Updated 2023-09-10

Kinder Republic

Sri Lanka’s first and only Democratic School, providing children the freedom to direct their education since 2021.
Sifaan Zavahir founder
Schools
http://www.kinder.lk
click to see email
(+94) 766656868
Address: 58, Kendahenawatha Road
Depanama
City: Pannipitiya
Country: Sri Lanka
Colombo

SDE Optimizing Conditions

ASDE surveys all SDE communities/programs about how they provide, enhance, or align with each of the Six Optimizing Conditions for young people to succeed in SDE.  Survey answers:
  1. Responsibility – Our schedule is created by children proposing, and then voting for, activities. Children are not obliged to participate in activities in the schedule (unless they have promised to join) and are free to occupy themselves as they please.
  2. Youth Autonomy – Unless the activity was offered by an adult (and accepted by the children) activities involve adults only if requested by children, or if there is a license requirement that requires adult supervision (which would have to be approved in parliament).
  3. Access to Tools and Technology – Art & Craft supplies, Cooking equipment, Woodworking tools, Gardening tools - yes, to the extent requested. Computing equipment has not yet been requested.
  4. Adult Allies – Currently there are only 2 adults in the space (the founders) and we hope to have more soon. Adults do not grade or test children, nor provide unsolicited feedback (we may offer feedback from time to time, but will only proceed if accepted).
  5. Free Age Mixing – Yes! They organize themselves by interest, not age.
  6. Community – Every citizen (child and adult) has an equal voice in decision making ("parliament" and "budget") and conflict resolution ("restorative councils"). As the community is still small, everything is a direct democracy for now.

If any information about this resource is out of date, please let us know.