Our Programs

Our teachers follow the “head, heart, and hands” approach—something rare in today’s world, especially in the communities we work with. Many children are guided into rote learning and lose touch with their natural curiosity. We believe each child is unique, but modern schooling often pushes them into memorization, which weakens comprehension and limits creativity.

Over the last three years, while working with 150+ children, we’ve noticed that children from these communities are often skilled in hand work, aware of their surroundings, and independent in daily chores. Yet, they feel intimidated by academics, and many drop out after Grade 8. Their biggest struggles are in comprehension, especially in English.

To address this, we train our facilitators to take a holistic, activity-based approach. They plan lessons weekly, share ideas in group discussions, and tailor learning to the child’s level. They are given refresher courses in foundational math, spoken English sessions, access to books, digital tools, and self-learning resources. Teachers also attend workshops—from making papier-mâché baskets to simple soil experiments—and spend time observing classes at Poorna Learning Centre(www.poorna.in) to learn from alternative practices.

Our teachers are not just instructors; they are friends and mentors. They track each child’s progress, involve parents and grandparents, and keep learning alive both inside and outside the centres. They are the backbone of Bija—bringing energy, cheer, and a strong sense of community.

Children are taken on educational trips that widen their horizons and sharpen their observation. Visits to places like Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium and Visvesvaraya Museum have been highlights, giving children a direct experience of science, history, and innovation. These trips make abstract concepts real, and the excitement children carry back is visible in the way they talk about planets, machines, or inventions.

Alongside this, children also participate in camps and workshops that bring together art, craft, and performance. At the Kalakreeda summer camp, they explored music, dance, theatre, storytelling, puppetry, and visual art, culminating in a performance at a local college. Similar workshops are regularly held at our centres—like the theatre sessions in March 2024 where children turned their own discussions about soil, water, seeds, and leaves into a play, which they later performed for the community. Initially shy, the children gradually found their confidence, and the pride they felt was evident when shopkeepers and community members even rewarded them with snacks and clothes.

Kalika Mitra invites students aged 13 and above (Grade 9 onwards) to volunteer with Bija. The aim is simple: help Bija Learning Centre children gain confidence in speaking and understanding English, so the language becomes a tool for expression rather than intimidation.

At the same time, student volunteers experience working with children from very different social backgrounds. This fosters empathy, humility, and an understanding of privilege. Volunteers who are regular receive a Community Engagement Certificate from Bija Trust—an acknowledgement of their effort and a valuable addition to their future portfolios. Click here to Volunteer.

We believe children need inner grounding as much as external learning. In a fast-paced world, we practice daily mindfulness. Students and facilitators begin sessions with 10 minutes of mindful breathing. We have also organised non-sectarian Vipassana courses for children above 10 and for facilitators, to build self-awareness and resilience.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought not only a health crisis but also a wave of misinformation. To counter this, we organised an awareness camp with the support of the Azim Premji Foundation.

Beyond education, Bija responds to the larger needs of the communities we serve. We have organised free health camps, and during the pandemic, we supported families with dry ration distribution, ensuring that basic needs were met in difficult times.

Post-COVID, children and community members have continued to benefit from health initiatives. They regularly attend Ayurveda health camps run by IAIM Hospital and free health camps by ArogyaSeva Trust, organised at Poorna Santhe, making healthcare more accessible within the community.

Parents are key partners in our journey. The Bija team regularly engages with them through meetings, home visits, and community programs—building trust and helping parents take part in their child’s learning journey.

Poorna Santhe is a monthly eco-market organised by Bija in partnership with Poorna Learning Centre. It is more than a marketplace—it is a celebration of sustainable living, community spirit, and alternative education.

The Santhe brings together farmers, artisans, small entrepreneurs, and conscious consumers. You will find stalls with chemical-free groceries, local vegetables and fruits, handmade crafts, safe dairy products, handloom textiles, natural detergents, and simple eateries. Every Santhe has a theme, often linked to larger social or environmental issues, and is enriched by music, art, theatre, workshops, and conversations.

For the Bija community, the Santhe is a living classroom. Children and parents participate in running stalls, managing events, and interacting with visitors. It helps them see possibilities of dignified livelihoods rooted in sustainability, while also building confidence and pride in their work.