Edopia School Of Tomorrow

The school works on an “authority-sharing model” where the School Head shares authority with teachers and students. Within the limits of rules and responsibilities set by the Head, everyone and anyone can voice their opinion. In its own words:

“We believe that learning cannot be standardized. We personalize our learning at Edopia. Other than the core subjects, all classes are optional. Children devise their own timetable based on their aptitude, needs, and desires. We value them for who they are.”

Other than formal classes small group and one-to-one sessions are held with the teacher. The teacher helps his/her students to make their decisions through these meetings.

Established in 2014, Edopia is one of a kind that has become quite popular in a short span of time. It is an alternate, progressive and democratic school set up by Jaweria Sethi, a LUMS graduate. She always felt the need for an education system that empowers children so that they can become independent learners. She strongly feels that the traditional system does not let children think creatively and to reflect on their abilities. She believes that “A school should be a place where a child’s pursuit of happiness and purpose begins.”

At Edopia children are not afraid of the judgment of others. They make their own choices and are free to make their decisions. However, this is all done within the given structure of the school rules.

At Edopia Life Skills and Community Engagement (LSE) is an important element of its curriculum. Children are asked to do different activities in this program. For example, they are told to develop business plans. The winning team gets funds to start their small business. It is surprising to know that the best business plans usually come from children aged between 9 and 11 years!

The school hires teachers who have the specific qualities needed to run such a school. Teachers are trained using Project Zero which was developed by the philosopher Nelson Goodman at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1967. The project has been enhanced over time as it serves to investigate the fields of understanding, intelligence, thinking, creativity, cultural diversity, and ethics.

The two underlying principles for the success of such a school are: firstly you need to respect diversity and recognize others’ abilities. Secondly, there is a need to develop critical and socially engaging minds so that individuals can come together as a team for the benefit of the community.

Hence Edopia is a based on a totally different concept from the typical school in our country. It will take some time and a lot of openness from schools, parents and the government to support such schools. In such a school the child learns through activities and not only through learnt lessons. It is a

very practical school where children are already doing what they are learning in class. In the typical school students are sitting quietly listening to the teacher and fear their mistakes while at Edopia failure and messiness are considered an essential part of life!

So as a parent are you ready for such a school? Share your views with us.