Education
The children of Gokulam – Bhaktivedanta Children’s Home are given a complete education, with special attention given to each child’s needs. Eight teachers work with the students at the Bhaktivedanta International School located within the orphanage. Classes include English, mathematics, science, health, physical education, art, computer skills, classical dance, music, and crafts. The children also participate in games, public speaking, sewing, dramas and other fun activities. Courses are taught in Sinhala, Tamil and English, giving students an exceptionally comprehensive background.
The school currently has five computers, with qualified teachers holding classes for students age six and older.
Each child is placed in a class according to their skill level, and curriculum is based on current standards of education as established by the International Schools Services.
Education would not be complete without field trips, so the children go on picnics, to temples, and to notable places of interest such as Kandy on a regular basis.
In the future, the Bhaktivedanta International School will expand to include the following resources:
- An Information Technology center with the latest software
- A laboratory equipped with science and technology supplies
- Television and audio-visual aids in each classroom
- An auditorium for performing arts
- A new playground
Recreation
Another aspect of the progressive education we offer at the Bhaktivedanta International School is recreational classes that focus on their health and well-being. We believe a balanced mind and body is imperative to children who have gone through any kind of trauma like many of the children who come to Gokulam. Our recreational courses provide the children with improved mental stability, as well as physical skill:
- Qualified teachers train the girls in Bharata Natyam, an Indian classical dance that yields physical and mental fitness as well as equilibrium.
- All of the students participate in Hatha Yoga, giving them better physical stamina and a clear and peaceful mind.
- The children are trained in classical music, such as the Carnatic Music of South India. Playing music allows the students to express themselves in creative ways.
- Children participate in both outdoor and indoor sports, such as badminton, volleyball, and table tennis, allowing them to release stress and improve coordination.
Health & Nutrition
When children arrive at Gokulam – Bhaktivedanta Children’s Home, they are typically from poor backgrounds; thus, many suffer from malnutrition, the greatest killer of children in the world today affecting mostly younger children. It takes a great deal of care to nurse these children back to good health, which Gokulam is eager to provide.
Doctors come to the Children’s Home one to two times a month to check the general health of the children. For urgent medical issues, the children go to doctors with private medical clinics for immediate attention.
To stay healthy, the children participate in physical activities including dance, yoga, and regular exercise. The children’s physical and mental health is a priority at the Home.
At Gokulam, our children eat three full meals daily. The meals are balanced and nutritious, consisting of rice, dhal, vegetables, fruits, yoghurt, and fresh milk. The meals are completely vegetarian, and the dairy products come from protected cows kept on the premises. Our kitchen facilities are kept immaculately clean at all times and cooks follow strict hygienic and nutritional guidelines.
Bhaktivedanta Children's Home 