Transcript Sri Sathya Sai Organization

SAI
SPIRITUAL
EDUCATION (SSE)
General Overview &
Effective Administration Guidelines
Raj Prakash
SSE (BAL VIKAS) AND ITS IMPORTANCE
“Bal Vikas is the primary basis of the
great movement to restore
righteousness (dharma) in the world.”
-Sri Sathya Sai Baba
“Children's minds are innocent and
pure. Each child is a white marble for
the teacher and the parents to mold
into an image of God, a bud to be
helped to blossom in all its divine
glory so that it becomes a worthy
offering to God.”
- Sri Sathya Sai Baba
OBJECTIVES OF SSE PROGRAM






To assist with true spiritual development of children
To teach and inspire the five human values and
helping the children practice them in their lives
To teach unity of faiths
To provide opportunities for development of various
facets of spirituality
To provide opportunities for development and
expression of talents in the spiritual setting
To provide opportunities for development of
leadership skills
SSE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE (USA)
Teacher
Center
Coordinator
National
Coordinator
Center
President
Child
Parents
Regional
Coordinator
MEANS TOWARDS THE OBJECTIVES …
Primary means: SSE Classroom lessons
Secondary Means:
 Field activities
 Presentations for special programs
 Optional activities such as singing bhajans & veda
chanting
 Watching and emulating teachers and parents in
their words & actions
Organization with respect to SSE Groups
Group I: Grades 1-3
 Group II: Grades 4-6
 Group III: Grades 7-10
 Pre-YA: Grades 11, 12 (under development)

SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES OF SSE





SSE is the spiritual heart of Sai Education.
The five human values, essential unity of faiths, and the
life and teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba comprise the
substance of the SSE program.
The SSE program is based on the precept that true
education is spiritual education and culminates in
character.
SSE nurtures the innate goodness of the child by creating
an environment that is devotional and loving.
Spiritual education ennobles life through the realization of
one's Divinity.
REGARDING THE POSITIONS …
“ You are just a coordinator for name’s sake
only. All are servants. You are a servant of a
master, that’s all.”
- Sri Sathya Sai Baba
THE ROLE OF AN SSE TEACHER
The SSE teacher agrees to:





Make a commitment to the ideals of Sri Sathya Sai Baba
and thus be an exemplar.
Be properly trained as per the guidelines.
Prepare and present SSE lessons in an inspiring way on
a weekly basis.
Communicate regularly with parents.
Work cooperatively with the Center Education
Coordinator and with fellow teachers, sharing ideas,
concerns, and problems.
Children emulate …
“Children absorb from teachers and elders their habits,
manners, behavior, and beliefs. Therefore, the teacher
has to be a constant example of the ideals he wants to
implant in the hearts of his students. He must excel in
humility, simplicity, morality, and integrity, so that
education results in excellence.”
- Sri Sathya Sai Baba
The Role of the
Center Education Coordinator





Be actively involved in the SSE program within the
Center – the classes and all activities of SSE program.
Maintain good communication with the regional
Education Coordinator.
Work proactively to expand the program by inspiring new
children to join.
Work cooperatively with SSE teachers, parents, center
members, and the Regional Education Coordinator.
Work cooperatively with the Center officers in all areas
of concern within the center.
The Regional Education Coordinator




Supports the region with SSE teacher training classes
and enrichment workshops as needed.
Supports, guides, and inspires all the Center SSE
programs.
Communicates regularly with the National Education
Coordinator and the Regional President.
Works cooperatively with the Regional officers in all
areas of concern within the Region.
Sweetness – the Utmost Virtue
Be Swami and handle children with love !!
Detailed duties and responsibilities
of the Center Education Coordinator






Strive to be a good devotee.
Work with President (who is the authority of the center)
on all matters as appropriate and on matters relating to
education wing.
Help teachers and to-be teachers with resources and
tools as appropriate for groups
Help teachers with resolution of issues
Be a good leader exemplifying love for children and
Swami, humility, patience, dedication, and team-work.
Encourage new center members to have their children
join the SSE program
Duties of Center ECs Contd …





Encourage members of the center (adults/YAs) to come
forward to serve as teachers. Encourage participation in
teachers training workshops.
Coordinate special activities (presentations & field
activities) at various levels
Conduct group meetings with teachers and parents
periodically.
Emphasize that parents are the first teachers. Parents
must provide elevating, positive atmosphere at home.
Encourage open channel of communication between
parents and teachers (with regards family issues involving
children).
Duties of Center ECs Contd …

Arrange special talks/seminars/presentations to help
teachers, parents, children:





Time management
Parent-children relationship
Leadership skills
Good health habits
Work closely with regional education coordinator.




Support teleconferences and communications via email as
requested
Ask questions and present issues for assistance/guidance (no
issues are beyond limits)
Support regional retreat (labor day retreat)
Invite at your center for presentation/talk on subjects
mentioned above
Tips for the Center Education Coordinator






Exuberate love and SWEETNESS in words and actions
Work with children using love. Do not raise voice.
START EARLY.
Know that coordination of presentations is tedious,
complex task. Hence start early, plan well, communicate
well, use team-work, devoting lots of time and energy.
For special programs, start at least 3 months in advance
and plan well.
Resolve differences with reason and love.
May Sai Bless You!!