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 3

SSE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE (USA) Teacher Center Coordinator Center President Child Regional Coordinator National Coordinator Parents

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) 6

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. 7

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 SSE teacher agrees to: 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. 9

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 10

Center Education Coordinator 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. 11

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. 12

Sweetness – the Utmost Virtue Be Swami and handle children with love !! 13

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 14

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). 15

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 16

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. 17

May Sai Bless You!! 18