Overview

Sathya Sai Education is founded on Sri Sathya Sai Baba's philosophy and teachings, emphasizing equal importance to spirituality, human values, character, and educational achievements. He guided and blessed the establishment of the Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) program, Sathya Sai Schools (Schools), and the Institutes of Sathya Sai Education (ISSE), conducting Sathya Sai Education in Human Values (SSEHV) programs around the world. Currently, 28 ISSEs and 39 Sathya Sai Schools support educational activities worldwide.

In 2017, the Education Committee initiated an ongoing process for accreditation of all Sathya Sai Schools worldwide, with a self-review process followed by school visits. Accreditation is a collaborative and interactive process to support each Sathya Sai School by acknowledging their excellent work and working jointly on areas needing attention.

This report summarizes the educational activities in the SSSIO, ISSEs, and Sathya Sai Schools worldwide during 2024.

Zone 1

Barbados

Students in Barbados took part in 40 SSE class sessions. They also participated in the One Million Trees initiative of the SAI 100 program by planting trees.

Canada

As part of Swami’s 100th Birthday celebrations, the National Education Team (NEC) of Canada initiated a monthly online session to help SSE children from Groups 1 to 4 connect with the universal Lord’s prayer taught by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The team continued study circles for teachers, focusing on the topic ‘The Teacher and His Task.’ In collaboration with the National Young Adult Team, Group 4 SSE children served the homeless by cooking meals, thus fostering community bonds.

Trinidad

Trinidad Walk for Values 2024

Trinidad has five Sathya Sai Schools, four Government-assisted preschools, and a private free primary school. In addition, there were 12 SSEHV sessions at an orphanage, 20 online SSE classes, sessions at a Sai Center, and a Summer Camp for SSE students.

Trinidad Baba Birthday Nagar Sankirtan
Trinidad Gardening
Preschool Kids With Coconut Trees

Students from all schools participated in the Annual Walk for Values and Carnival showcasing costumes inspired by Human Values. The children also focus on environmental sustainability by working in school gardens and doing tree planting. The primary school maintains an environment free of plastic water bottles.

USA

It was yet another enriching year for the children, teachers, coordinators, and parents of the SSE program. Children from many regions participated in local service activities, including a toy and food drive for children, tutoring, serving in the soup kitchen, planting trees, and helping at their local Sai Centers.

USA Education

One of the highlights of the year was a two-day retreat for all SSE Coordinators on March 30 and 31, 2024, at Sai Prema Nilayam, Riverside, California. The theme for this retreat was ‘Sai Spiritual Education - the Bridge to Higher Learning.’ Thirty-one attendees representing all 10 regions of the USA participated. The program included a guest speaker and workshops focusing on parenting and teaching groups for three and four-year-old children. The retreat included a field trip to the Sathya Sai Book Center of Tustin. On the occasion of Swami’s 99th Birthday, the National Sai Parenting Initiative was launched.

Usa Education Workshop 01

The ISSE-USA has evolved significantly over the last few years, including the expansion from two to four wings of SSEHV initiatives. The focus has grown from school and community initiatives to include medical and corporate/workplace sector initiatives. The medical wing offers a successful EASE program (see the Sai Ideal Healthcare chapter). The Institute has 56 teachers/facilitators with SSEHV experience and has engaged approximately 2,000 children and adults across all SSEHV programs.

Sathya Sai Partnership Schools - USA

USA Canned Food Drive 1
USA Canned Food Drive 2
USA Canned Food Drive 3

Sapientia and Cedar Park Schools in Texas organized several impactful events in 2024. During the Fall Festival, students expressed gratitude through written notes displayed for parents. In the Canned Food Drive, alumni joined parents and students to collect over 800 pounds of food, with each can labeled with a human value. It was a proud moment when ten students were selected to speak at the United Nations in New York addressing over 1,600 international attendees.

Zone 2A

Mexico

The 99th Year of Advent of the Avatar was celebrated in San Salvador on November 23-24, 2024. Volunteers served food to over 100 homeless people, held a medical camp for 50 patients, and organized children's activities for 95 kids. On November 24, over 40 SSSIO members joined a program that included Gayatri Mantra chanting, an SSE children’s program, a talk by guest speaker Jorge Soto, bhajans, and a joyful birthday celebration for Swami. The joyful event was marked by happiness, motivation, and Swami’s love and blessings.

