Being an educator isn’t about what you do; it’s about who you are. The best teachers and educators are those who bring their personality, passion, and experience into the classroom — they don’t just teach about a subject, they open up a conversation that includes themselves and us, the learners. For such an educator the classroom becomes a think tank — a place where learning from each other becomes the norm and not the exception. In this co-created space an educator becomes a facilitator. A facilitator of learning guides and assists students in learning for themselves - picking apart ideas, forming their own thoughts about them, and owning material through self-exploration and dialogue.

To bring about a reform in educational systems one needs to understand the role of facilitator. The traditional pedagogical teaching approach emphasizes the role of the teacher as the holder of the wisdom; facilitation puts the onus on the participants to become involved in their own learning. This collaborative approach reinforces more of the 70% in the 70/20/10 formula — 70% of what we learn is on the job and through our experiences. For learners, this is their reality. A good facilitator is one who is a connector and integrator, the glue that brings the collective experiences of the classroom together in a shared learning experience.

The focus of our work with more and more schools is to re-imagine classrooms and teacher facilitation using the Arts.We invite educators, teachers, and heads of institutions to explore this with us as we bring our programs to schools and learning spaces across the country. If enough of us will just think together about reimagining the way we all learn and take steps in converting these to actions, these efforts and ideas to reform education for all will become a reality. If a "critical mass" to shift to a well-established alternative is achieved, a new alternative does not just automatically displace older alternatives, it provides more choices. 

And As John Dewey, philosopher & psychologist says, “Art is not the possession of the few who are recognized writers, painters, musicians; it is the authentic expression of any and all individuality. Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination. Art is the most effective mode of communications that exists.”

My Reflections

Thoughtful musings of an intern from CFL, Nivedita Jajoo, who charmed us all with her enthusiasm, sensitivity and compassion. Her ability, to navigate through the 5 weeks of her internship with creativity and insightful observation, was evident in her presence at the centre. She pens down her experience with her characteristic disarming honesty.

I had the privilege to intern for 5 weeks at Snehadhara Foundation, a not for profit organisation, working with children and adults with special needs. The twin goals of the foundation are art-based therapy (ABT) and education for inclusion. Art based therapy (ABT) is a mental health profession that uses creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well- being of individuals of all ages. 

Working with these kids is demanding, rewarding and fulfilling. The day after New Year, stepping into Snehadhara made me feel uncomfortable and scared. I was nervous as I was stepping into a new place and the fear of working with children with special needs. Also, I reached late (thanks to Google maps which made it even harderJ). My mind swirled with endless questions. How will they respond to me? Will they be scared of my presence? Will they accept me in their day to day activities?

Reflecting back, I now feel that they were the most loving kids I have ever encountered and in fact, I was scared of them during the initial few days.

When Naina says two words, the teachers are in awe. When Umaima gets rhythm and sways to the dance beats, the teachers are elated. Success here in the context of special children is not measured in meters but millimetres, so even the smallest of achievements of these children bring smiles on all our faces.

There is so much to learn from these kids and to grapple their inner worlds. One just needs to interact with them and observe their behaviour. After the initial rapport of 10 minutes, they treat you as their childhood friend! It is so interesting to see this friendship building with no complications, inferiority complexes etc. I think this is the most valuable lesson I have learnt at this place, these children have taught me the true meaning of the term “friendship.” Age is not the barrier to love peers, there is no competition, they are freed from peer pressure/dynamics etc.!! What a stress-free and carefree life is this!

The job here requires patience in abundance and one needs gallons of compassion (if compassion has to be measured). The sessions here are so creative which enhances the physical, mental and emotional well- being. Arts based therapy (ABT) activities here have shown me on how to provide a visual tool for communication, a window of imagination and the ability to make connections with one another.

When someone is labelled as “Special” the “Normal” population get the perception that they don’t have the capabilities or abilities that the “Other” kids do. But to speak from experience I say they have all that but with them, it might just take them a little extra time and practise to get it. If we just work on things and break them down they can really achieve anything!


A question such as what is ‘normalcy’ who is considered ‘normal’ have stayed and has been enforced in me after interning at Snehadhara. Normal is so subjective and open for endless conversations over tea as well as to organise large conferences! To me, it is a spectrum and a continuum. Having learnt definitions of ‘abnormality’ for my psychology exams, I fell there are lots of limitations in these definitions. Firstly IQ test is biased and so very ethnocentric, so what is ‘intelligence?’ Using the word biased is too soft here to describe the test, they are probably erroneous!!

At the end of my 5 weeks, there were some millimetres of learning on my part in terms of patience and yes tolerance, acceptance and even empathy. There is a shift in thinking of inclusion in me. Snehadhara’s tagline – “a continuum of compassion and care” will hopefully remain with me despite the challenges in navigating through the “real” world.