We are Mohini and Laya, aged 16 and 17. We were raised in Auroville, an experimental township and UNESCO endorsed research project in south India that strives towards human unity and sustainable development. This July, we are setting out on an educational journey to the Netherlands, on a search to discover the vast range of alternative education approaches, programs and resources available, and bring them back home with us, to reimagine and reshape the educational landscape in our community. But we cannot do it without your support. We are calling upon all Aurovillians, well-wishers, and those who share a vision for progressive education, to support us. As high school students, our resources are limited, and we need your help to turn this dream into a reality. The funds we raise will cover essential expenses, including travel, accommodation, conference fees, and the costs associated with visiting various schools. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference.

Please note that this fundraiser is linked to a Swedish bank account, hence the currency is in Krona (SEK). When making a contribution, simply convert the amount you would like to donate from your local currency into Swedish Krona. For donations within Auroville, this is the projects Financial Service account number: 251507.



From the 29th of July to the 4th of August, we will be taking part in the European Democratic Education Conference, hosted by several democratic schools in the town of Soest. This EUDEC places particular emphasis on the rights of a child. The conference will be a unique opportunity for global dialogue on alternative education, providing a rich tapestry of ideas and experiences that will deepen our understanding of democratic education and offer insights into the various ways it can be implemented. Additionally, we will be giving our contributions to the programme in the Open Space, which is a time to learn from each other. As youth educated in Auroville, the conference will offer a platform to share Auroville’s particular framework on alternative education, Sri Aurobindo's educational philosophies of free progress and integral education. This will offer a unique perspective to the conference and other students who have grown up with alternative schooling.

Following the conference, we plan to utilise the existing network to visit various democratic/sociocratic schools and eco projects in the area, engaging with pioneers in alternative education and conducting interviews to gather insights and fresh perspectives. Over the span of one month, we will be visiting alternative schools all over the Netherlands, seeking to gain insights into each of their approaches, philosophies and methodologies. Why the Netherlands? The Netherlands is known to have a strong presence of alternative education, including democratic schools, sociocratic schools, Montessori schools, Agora schools, Steiner Waldorf schools, and other educational models with a clear focus on diversity and inclusion.

All over the world traditional education systems are failing to meet the diverse needs of children, prioritising conformity over creativity, leaving individuals unprepared to navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world. As life on earth becomes increasingly complex, we can no longer afford to rely on these outdated methods. The flaws of traditional education are more evident than ever before. We are standing on the brink of a pivotal moment and the time to prioritise educational research and innovation is now.

Mohini and I were raised in TLC, under the principles of free progress and the ethos of self-directed and community-based learning. As graduates and now alumni of TLC, we are giving back in our own ways. I, Laya, work one on one with a few of the students on individual projects and interests of theirs, supporting their growth in whatever way I can. I, Mohini, help organise and facilitate the weekly community gatherings, giving the children new decision making and mediation techniques.

We recently attended the International Democratic Education Conference 2023 in Nepal, which was an eye-opening experience that deepened our understanding of democratic education. After this experience, we started incorporating these principles in our work at TLC, as well as sharing them with other facilitators. Mohini was particularly inspired by the talks and workshops on sociocracy held at this IDEC, in addition to the learnings she gained at the Summerhill Festival of Childhood within which the IDEC and EUDEC of 2021 were held. These experiences led her to drive the transition of TLC's community gatherings from a voting system to a more inclusive sociocratic approach to decision making, a framework which draws on the use of consent rather than majority voting.

By engaging in a network of projects centred around alternative education, we will enrich our learning and gain practice tools to enhance our facilitation skills. This will in turn benefit TLC, the children, facilitators, and parents, as we will implement and share the knowledge gained through this experience and enrich the educational landscape in TLC. After the conference, we will compile all our information and organise a presentation open to the wider community, to share the knowledge and insights acquired during our journey and potential applications within the Auroville context, followed by a Q&A session allowing for deeper discussion and understanding. We hope to visit various schools in Auroville and share our presentation there as well. Upon our return, we will collect all our research and create a comprehensive report of our process and findings, including a culmination of interviews, extensive analysis, discussion of patterns and more. This report will be available for anyone interested in learning more about alternative education and its relevance in the context of Auroville. Finally, by supporting initiatives and brainstorming ideas for advancing alternative education, we hope to create a positive impact that can inspire others to explore alternative education and thereby contribute to the overall growth of alternative education.

We have put a lot of thought into this project and are very excited to begin our journey. But we cannot do it without your support.

Thank you for believing our vision.

Mohini & Laya