Zone 2a Mexico 3
Zone 2a Mexico 2

In 2024, seven teachers conducted more than 200 human values classes for 64 children in the central region of Mexico. The commitment of the volunteers helped strengthen human values education within the school community, benefiting both the children and their families. Members of the Sri Sathya Sai Center, ‘Las Rosas’ in Tijuana, in collaboration with the Sathya Sai Institute of Education in Human Values, conducted a workshop for 17 teachers from a secondary school in Tecate, Baja California. The teachers received training in the application of human values in the classroom. The workshop for training of SSE facilitators was conducted on November 16 and 17 in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. The purpose was to provide the thirteen participants with tools to apply spiritual principles in all aspects of their lives.

Zone 2a Mexico 1

Five teachers from the Sri Sathya Sai ‘La Misión’ Center began classes at Francisco Gómez Bocanegra School on October 16 for 4th-grade students. Twenty-six children participated enthusiastically and enjoyed the songs and the stories. Members of the Sri Sathya Sai Center ‘La Misión’ from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, conducted three ‘Walks for Values’ events to promote awareness and practice of human values within the community. These walks brought together center members, allowing them to reinforce unity, selfless service, and their connection with the divine through action.

Haiti

Zone 2a Heiti Mother Day Cards Activity 1
Zone 2a Heiti Mother Day Cards Activity 2

In Haiti's capital, 620 children from three partnership schools and 120 children from two Saturday Human Values Clubs learned about honesty, trust, cooperation, respect, nonviolence, and love through various activities and lessons. Among them, 70 displaced children, affected by gang wars, do not attend regular school. Volunteers and parents showed great interest in extra training and information sessions. Thanks to dedicated Haitian SSEHV teachers, these values were creatively introduced, offering hope amid chaos and insecurity.

Zone 2B

Argentina

The Mahatma Gandhi Sathya Sai School in Argentina organized a ‘Solidarity Family Pilgrimage’ program for their Love All, Serve All initiative. Students donated non-perishable food to 17 soup kitchens, demonstrating human values through service. The event included a performance by the “MUGA Band” (Gandhi Music) where students expressed values through music. In the Buenos Aires Region, SSE programs were conducted in person, while children from other regions participated remotely via Zoom for special occasions like Swami’s Birthday celebrations. These activities concluded with a cooking workshop integrating human values into practical life skills.

Zone 2B Argentina 1

Brazil

Zone 2B Brazil 2
Zone 2B Brazil 3
Zone 2B Brazil 1
To commemorate Swami’s 99th Birthday, the SSE Wing developed a video by children and teenagers titled ‘To You, Lord Sai: Service, Worship and Enlightenment.’ The Sathya Sai School of Vila Isabel celebrated ‘World Human Values Day’ with a traditional walk, sharing this message. The students of the Sathya Sai School of Goiás distributed embroidered cashew leaves during the Walk on April 24. The Sathya Sai School of Ribeirão Preto launched inspiring programs titled ‘Outdoor Classroom Day’, ‘Super Author’, and ‘The Postman Has Arrived!’ to promote learning, creativity, and family ties.

Bolivia

Zone 2B Bolovia 1
The Institute focused on training primary school teachers at Juana Azurduy Public School. Emphasizing the child's relationship with God, the training highlighted love, truth, righteousness, peace, and nonviolence. Teachers were encouraged to help children strengthen their inner potential through prayer, reading holy scriptures, and inspiring stories.

Chile

The SSE Wing of Chile, part of the Sai Seminar Center in Santiago de Chile, held in-person sessions focused on the study of the life of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. A highlight was creating an educational puppet show titled ‘The Grateful Bird,’ first presented on April 24 during Human Values Day celebrations. This performance was later presented to the community, delighting children in San Eugenio Park with values-based lessons.

Colombia

The SSSIO Education Wing held SSEHV Workshops with children from foundations in Bogotá and Barranquilla. The best experience was in Barranquilla, where they worked for five days with six girls. The change in each girl was remarkable. The Sathya Sai School, Prema Sai, in Barroblanco, promoted a Walk for Human Values event, encouraging ethical reflection in the community. Family Day celebrations strengthened essential human values, contributing to the comprehensive development of students and the well-being of the community. The Sathya Sai School of Funza held ‘Minga Sai,’ a three-day community meeting that encouraged collective work and sharing to promote common welfare. The ISSE of Colombia supports Sai Schools and the SSSIO for education, in addition to holding virtual SSEHV courses, conferences, and study circles.

