We take students in the age range of 18-28 years who already have a good mastery of English. (We also run a Senior Secondary School, Sholai School). We like to meet the parents and their wards for interview, seeking out those who will value our educational approach and share our concern for Planet Earth.
The Principal, Brian Jenkins B.A (Hons), Sussex University, worked at the J. Krishnamurti Educational Centre, Brockwood Park in UK for 14 years and knew J. Krishnamurti well. Hence although there is absolutely no guru-worship or following of J. Krishnamurti at CLOAAT, discussions on the cruciality of watching oneself in ones relationships with other human beings and Nature, form an important aspect of our work here.
We are also much concerned that the students should study meaningfully and with serious application to improve their knowledge and grasp of their chosen subjects. Students at this age should have developed the necessary learning skills to study of their own interest and passion, but we do find that some of them have lacunae, which require individual attention. This we give and we also provide the right learning environment for the Mature Students to have all necessary future life skills.
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THE COURSES: CLOAAT is not a commercial organisation. Our deep concern is to educate, that is to bring out the very best in young people so that they understand themselves and understand the World; allowing them to discover an ability to tackle relationships of all kinds. They will also acquire a fluent mastery of English enabling them to handle the courses below with serious application and enquiring minds. The subjects we offer include:
- Understanding Knowledge
- Philosophical Explorations
- Environmental Management
- The Art of Teaching
- English Literature
- Organic Farming
- Appropriate Technology
- Practical Engineering and Design
- Hatha Yoga and other Alternative Health Practices
- Art
CLOAAT is an International Examination Centre for the University of Cambridge, but for the Mature Student Programme, we do not encourage the taking of examinations. In India, Examinations are a national neurosis, putting the brakes on learning and preventing young people from exploring what they really love to do in life. At the end of the programme the Mature Student will be issued a Certificate outlining what he/she has learnt and his/her capabilities and abilities. If required we will assist the Mature Student in finding a placement for his/her future life.
THEORY AND PRACTICE: E.F. Schumacher, the Father of the Appropriate Technology and the Green Economics movement, who wrote “Small is Beautiful” ofttimes declared that the one year he spent working on an Organic Farm, played a crucial role in his understanding and creation of a new approach to Economics. Dr. Narayana Reddy, one of our Trustees, and a pioneer in Organic Agriculture in India also states that meaningful theoretical knowledge requires study, hands-on practical experience and a creative spirit. Every year from our Universities in India, lacs of scientific papers are written on schemes to benefit the poor, rural and urban. But rarely do we see “realization”. Here at CLOAAT we are exploring what it means to be creative. Do come to see for yourself. The students learn through studying, taking responsibility for the Centre and through applying themselves to challenging projects.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE: To date we have spent more than Rs. 9 Crores on building up the infrastructure of Appropriate Technologies (solar, micro-hydro, bio-gas and wind), eco-friendly buildings, and the organic farm, to provide a sustainable Learning Centre where the students can research, engage and study.