Following are the various activities at Shishukunj Kendras across the world:
Mother-Tongue Language Classes
Language like Gujarati is taught from the elementary level to GCSE ‘O’ level. Internal assessments take place regularly to ensure high standards take place. We have introduced a unique method of introducing language to our youngest children, through music, drama and play.
Prarthna, Bhajan and Dhoon (Prayers/Singing/Chanting)
Prayers form a very important session during which the children recite and sing our Shishukunj prayers and are made aware of the meanings of the verse/stanza. It forms the basis of spiritual realisation and oneness with the almighty.
Baudhik (Moral sessions)
These sessions are aimed to inspire children by taking examples from the lives of great personalities and sacred scriptures of both Eastern and Western philosophy. The main purpose of these sessions is to ensure children learn about qualities of honesty, loyalty, fairness and justice. The session plays a very important role in the character building of an individual and helps one to discriminate between right and wrong.
Kawayat
This is a unique activity consisting of Dumbbells, Lezim, Magdal, Lathis and Calisthenics which may be performed with an accompaniment of music. The activity is disciplined and is kept in time by counts.
Games
A comprehensive range of modern and traditional games are played to provide physical and mental development and team spirit. They are much enjoyed and are competitive.
Baal Sabha/Manoranjan (Entertainment Programme)
The whole session is conducted and presented by the members. The programme would consist of stories, songs, plays, jokes, etc., prepared by the members to entertain everyone else. The session is aimed to spot talents, remove fears of audience and generally to develop public speaking and confidence in oneself.
Nasto
An opportunity for members & families to celebrate or remember an occasion by sharing some Nasto (snacks) or Prasad (offering) with all members present. This is more about sharing our joyous and reflective moments in life with our extended family and others with the spirit of social welfare.
ECA (Extra Curricular Activities)
These sessions are group activities and are organised for special days, e.g. Christmas, Diwali, etc. They are organised on a big scale with different ideas each time. After each ECA new knowledge is learnt.
Talim Sessions
These sessions are for those members who are between the age of 12-14 to learn about Shishukunj but in depth so they can start taking over responsibilities from older members.
Fine Art Classes
An opportunity for our children to learn musical instruments like Harmonium & Tabla, Vocal (singing) and Classical (Kathak)/Folk Dancing.
Shibir (Camps)
There are various camps held through the year. Talim Shibir, Shishu Shibir and most important in everybody’s diary ‘Jeevan Ghadtar Shibir’!!! This is a four day camping trip combining vigorous and relentless activities. The day starts at 06.00 am and does not finish till 22:00 pm. This Shibhir has an age limit and is every year but for younger children there is Shishu Shibir. Talim Shibhir is a camp for those under training to become Karyakars (Leaders) to learn more about Shishukunj and in depth, and instrumental in team building.
Summer Picnic
An annual event where parents are invited to join our members, both children and karyakars for a fun day out in the sun!
Sports Day
This is a fun packed indoor/outdoor event, organised by older children members. Games include table tennis, badminton, carrom, Shishukunj games competition (Dodgeball, Langdi etc..) as well as athletic type events.
Festivals
Navratri, Diwali and Christmas are among many of the festivals celebrated every year.
Baal Deen
This is “Children’s day” held around 14th November in honour of Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday to reflect his special affection for children. The celebration is a huge party for the children comprising of fun, games and a feast. The highlight of the day is the variety programme performed in front of children and parents.
Parents Open Day
Children’s progress is discussed between parents, Shishukunj karyakars and language teacher and Dasta Nayaks/Nayabs (Group leader/assistant leader).