Zone 2b Colombia 1

Ecuador

The Sathya Sail School of Guayaquil organized a ‘Walk for Family Values’ event on November 8, with around 500 participants, including 200 students and their parents. They walked through the streets of Bastion Popular, singing and praying for divine blessings to strengthen families with love. On April 24, 150 students and 300 community members participated in a ‘Parade for Human Values’ event led by the school band, with the First Lady of the Mayor’s office of the Sucre Canton and her team in attendance. The ISSE of Ecuador held virtual SSEHV courses and conferences and provided workshops in various schools interested in learning about SSEHV.

Zone 2b Ecuador 1

Paraguay

Twenty-three students enrolled in kindergarten at the Sathya Sai School of Paraguay, known as ‘Espacio de Desarrollo Infantil Sathya Sai de Paraguay.’ Weekly SSEHV training sessions were held with teachers, and monthly workshops were conducted with parents. Children served the volunteer firefighters of the school zone in Asuncion. Further, the SSEHV program was integrated into the class planning of the Ministry of Education and Science's curricular program, along with techniques like silent sitting, storytelling, phrases, value songs, and group work.

Zone 2b Paraguay

Peru

Zone 2b Peru 1
Zone 2b Peru 2

In 2024, the SSSIO Education Wing held 22 in-person human values workshops. Forty children from the two adopted communities of Cerro San Francisco and Huarochiri attended all the workshops. The children participated happily and enthusiastically, with strong support from parents. On April 24, the partnership schools held commemorative activities celebrating Human Values Day. In July and August 2024, the members from the ISSE of Peru gave talks on SSEHV to 300 high school students.

Venezuela

Zone 2b Venezuela 2
Zone 2b Venezuela 1
Zone 2b Venezuela 3

Students of the Sathya Sai School of Abejales reported remarkable academic achievements. Primary school students actively participated in meditation as part of their holistic development. The SSSIO Education Wing held online classes for adults on SSE, Vedanta philosophy, and Bhagavad Gita, with more than 155 participants. On April 24, World Human Values Day, the ISSE participated in a conference titled ‘The Challenge of Being Human - Reflections on Loving and Serving,’ organized by the four LATAM Institutes of Zone 2B, Region 22 (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela).

Zone 3

Australia College

Australia

Sathya Sai College

Sathya Sai College received re-accreditation by the SSSIO International Education Committee in 2024. The school continues to flourish both in its enrollment and the achievement of its students. Its students serve their communities and assist in running the annual ‘Friendship Festival,’ which promotes unity and connection in the community.

Zone 3 Australia 5

Institute of Sathya Sai Education Australia (ISSEA)

Members of the ISSEA compiled a valuable text, ‘How Values Education Can Improve Student and Teacher Wellbeing: A Simple Guide to Education in Human Values Approach’, edited by R. Packham, M. Taplin, and K. Francis. It has received very favorable reviews. ISSEA’s SSEHV Introductory Certificate Course via online learning has expanded with groups joining from Hong Kong and New Zealand. It also collaborated with the Zone 3 Public Outreach team in the ‘Reflective Clinical Practice Workshop: Reconnecting with the Heart,’ for healthcare professionals.

SSE

A national three-day spiritual retreat for SSE students was held in January 2024 at Sathya Sai College. Eighty participants attended the event filled with fun activities, inspiring stories, and opportunities for creative expression, around the teachings of Sai. Through various activities, the children discovered the true essence of spirituality – a journey of love, joy, and oneness with the divine. SSE students regularly participated in center activities, having slots for devotional singing as well as drama and dance presentations. Fifteen new teachers completed their training in 2024, and the New South Wales Region organized a Teachers’ Camp that focused on enhancing the skills and effectiveness of SSE teachers. Webinars were also held for parents, with the theme of disciplining and love, encouraging self-discipline in children.

Zone 3 Australia 2

Fiji

Zone 3 Australia 1

The model Drasa Sathya Sai Primary School celebrated its Silver Jubilee in October 2024 with an event attended by alumni and present students, parents, dignitaries, members of the Sai community, the Zone Chair, and their special guest, the Indian High Commissioner. The school has 1,120 students enrolled in kindergarten to grade 8, with 70% of the students of non-Indian ethnicity and from various religious backgrounds. Early in the year, the Fiji Times newspaper featured a very complimentary article on the character-building of the students in the school through values-based education.

ISSE

The ISSE promoted the philosophy of Educare across schools in Fiji. The Institute also published a book, Sathya Sai Primary School & Kindergarten – A Historical Journey, by Ambika Prasad, capturing the challenges and blessings of the school’s founding and operation.

