmes are currently scheduled to take place in the London Borough of Brent, Oldham in Lancashire, Harrow in Middlesex, Dockenfield in Surrey and Croydon in Surrey. If you are able to give five days of your time in April or June/July and are able to travel to any of these locations - and if you would like to have the time of your life spreading joy to children - then please email feedback@ssehv.org.uk and we will pass on your email to the relevant programme organiser. Please
give details of when you are available (Easter or summer), where you live,
whether you are SSEHV trained and any relevant experience you have. It
may be possible to arrange free accommodation for those travelling long
distances. |
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Copyright
© 2004 British Institute of Sathya Sai Education (BISSE). BISSE is
a non-profit organisation committed to promoting human values in education.
Registered address: The Glen, Cuckoo Hill, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 2BE United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8429 2677 Email: enquiries@ssehv.org.uk |