Aurogames - Auroville

Our team works in the field of research, consultancy, teacher training and educational material development. Paula has worked as a class teacher in Auroville since 15 years. Maya has worked as a class teacher in public Montessori schools in Sweden during 10 years, and as many years in Auroville schools.

Based on Integral Education theory, we are researching new educational methods through which students can develop awareness, non-judgement and care. Presently we are exploring educational materials that nurture an imaginative mind. Puzzles that deal with artistically designed components which can be put together in endless ways in a kaleidoscopic manner. The games are played at a speed that matches the child’s learning. We are present to witness the play and offer support where needed. It is like a dance to offer activities at a level that is challenging to the child to keep them engaged yet not too difficult or the child disengages. Ultimately we aim to work with each child within the window of their abilities – then add a challenging step up. With this way of working - time is provided to allow children to really look and see in order to solve a difficulty. When this deep focus takes place, real learning happens. We also encourage children to enter activities with creativity – make new patterns and find different ways of doing things. The activities encourage the children to learn in an atmosphere of equality, respect and harmony.

“Our consciousness is like a young bird; it must learn to use its wings” The motivation and passion for our work is to actively contribute towards the evolution of humankind. We believe that through education there can come a change in the world. Through each individual’s progress, society will progress. Therefore, education should nurture the aspects that can bring a new depth to humankind. To be truly educated, children should develop an inner awareness and knowledge, learn to listen and be guided by it.

Paula is from Canada. She is a registered nurse, has a B.A. in Psychology, and a Diploma in Ayurveda. Maya is from Sweden. She has a B.Ed. in Science of General Education (Mathematics/Science), a B.Ed in Montessori Pedagogy, and an ongoing M.A. in Education for Sustainable Development.

As educators we are passionate about making this world a better place. We live and work as volunteers in the international town Auroville in South India. The idea of Auroville is to experiment with the possibility of Human Unity, where people from all over the world, with different cultural backgrounds, can grow individually and collectively. When building a city of the future - a city of peace, sustainability, and human unity, education has an important role. A method of education needs to be developed that will empower children to grow into young adults who can manifest change. This is where our passion lies. We are working part time as teachers in different schools in Auroville, exploring new ways of education. We can no longer rely on traditional educational materials designed with the purpose of attaining set government curriculum goals. Therefore, we spend the rest of our time developing educational materials needed to help implement a new way of education, designed to awaken the individual to his or her full potential. Auroville is our starting point, our laboratory. But we dream of sharing this kind of educational materials with schools all over the world.