THE PROGRAM

The Floating Desert Schools Project, begun in January 2002 came into being as a consequence of the terrible Indian Earthquake of 26 January 2001 in Gujarat India that devastated the homes of hundreds of villagers that live in the desert regions. Initial imperative to shape the Floating Desert School came from a group (class) of 7 year olds from northern New York state who, following the earthquake acted to help children in the village of Jessada by donating initial funds to establish the Floating Desert School. The Floating Desert School Project now embraces an international coalition of 3 constituencies: school children, an indigenous anthropologist and researchers from MIT Media lab (and Media Lab Asia) who believe that digital technologies can revolutionize learning. The Floating Desert School project draws on the combined resources of: the children who generate the spark of inspiration; the anthropologist who along with the local people provide a navigational map through relationships, resources and objectives for the work; and Media Lab and MLA participants embed visionary concepts in real life learning prototypes. As we begin this experiment in learning, we seek to bring learning to a large rural area by realizing the idea of a floating school, a school that can move from place to place, a schooling philosophy that is anchored in community and local occupation strategies, and in congregational patterns that are tied to specialist occupations such as cattle herding and salt-making. The model is inherently flexible, adapting to the needs of each dynamic and particular village. Key in such a school is  a mentor who is willing to learn and try out new approaches. We endow this school with necessary supplements of food and medical attention, with a source of power, and bring to it a range of experiments designed to enhance indigenous learning.

Photo: S. Dupris

The project is based in the desert salt pans north of the village of Jessada that is located some 40 minutes from medieval town of Dhrangadhra in Gujarat.  Dr Jayasinhji Jhala, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Temple University is from the town of Dhrangadhra and he is leading the project with the support of  local village caste councils and  individual caste leaders, male and female, of this area.  The project is envisioned to be an opportunity for on site educational initiatives and experiential learning where students and researchers will have an unique opportunity to engage and create, in  safe and nurturing environments.

Photo: A. Jhala