SSE

SSE students participated in the Jubilee celebrations of the Sathya Sai School, creating artwork for the event. They were also active in devotion and service activities, of the Sathya Sai Center including visiting nursing homes for special events.

Zone 3 Fiji

New Zealand

Sathya Sai Preschool - Rongomai

This is a community-based preschool providing free education for two to five-year-old children. About 70% of the children are from low-income Pacific Island families living in the area. The Preschool provides a base for supporting the surrounding community, including giving food to those in need, providing preloved clothing, and organizing the yearly Rongomai Fun Day for the community. The Preschool also holds a ‘Founder’s Day’ function to celebrate Swami’s Birthday.

SSE

Zone 3 New Zealand 2
Zone 3 New Zealand 1
Zone 3 New Zealand 3

SSE children were very involved in center activities. Starting with the Fun Day for Special Children, they helped at various stalls, dressed up as mascots, and performed a values-based song, spreading joy and embodying the spirit of service. Their performances continued during the Easter celebrations, with the children presenting a song and contributing to a video. April 24, the day of homage to Sri Sathya Sai Baba (Aradhana Mahotsavam), saw children from Groups 1 to 3 sharing their reflections on the day, discussing how they connect with Swami – a deeply reflective experience for both the children and the audience.

Easwaramma Day celebrations, themed ‘H.O.P.E.’ (‘Honor Our Parents Everyday’), were filled with joy, as the children presented a program dedicated to their parents or caregivers. The event also included a teen-organized, fun-filled quiz, reinforcing the importance of honoring our parents every day.

For Guru Poornima, Groups 2 and 3 children performed a play with the theme of respecting and honoring teachers. The play highlighted the significance of teachers in our lives and was a standout moment of the year. The children also participated in Akhanda Bhajans, a 24-hour devotional singing session, some for the first time. For Swami's Birthday celebrations, they presented a skit on the influence of social media on society.

Zone 4

Indonesia

On December 22, 2024, the West Sulawesi Region organized the “Sai Family Gathering” at Tolai, attended by 100 participants. The event aimed to strengthen bonds and foster unity among devotees and children. The Sai Study Group in Kaliorang, Kalimantan, distributed necessities to underprivileged communities three times a year, with SSE children actively engaged in packing the materials.

Zone 4 Indonesia 1

Malaysia

Zone 4 Malaysia

Fifty-nine students graduated at the SSE Convocation, and senior SSE teachers were honored for their contributions. SSE activities included tree planting, mud ball river cleaning (to inhibit the growth of algae and break down sludge and silt in the water), and collaboration with NGOs to promote sustainability. A visit to Melaka Zoo provided students with a fun and educational outing, where they had the opportunity to feed animals, clean cages, and learn about the diets of animals and their habits.

Zone 4 Philippine

Philippines

SSE children were invited to the Indian Embassy to sing patriotic songs. Additionally, SSEHV children participated in the ‘Trash to Treasure’ program and excelled by winning gold medals in all categories of the Spelling Bee competition.

Singapore

Zone 4 Singapore 1
Zone 4 Singapore 2

At the end of the year, the “SSE Fiesta” was celebrated in honor of Swami's Birthday. The event featured various games and activities, including the Harmony Tree and Sai Banners displayed for visitors. Additionally, children participated in learning about the Chinese New Year and its significance to the Chinese community.

Sri Lanka

The SSEHV program has successfully trained 4,000 teachers and 6,000 students across 100 schools. Key activities include:

  • A special SSEHV session for 350 students in the Thaneerutru and Vatrapalai areas, with financial assistance and stationery provided.
  • Two thousand students participated in the ‘A Week of Love’ program in November, where they discussed love, practiced anger management, and competed in essay, speech, and poetry contests, with awards given for outstanding participation.
  • A total of 49 SSEHV workshops were conducted for public servants, and ten workshops were held for village leaders, focusing on rural development.
Zone 4 Srilanka 1
Zone 4 Srilanka 2

Thailand

Zone 4 Thailand 1

SSSIO Thailand organized a one-day camp at a slum school, where SSEHV teachers taught children the importance of living a life rooted in love. The message of ‘love all, serve all’ was emphasized through songs, games, and activities, which the children thoroughly enjoyed. Additionally, Vishwa Hindu Parishad hosted the Ganesha Festival at a public venue, inviting SSSIO Thailand to participate. SSE students chanted prayers for 15 minutes while the National Council President of SSSIO Thailand spoke about the SSE program and the organization's activities.

