Neohumanism in Africa

33 years ago, Lotus Children’s Center was founded by the late Didi Ananda Bhaktidhara to give access to high-quality education to the children from the Sukhura slum and simultaneously offer shelter to disadvantaged girls from remotes area of Ghana.

Upon researching and examining numerous early childhood facilities in the surrounding area, it was noted that the majority of schools had a minimum of educational resources. Instead, teachers often used tactics of fear in the classroom (a sad reality which has not changed much). The result is that children who show leadership are suppressed – the children’s creativity as well.

To break the cycle of poverty; to help the pupils to reach their full potential and to prepare them to be confident, compassionate citizens; along with academics daily Yama & Nyama principles are taught in various ways.

Teachers, parents and visitors often comment that our children are different from the others in the community. We hear the same in our other project Path of Joy. It was started as a library in 2015 and recently Primary school has also started there.

In both projects, we guide the children to expand their love by observing nature, working in the garden, awakening curiosity by discussing simple wonders, etc. We can see that our students enjoy the beauty of diversity and respect animals and plants; often translating it into their art.

Their replies to the exam questions are very encouraging as they show that they really grasp universal ideas such as of a Happy Earth versus a Sad Earth, Pure Air versus Dirty Air, humans as being protectors of nature, kindness with each other, etc. Although eating animals is very common and there is a stigma of poverty when meat/fish are absent from the meal, many staff members have become vegetarian (we serve both breakfast and lunch to the kids).

Our timetable is quite creative and dynamic, with daily yoga practices, gardening, nature studies, creative arts (most schools maximum offer coloring for their students). Drama, music and dance are used to rescue the love for one’s culture.

KG students learn to appreciate their tribes as well other tribes (breaking feelings of divisions due tribalism sentiment). They learn a bit about neo colonialism through simple stories. We also encourage decision making by letting the children choose some topics of what they would study deeper.

As there is no free garbage collection in our area, much of the waste is burnt or goes unto the gutters, which often chocks, causing floods in the rainy seasons. As if that was not enough, other countries have made Accra a damp place for their garbage! When we show the children that they can make diverse things as crafts and toys with their garbage (from bottles they bring to drink in school, for example).