Learning Is Rooted in Life
At SAANS, learning does not begin with a syllabus.
It begins with life as it is — home realities, earning needs, friendships, conflicts, questions, dreams.
Children and youth don’t step out of life to learn.
They learn inside life — through responsibility, work, reflection, and community.
We learn by
doing,
reflecting,
earning,
questioning,
and walking together.
The Daily Rhythm
Every day flows through simple, repeatable practices.
They are not activities.
They are habits of living and learning.
Opening Circle
Each day begins together.
Children and youth gather to:
arrive fully
share how they are feeling
listen to others
set intention for the day
This is where perspective building begins.
Not through lectures —
but through presence, voice, and listening.
Study Buddies
Learning happens side by side.
Children and youth learn in small peer groups, where:
one explains, another listens
doubts are shared freely
learning becomes mutual, not competitive
Here, teaching is also learning.
And no one is left behind.
Work, Projects & Real Responsibility
Learners take up real responsibilities:
running parts of the space
supporting younger learners
handling materials, time, and tasks
Work is not punishment.
It is a teacher.
Through work, learners practice:
reliability
dignity of labour
decision-making
contribution to the community
Spiral learning
Learning Through Reflection
Every learner follows a simple spiral:
Plan → Do → Reflect → Improve
This happens through:
Spiral Sheets
Peer feedback
Group reflection
One-to-one conversations
Mistakes are not hidden.
They are studied.
This builds:
self-awareness
accountability
learning ownership
Reflection turns experience into wisdom.
Running the Space Together
SAANS is not run for learners.
It is run with them.
Children and youth take up democratic duties, such as:
maintaining learning spaces
managing materials
resolving conflicts
supporting newcomers
Decisions are discussed.
Voices are heard.
Duties rotate.
Here, citizenship is practiced daily, not taught as a chapter.
Life Skills in Real Life
Each month carries a life skill theme, such as:
communication
emotional regulation
teamwork
financial awareness
resilience
leadership
These are not workshops.
They are woven into daily life —
circles, work, projects, and conversations.
Celebrating Growth, Not Competition
Progress is recognised through a credit system.
Credits celebrate:
Effort
Responsibility
Consistency
Initiative
Growth
Credits are not marks.
They are acknowledgements of becoming.
Learning Beyond the Walls
Learning also happens outside the centre.
Through:
Xplore visits
Exposure walks
Residential camps
Community immersion
Learners encounter new worlds, realities, and questions —
and return changed.
Share Heroes — Learning from Life
People from all walks of life walk into the space.
They bring:
skills
stories
lived wisdom
real-world experience
They are called Share Heroes
They don’t come as “experts”.
They come to SHARE as humans who have lived and learned.
Rahee & Rehnuma
Learning is accompanied, not controlled.
Rahee are senior learners who take up the role of facilitators.
They walk alongside younger learners, having recently walked the path themselves.Rehnuma are educators who hold space —
asking questions, offering perspective, and trusting the learner’s journey.
They do not stand in front.
They walk with.