The Children's Village Concept - Part 2

Ethical And Spiritual Standards

The children will be encouraged to reach a very high standard of self-discipline. This will involve strict adherence to daily schedule, rules and regulations, and a personal command over one's senses. Each student will be taught to keep his/her own belongings in a very clean and organised manner. Clothing will be hand-washed and kept simple. Your "CHILD" strengthening Village should be cleaned, maintained and managerially organised by the students themselves. All aspects of cleanliness, ie., cooking, bathing, sleeping etc. will be subject to rigorous, but loving scrutiny on a regular basis.

Suggested Daily Schedule
5:30am rise, bathe and clean area
6:00 morning devotions in respective religions
6:15 Yoga meditation
7:15 study period
8:00 breakfast
8:30 leave for school, lessons and skill training
12:15pm wash clothes
1:00 lunch
1:30 leave for school, lessons and/or skill training
4:30 sports and recreation period
5:30 bathe
6:00 supper
6:30 evening devotions in respective religions
7:00 study or indoor games or TV / video
8:00 milk and rest

Correspondence (Where Applicable or Desired)
A specific period can be allotted each month when the students write to relatives, if they want to (where there is a relative). This may, in turn, slowly convince the child to return home, even if, at the moment there may be avid opposition to such a proposal. Do not force the issue. Another idea you may want to consider is that information regarding progress scan be intimated by means of bi-annual reports and quarterly newsletters, composed, edited and printed by the students, on the village printing press. A post office can be situated within the village compound.

Mandatory Supplies
1 neck chain for keys, 2 locks, 1 small mirror, 1 washable thick sweater, 3 white T-shirts, 1 pair rubber slippers
2 towels, 1 pack clothes pegs, 1 large container (oil), 1 toiletry bag, 1 small hair-brush, 1 hard scrub brush,
1 nail clipper, 2 bed-sheets, 1 washable wool hat, 1 stainless steel bowl, 3 lungis, 1 small sewing kit
1 blanket (wool), 2 tooth brushes, 3 pairs pants, 3 shirts, 1 sleeping mat,
All the above items should be listed with the student leader, and must be clearly marked with the name of the student. Buying and selling of items of any description should be prohibited by the students without written permission.

Dress
All students will be given by the student committee member in charge of the storeroom, upon admission, the necessary items for dress. (see MANDATORY SUPPLIES) These items must be worn by all students, both within the Village, as well as outside. Students should be well trained to care for all their belongings and should present a clean and tidy image of the Village at all times.

Student Visitation
The process of returning the child home eventually, if possible, should always be in mind. In the meantime, until the child is ready, visitors must be relatives, or carry written permission to visit from the same. Visits should be restricted to Sundays, between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00pm. Although the children are free to leave whenever they wish, the students should be encouraged to inform the management whenever they are leaving the village premises at any time, so you know when and where a child has gone. A good policy to put into writing to relatives is that your organisation cannot be responsible for any child who leaves your premises without such permission. Those from long distance will be encouraged to take the ward for one day leave, (under special circumstances leave may be granted up to three days). If a child is taken by relatives back to the home, then make sure you get a letter, signed and witnessed, from the relatives before they leave. This is important as it protects your organisation in case of anything happening to the child later.

Village library
The library may be used by all students after gaining the permission of the concerned Committee Member. It should be kept well stocked with books, cassettes and tapes in major languages and both may be removed only according to library policy. Let your older children take responsibility for management of the library. Books on all religions and philosophies can be available, as well as historic and geographical literature and copies of great classics, both Eastern and Western. Dictionaries should be present in all relevant languages.

Personal Health Care
All students should take very seriously:
a) Monthly visits to the School Clinic.
b) Bi-annual dental checks.
c) The health of all those younger students under his/her care.
d) Cleanliness of clothing and bedding.
e) General appearance of the complex.

Discipline
All students must maintain the highest standard of discipline, and a proper responsible attitude. Naturally, older students will feel the need to act independently, and accept more responsibility, and the staff will give all facility for this, provided the students are seen to set a fine example to younger peers. Humility is one of the foundations of a gentleman, and will be the success of a good citizen. Common sense must be imbibed and utilised at all times. Participants must learn and show the ability to act logically and calmly in an emergency situation. Bullying and stealing can never be tolerated.

Non-Formal Tutorial Academic Education
For children up to 12 years of age, there can be five classes daily, consisting of mother tongue, English, other languages, Arithmetic, History, Geography, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, World Cultures and Physical Education. Further studies for age group 14 years onwards, education in skill and trade training can be given according to the aptitude and desire of the student. Try to set up your own school no matter how informal it may be at first.