vismaya kalike

Learning for the Naturally Curious

What is Vismaya Kalike?

Vismaya Kalike aims to create joyful learning spaces where learners can craft their own learning journeys. We believe that when responsibility and agency lies with the learner the results can be transformative.

How does it work practically?

Each learning centre is situated within the community and is stocked with plenty of games, books and learning material. The children come to the centre in the evening and choose what they want to work on. The centres are supported by facilitators and children reach out to them when they need support.

What is the progress so far?

We started our journey with one space in 2017 and today we are currently running six spaces and cater to almost 200 children. We are also currently running facilitator workshops for other organisations and have so far worked with at least 50 facilitators across South India.

Where are the learning centers?

Avalahalli

Opened in collaboration with T Muniswamappa Trust, Avalahalli is our earliest centre and truly embodies the ViKa ethos. Over forty children participate, play and make their own decisions on what to learn next!

Bandepalya

Another collaboration with SJS, Shining Star Learning Centre is always a fun time. Learners lead the centre and you will often find them drawing, reading stories or sharing their experiences with one another!

Jhanda Gully

A neighbouring community of Avalahalli, this centre emerged organically as the Avalahalli space grew and could not cater to everybody. The children have taken the democratic learning ethos to this space as well and are able to thrive!

Kadirenahalli

Our space in Kadirenahalli was started post the pandemic in collaboration with Stree Jagruti Samiti (SJS). Named Jai Bhim Learning Centre, this space thrives on dance and carom and caters to almost twenty children.

Kogilu Layout

Our newest centre is a collaboration with Sangama. Within a month of starting, we have seen a strong participation and the games and play everyday has attracted many children who are otherwise disillusioned with learning.

T R Nagar

This centre was also started along with SJS after the pandemic. The children at T R Nagar are a close knit group competing fiercely with each other on the fastest Rubik’s cube timing and have made this terrace space their own.

How can I help?

At Vismaya Kalike we're always looking for collaborations and we believe that everyone has something to offer our initiative. Our spaces are open and inclusive. Anyone is welcome to volunteer at our spaces and spend time with the children playing and learning along with them. We're also looking to grow our program and we are seeking donations for our learning centre and scholarship program.

Who do you partner with?

We believe that it's important not to operate in silos and to collaborate with other organisations. We don't want to reinvent the wheel and feel that our work is a lot more effective when partnering with community based organisations who are already working on the ground. Further, we think there's a lot to learn from other organisations and we have partnered with many of them for workshops and visits.