Saavi 4 - 25 May 2024

Saavi 4

Saavi 4 was designed to explore learning through thinking as a key process.

Introduction

The introduction part of Saavi is to make the participants understand the new environment. This time we introduced us with an action. Then we sat together and discussed about the rules for the day. Students came up with some interesting rules like how to talk when in circle, no need to take permission for water break but it is good to let others know. We introduced the physical space to the participants so that they can move around easily.

Learning with freedom

This time the choice of topics were Climate Change and Trees. Students were asked to vote for one of the topics and it was decided by the participants that we go by the majority votes.

The topic chosen by participants was "Climate Change". But that's not all, we made a map together on what they like to explore under the topic. Climate change was a new topic to many of them, so we started the workshop with an introduction. We watched the Ted talk "BhutanforLife" Which explains about the small country and their promise to be carbon free country.

Students were surprised to know about Bhutan, and they were interested to explore more on the topic. Then we sat together and made a mind map of topics which they would like to explore under climate change. This time we have chosen few books which has information about Climate change at a deeper level.

Children divided themselves into 2 groups based on their questions to be explored. We witnessed how much they learnt when they wanted to explore their own questions. The exploration went deeper and wide with each thought from a team member.

Participants were involved so much in exploring the questions, so we had to continue reading the texts and understand the perspective of the authors. Participants were able to read the books - “Story of more” and No-nonsense guide to climate change. As facilitators we had to take a step back and hold our next sessions as they were so involved in the process.

Fun time

In the afternoon session we sang a song about nature and played a board game about climate change. Participants shared that the game helped them to understand simple ways to contribute for climate change.

Presentation

Each team had an opportunity to share about their work in this session. As a team they chose different ways to share it with their friends. This session brought out the different skills and creativity of the participants. While one team presented their work through charts and drawings, the other team presented their work through a short skit.  

Now, comes the final question - what is it these elements do with the self-exploration?

IN this entire process, we observed how participants worked with each other's understanding and perceptions. There were times when 2 people had different opinions but the beauty is how they created the space to share/receive each others’ opinions with love and care.

When there was a struggle during presentation in one team, the other team members joined them which was beautiful to witness. AS facilitators our job was to create this non-judgmental space where knowledge, thoughts, perceptions are shared and received with love and freedom.

At the end of the workshop, we are grateful to create the space for these young participants.