Sri Ramacharan Charitable Trust
Organization background

Since 1999, Sri Ramacharan Charitable Trust (Ramacharan) has been promoting the use of the Montessori method in teaching children from impoverished backgrounds, who attend public schools in Chennai. Currently, the organization runs 52 classes in 14 public schools and in 7 Balwadis (child care centers) in Chennai.

The school also trains women from impoverished backgrounds to teach using this method, who are subsequently able to find employment opportunities at other institutions.

Project background

In most public schools, the common method of teaching emphasizes rote learning and is very structured. However, today, this is being replaced by the Montessori Method at private schools in the pre-school, kindergarten, and lower elementary grades. In this method, the teacher prepares an ideal classroom environment full of activities that children should pick from to work on. The method also encourages the use of “materials” or carefully created objects designed for learning. The Montessori Method includes areas of the curriculum that teach social skills and practical life skills such as cooking and cleaning. The emphasis is on self-learning, and the process also helps develop critical thinking, independence and social skills.

Though, the Montessori method is used primarily in private schools, since 1999, Sri Ramacharan Charitable Trust has been promoting its use in public schools in Chennai, so that children from impoverished backgrounds may also benefit from the Montessori method.

GKF contributions to Sri Ramacharan Charitable Trust