The Principle of Family and Community
Learning is important and quality education is a very ambitious goal. But happiness is to be sought not only in the future but also in the here and now. Especially in the family area children have the opportunity to just be. They play or rest, relax or join their friends. Approximately 7-10 children live together with a mentor. The mentors offer psychosocial support to the children and accompany them in their development by assuming a parent-like role, for example during conflicts or in case of difficulties at school. Children and mentors become a community that offers the children the freedom to participate and develop their talents.
The everyday life of children and educators is reinforced by rituals. The rituals strengthen the community, channel conflicts and the need for discussion, and serve the educators as a guide for organizing festivals and celebrations. They day begins with early morning exercises and the traditional Thai morning roll call, and ends with a good-night meeting of all children. Intercultural learning and living with people from other countries is just as important for the Beluga School for Life community as amicable and regular contact with the surrounding villages and schools.
