Holistic School, Krishnapuram

Access to education is particularly difficult for traumatized children, who are often limited in their cognitive development because their experiences impair their development and make it difficult for them to learn and concentrate. These children find the support they need at Peniel English Higher Primary School. Through specially tailored educational programs, they are not only accompanied on their educational path, but are also supported holistically.

With about 1.38 billion inhabitants, India has the second largest population worldwide after China. Especially in the last 40 years a strong population growth could be observed, where the number of inhabitants has almost doubled. About 25% of the Indian population is under 15 years old. This demographic development holds great potential for economic growth. However, in order to exploit this potential, more education and employment opportunities are needed. For although India is undoubtedly one of the economic up-and-comers, the growing middle and upper classes still face the world’s highest number of absolutely poor people. In addition, about a quarter of Indian children have no access to education. Especially in the slums and remote villages, the percentage is significantly higher.

For traumatized children in particular, access to education is even more difficult, as they are often behind their peers in their cognitive development, as their memories are filled with experiences that prevent them from learning. The linear-oratorical and memorizing-learning style of teaching, characteristic of the Indian education system, is therefore less than optimal.

The target group are children from marginalized, impoverished, and rural communities who otherwise lack access to educational systems and quality education.