As six-year-old Hema runs her tiny fingers along the rough bark of a grand Pipal tree, she gazes up at its vast canopy of leaves and asks, “Why are the leaves green?” “What happens when the leaves fall?” as she watches a few leaves drift gently to the ground. The other children eagerly join in, posing their questions about the tree. The teacher patiently explains photosynthesis, and
how fallen leaves turn into mulch to nourish other plants.

Welcome to Swapnisthan! Swapnisthan (A Place of Dreams) is an alternative learning space that offers an open learning space for children from socially disadvantaged communities. We envision a world where these children have access to quality education. At Swapnisthan, children engage in experiential learning in an open environment, developing life skills through student-centered pedagogies that build confidence and prepare them for the future.

The center is located in the village of Kanpur, 10 km from the city center, and focuses on children aged 5 to 16, a critical period where they often miss out on quality education. They participate in various activities, such as working in the kitchen garden, exploring the village, debating, and visiting research centers.

We follow a need-based curriculum tailored to address the specific needs of our children. This flexible curriculum allows students to focus on subjects and skills that align with their interests, strengths, and weaknesses. For example, children interested in complex mathematical concepts receive more in-depth instruction, while others may focus on agricultural concepts. 

We also provide diverse learning materials, such as charts, pictures, videos, audio stories, textbooks, and board or spinner games, to suit different learning styles.

We adopt an open learning environment where most sessions are held in outdoor spaces, to enhance children’s engagement. They might study at the village temple one day or at a farm another day. They engage in hands-on projects that apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. For example, a project on sustainable farming might involve learning organic methods, applying them in a garden, and continuous monitoring. This will promote deeper understanding through active participation and reflection.

Children also have opportunities for exposure at different stages of their studies, such as visiting industries, farms, historical sites, and other relevant locations. These experiences encourage them to think creatively and learn from field experts, helping them make informed decisions about their futures based on real-world insights. 

Teacher intervention is minimized in the learning process, as children learn through collaboration with peers, activities, and self-directed learning. For example, children are encouraged to organize their exposure trips, with teachers acting more as tour guides than traditional instructors. 

We focus on developing essential skills like communication, critical thinking, creativity, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.