Avani is an Indian voluntary organisation working in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, located in the middle ranges of the Central Himalayan region. Avani focuses on the creation of livelihood opportunities through preservation of traditional craft, dissemination of appropriate technology and farm based activities. In 2010, a small school project was founded. The school aims to educate local children through interactive and participatory teaching methods that integrate the Kumaoni culture.

The genesis of Avani came about in the context of the isolation and consequent challenges of the villages situated in the high mountain ranges of the Himalaya. The search for local solutions, relying on conservation and promoting self-reliance instead of outside dependence, has been the prime objective of Avani.

Based on these principles, the interns should create and strengthen teaching methodologies for the new school, using the environment as a learning tool. They should also put their emphasis on theatre and music, as well as on interaction rather than on authoritative teaching. A curriculum for the primary school based on alternative and participatory teaching methods of e.g. Montessori, Waldorf or Steiner is desired. To ensure the sustainability of the project, the local teachers need to be trained by the interns in implementing the curriculum and the developed methods. An optional task for the interns is to teach basic English and computer skills to the staff members in the afternoons. Hereby they should also apply participatory methods.

GLEN-participants should feel comfortable to live and work in very remote areas and have a strong interest in rural development. Practical experience in teaching children in participatory methods and knowledge of pedagogical theories of Montessori, Waldorf or Steiner would be very welcome, but is not essential. Experiences in theatre and playing an instrument will be highly appreciated. Interns are required to bring their own computer.

The scheduled time for the internship is July to September 2012. Training and preparation seminars prior to the internship will be held in English. The tandem will be formed by a French participant and a German/Swiss participant.