Vidya Vanam, an educational initiative of the Bhuvana Foundation, is a school for tribal and underprivileged children in Anaikatti, a village on the outskirts of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The school, which began in 2007 with 20 children, has grown to a strength of 300.

Where do children spend the majority of their time - 6 hours per day, 5 days per week? They spend over 1000 hours a year in school, most of which is spent in the classroom and on the games field! Considering the number of hours they spend there, a good classroom should be a healthy and welcoming space. A classroom is after all where they learn to trust one another, take on challenges, and ask questions.
Good classroom infrastructure makes it possible for children, especially those from remote locations, to foster a sense of belonging. This has been linked to increased attendance and learning as well because students will be excited to come to school! Developing such classrooms is what Vidya Vanam seeks to do. Vidya Vanam also believes that sports is an integral part of a school atmosphere, and focuss is on the health and well being of every child thus leading to a complete development of a child. Towards this goal, Vidya Vanam requires sports equipment as a prerequisite.

Over the last 14 years, Vidya Vanam has been dedicated to creating nurturing classrooms and the school environment that is free of fear. Founded in 2007, this school for tribal and disadvantaged students is run by Bhuvana Foundation in Anaikatti, at the foothills of the Nilgiris. Vidya Vanam’s curriculum incorporates the culture, language, and way of life of the communities to which the children belong, fostering traditional knowledge in children even as we give them avenues for exposure, shaping them into tomorrow’s leaders.

The school believes in giving children a fear-free environment, which is the only way to foster learning. The culture, language and the way of life of the communities to which the children belong are incorporated into the curriculum. The school follows a tri-lingual teaching environment up to class 4 so that the move to English is a smoother process. The school follows a theme-based interdisciplinary methodology and curriculum.  Children from the tribal communities are not charged while others pay a very nominal sum.
About 250 students benefit from our eco-friendly campus that also has two playgrounds, laboratories for physics, chemistry, biology, computer, and math, an audio-visual room, a music room, and an art and craft room. However, our classrooms need some attention.