Sri Sathya Sai Organization

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SAI
SPIRITUAL
EDUCATION (SSE)
General Overview
Effective Administration Guidelines
Raj Prakash
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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

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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

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

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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)

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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.

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REGARDING THE POSITIONS

• You are just a coordinator for names sake
  only. All are servants. You are a servant of a
  master, thats all.
• Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Sweetness the Utmost Virtue

• Be Swami and handle children with love !!

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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

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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).

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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

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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.

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• May Sai Bless You!!