Sloka, the first Indian Waldorf school

As one of four Waldorf schools in Hyderabad, Sloka has been strengthening the spirit of Waldorf education for 27 years. From kindergarten to high school: We grew organically adding a new grade each year till we reached grade ten. As awareness of this sensitivity in education grew, we decided to add parallel classes grade by grade. We now have over 125 kindergarteners and over 500 children in grades one through ten.

Transformative Training

Our Waldorf Teacher Training – which began before Sloka started in 1997 – has evolved into the Sloka Steiner Waldorf Teacher Training programme (SSWTT), held on campus. We have now acquired new premises, next to the school, to conduct our trainings. Our teacher training is rooted in a deep conviction that Waldorf Education has to spread but in a way that is relevant for us in India. We spent years making the Waldorf Curriculum relevant to the Indian cultural and educational context. From writing and composing songs that celebrate Indian seasons and festivals to building the teaching of Indian languages (each of which have their own unique script). Sloka has also dovetailed the Waldorf Curriculum within the Indian educational context.

We also believe that a thriving school environment is key to quick learning of essentials in Waldorf Education. Our experienced teachers, who have been working closely with parents and children over the years, provide hands-on knowledge sharing, and classroom insights during trainings. Sloka teachers and other participants who attend these trainings have found it very transformative. We ensure that our training is accessible to all schools both through sponsorship and live streaming.

The result is seen in the way our children meet the world and perform in various elds. It’s that quality of inner condence and self-motivation that our children have, which has helped them to face whatever is required of them in this competitive society. There is an innate sense of justice, empathy, interest in the world, and love for learning that shines like a beacon. This attracts various agencies – private and government – who want to understand about Waldorf education’s age-appropriate approach.

(This artice was first published in the Newsletter of the Goetheanum Pedagogical Section in April 2024.)