Zone 5

China

Fifty postgraduate students from three universities in China continued their two-year study of SSEHV. They join monthly sessions to improve their understanding of the principles and practices and explore ways to put human values and SSEHV into practice in their lives. They reflect on how they can integrate it into their teaching in local classrooms.

Hong Kong

Zone 5 Hongkong 1

The SSE program in Hong Kong is led by 18 teachers with more than 125 children. In addition to weekly classes and devotional activities during festivals, the children were encouraged to join community-based activities. This year, the senior children offered loving service at the local Gurudwara (place of worship for Sikhs), cutting vegetables, washing dishes, cleaning the floor, and serving prasad. Additionally, they conducted a beach cleaning activity and offered food and basic necessities to the homeless.

Zone 6

SSEHV Online Courses

After the successful completion of its first-ever online Course 1 of the SSEHV program from February 2021 to June 2024, the ISSE of South Europe (ISSE SE) enthusiastically started a second round of online Course 1 in November 2024, for 16 new participants. The Course 1 topics covered in 2024 included the philosophy of Sathya Sai Educare and the values of love and truth. In parallel, and as a continuation of online Course 1, in November, the ISSE SE also commenced online Course 2 with 18 of the participants who completed the first round of Course 1. The Course 2 sessions in 2024 delved into the philosophy of Sathya Sai Educare in greater depth, and the application of SSEHV in personal and family life, as well as the school and classroom context.

ISSE SE In-Person Meetings

The ISSE SE organized two in-person meetings in 2024. The first one took place from March 22 to 24 in Barcelona, Spain, with 27 participants. The second meeting was held in Sai Prema, Athens, Greece, from October 24 to 27, with 15 participants from Croatia, Greece, Italy, Serbia, Spain, and Switzerland. The program for both meetings included spiritual practices, physical exercise, inspiring presentations related to Sri Sathya Sai’s universal teachings on human values, sharing SSEHV practical experiences, value-based games and workshops, singing together, and being in nature.

Croatia

Throughout 2024, SSSIO members from the Sri Sathya Sai Center in Bjelovar organized storytelling activities on Human Values at schools, at the Evangelic church during Christmas, at the national library during Croatian book month, and three times at the Bjelovar Theatre for 90 preschool children and their parents. Furthermore, a musical for adults with autism and intellectual difficulties was performed to promote equal opportunities for all people. The event was broadcast on television. Additionally, from January to June, a series of nine human values workshops on friendship and how to prevent bullying was organized in a school in Pula for over 120 students. A workshop entitled ‘Nature and Me Living in Harmony’ was organized in Rijeka within the Sai 100 project, including a tree-planting activity.

Zone 6 Croatia 2
Zone 6 Croatia

Greece

Zone 6 Greece 2
Zone 6 Greece 1
Zone 6 Greece 3

Since the year 2000, SSEHV classes have been conducted in a small house in Athens, every alternate Saturday. On January 6, a two-day excursion was organized to Sai Prema to celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ. In addition, the annual SSEHV summer camp took place in Sai Prema during the first ten days of July under the theme ‘The Life and Work of Albert Schweitzer.’ The daily program included morning prayers, physical exercise, human values lessons, creative activities, singing, swimming in the nearby sea, walks in nature, and evening prayers. Everyone enjoyed delicious vegetarian food, cooked with love by parents and volunteers. The camp ended with the performance of an inspiring drama.

Ireland

From September 2023 to May 2024, SSE classes were conducted online for three groups. Group I, named Sathya, included fourteen children aged six-nine; Group II, named Dharma, comprised six children aged 10-12; and Group III, named Shanti, consisted of 10 adolescents aged 13-17. Group activities included exploring the significance of various festivities, understanding the unity of all faiths, studying scriptural verses (slokas), playing value-based games, listening to inspiring stories, and learning devotional songs. Additionally, the children participated in programs during various in-person Center activities such as Easwaramma Day, Maha Shivaratri, and Baba’s Birthday celebrations. They also participated in cleaning up and serving food to the needy.

Zone 6 Ireland

Israel

On August 25, 2024, a group of Israeli Druze (Arabic-speaking) people participated in an online meeting to learn about SSEHV and the life, teachings, and works of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Inspired by this event, some participants joined regular online meetings held by the Sathya Sai Center in Syria. A professional choir conductor, who performed in the SSEHV online Course 1 offered by the ISSE South Europe, found creative ways to include Sai's teachings in her work. She adopted the message of ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘Human Values’ in an impressive project where Jewish and Arabic children acted in a play and sang together (both in Hebrew and Arabic) for peace in the country. A short video of their performance was shown on television.

