The Concept
A pioneer on sustainable rural development
The Life School Centre is a focal point for sustainable rural development - A Training and Demonstration Centre that aims to build the capacity of local communities and various institutions and to generate and disseminate knowledge and practical experiences on:
- Sustainable watersheds
- Natural resource management
- Climate change adaptation
- Appropriate sustainable rural technologies
- Social inclusion
- Justice and equity
- Poverty reduction
- Livelihood improvement
A leading demonstration centre for sustainable design
The concept of the LSC compound is not only to provide space for meetings and trainings; it is to be a teaching tool itself – as a demonstration centre for sustainable design in a local context. The buildings and operation of the LSC itself function as a teaching tool guided by ecological and pedagogical considerations providing direct hands-on demonstrations.
The LSC have demonstration plots for low external input gardening, nurseries and aquaculture and appropriate rural technologies. It demonstrates realistic and replicable options for improved building techniques using low cost, low energy and locally produced building materials, renewable energy systems, appropriate climatic design responses and sustainable ways of dealing with water and waste etc.
A connecting link between professionals and stakeholders in the Churia region
Given the similarity of the problems in the whole Churia region, and the need of streamlining issues, the LSC is envisioned to be a connecting link between many of the activities and stakeholders in the area. LSC will serve as a training centre for a wide number of organisations and become a meeting place for professionals on sustainable watershed and natural resource management.
Today the Life School Centre has ten member organisations, consisting of JIWAN Program partner organizations, people's organizations and a local youth club, which are: JWAS, SUYUK, TPFDA, NFIWUAN, FECOFUN, LOPAN, ARCA, WRF, DFA and CH.
And we are always happy to get in contact with new potential partners and professionals!
Vision and mission statement
Vision
LSC serves as a pivotal point for social, sustainable natural resource management and skill development.
Mission
To contribute to social change, improved collaborative watershed management, climate adaptation and skill development interlinking upstream-downstream stakeholders through capacity building, advocacy, action research and having a living resource centre.
Goal
To reduce the poverty by disseminating the knowledge and skills of demonstrating realistic and replicable options for improved building techniques using low cost, low energy and locally produced building materials, renewable energy systems, appropriate climatic design responses and sustainable ways of dealing with water, forest and land.
Objectives
- Develop and maintain a professional learning and resource centre.
- Promote awareness in the communities about the benefits of sustainable natural. resource management, land use, climate change adaptation, poverty and social justice.
- Demonstrate sustainable building designs and techniques providing information, services and building materials.
- Support the initiations of JIWAN Program: Lok Pathasala, Watershed Youth Clubs, Group Partnerships, Rural Workers and Craft People, Watershed Management and Advocacy.
- Invest the benefits of the LSC to build capacity of people living in Jalaidh Watershed, Dhanusha.
Strategy and Approach
- Professional learning and resource centre for exchanging information, knowledge and skills on watershed and natural resource management.
- Social transformation for community empowerment and livelihood improvement.
- Promotion of sustainable building and appropriate rural technologies.
- Upstream-downstream interlinks between Churia and Terai.