Objectives

NHE strives for a harmonious balance between inner development and objective engagement and service in the world:

◊ Expanding the heart
We each have a circle of love within which we place those most dear to us. Neohumanist Education seeks to help students expand that circle to ultimately include everyone and everything. We do this through the example of teachers, exposing them to stories from around the world, providing opportunities for service, and meditation. You might wonder what the connection is between meditation and the expansion of love? Moving the mind towards consciousness, and away from materialism, helps us transcend our differences and create a sense of unity with the consciousness of all things. It is ironic, but true, that looking within can make one want to reach out to others!

◊ Freeing the mind
 The mind is the lens through which we engage with life. It leads us into the world in wonder and awe. It delights in beauty, challenges injustice and dogma, and ultimately mobilizes our rational capacities into action. Intellect grows through a variety of means such as academic learning, self-knowledge, exposure to great culture, practical experience, and personal connections.  While honing our knowledge, the natural human tendency to expand beyond social and geographical limitations is nurtured.  This cultivates a broadminded rationality that serves as the gateway to realizing our full potential, both individually and collectively.

◊ Serving for a just and sustainable world
 At the core of a Neohumanist Education is the practice of cardinal ethical principles. Learning selfless service creates a compassionate community where nobody is left behind.  An awakened conscience drives a desire for social and environmental justice.  In Neohumanist Education, all subjects: arts, science, literature, math, etc., provide an opportunity to apply learning in the service of all. When values are translated into action, a sense of purpose and connection is achieved.

Overall objectives can be summarized as follows:

• To develop the full potential of the whole child including the physical, emotional, intellectual, creative, intuitive and spiritual capacities.
• To facilitate personal growth in areas such as morality, integrity, self-confidence, self-discipline, co-operation, teamwork leadership ability.
• To develop physical well-being and mental capabilities through yoga, meditation, sports, play and other  activities.
• To awaken a thirst for knowledge and love of life long learning.
• To equip students with academic and practical skills necessary for life and for higher education as well as independent problem solving skills
• To develop self knowledge and knowledge of their personal gifts
• To develop a sense of aesthetics and appreciation of culture and to infuse the curriculum with literature, art, drama, music and dance.
• To encourage a universal outlook, free from discrimination based on religion, race, creed or sex, and to foster a respect for all cultures.
• To develop a benevolent rational intellect and a sense of justice
• To promote an awareness of ecology in its broadest sense – the realization of the inter-relatedness of all things – and to encourage respect, care and universal love for all.
• To apply what is learned to practical life and to encourage students to become active and responsible members of society.
• To foster service spirit

E  Enlargement of mind
D  Discipline
U  Universal outlook
C  Character
A  Active habits
T  Trustworthiness
I  Ideation of the Great
O  Omniscient grace
N  Nice temperament