Italy

Zone 6 Italy 01
Zone 6 Italy 02

In June 2024, the Italian branch of the ISSE SE concluded the first round of its training course ‘Education in Human Values - A Path for Life,’ for teachers from public schools, under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Education. The program provides a vision of value-based transformative education as a transversal approach to Civic Education, in the field of Sustainable Development. During the academic year 2023-2024, Unit 3, titled ‘Harmony between Man and Nature -Human Values for the Planet’ was offered to 19 teachers through 10 hours of online training sessions and 10 hours of classroom work. With great joy, a second round of the course began in October 2024, with Unit 1, with the topic ‘Harmony in Thoughts; Balance in Behavior.’ Other SSSIO activities included SSEHV workshops for adults, parenting study circles, and monthly SSEHV classes in the Sathya Sai Centre in Bulgarograsso for children.

Serbia

Zone 6 Serbia 1
Zone 6 Serbia 2
Zone 6 Serbia 3

Cooperation with the Sunshine School in Belgrade continued in 2024 through two workshops. The first one took place in May 2024 under the theme, 'The Day of Human Values,' with 40 children. The students had an opportunity to participate in three tents, namely the Heroic Tent, the Friendship Tent, and the Tent of Love. The second workshop took place just before the New Year with 20 children. School teachers, guest teachers, and members of the education wing of the SSSIO in Serbia joyfully participated in both events.

Slovenia

In 2024, SSSIO members organized two individual workshops in two kindergartens in Ljubljana and Velenje. In addition, they conducted two SSEHV programs over several months in Ljubljana. An 80-hour after-school program called ‘The Best Version of Me’ took place weekly for two hours in the Sathya Sai Center of Ljubljana for 11 students aged 11–14. A ten-hour program, ‘Conscious Friendship’, which focused on the prevention of bullying, was held in a local school for six classes of 9–11-year-old students. Both programs are recognized and co-sponsored by the municipal government which has promoted value-based education since 2017, to reduce bullying among elementary school students.

Zone 6 Slovenia

Spain

Zone 6 Spain

From January to June, the Sathya Sai Center of Tenerife held biweekly SSE lessons for a group of three children aged six -nine. In November, monthly classes resumed with a larger group of 11 children aged 6-12 and a new group of eight teenagers above 14. The Sathya Sai Center of Las Palmas started biweekly SSE classes in September for students aged 6-13, and a monthly class for students above 14. The teenage group alternated between lessons and service activities every month. The Sathya Sai Center of Madrid conducted five Sathya Sai Educare workshops for adults, attended by five to eight participants on each occasion.

Switzerland

During the year, seven teachers prepared regular SSE and SSEHV lessons for 27 children aged 6-17. In the Sathya Sai Center of Basel, SSE students learned prayers and devotional songs. In the Sathya Sai Center of Zurich, SSE students presented a drama on Easwaramma Day. The Sathya Sai Centers of Bern and Geneva offered SSEHV classes. In the Sathya Sai Center of Basel, SSSIO members presented a musical play and sang Christmas tunes and carols from different Christian cultures, conveying human values. In May 2024, an art exhibition titled ‘ViviValori’ was held for the second consecutive year, in the Art & Values open space in Ticino. It displayed the artwork of 530 public school students of different ages. This artistic journey guided the youngsters to increase their awareness of the values within themselves.

Zone 6 Switzerland 2
Zone 6 Switzerland 1

United Kingdom

Zone 6 UK 1
Zone 6 UK 2

The theme for Easwaramma Day in May was ‘Experience Divinity.’ SSE students performed plays with enthusiasm, based on key spiritual teachings and topics such as ‘Cosmic Vision’ from the Bhagavad Gita, ‘The Power of Speech,' ‘Experiencing Oneness in our Actions and Creation,’ and ‘Sai is Everywhere.’ In July 2024, the 50th anniversary of the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Pinner was celebrated and included plays by children. SSE alumni presented a drama called ‘Know Thy True Self,’ and alumni from every decade spoke about their experiences. SSE teachers also presented summaries of their curriculum, and SSE photographs were displayed in an exhibition.

Zone 7

ESSE Institute

The Latvian school finalized its ESSE Course 2 Seminar in 2024. They have enthusiastically taken human values to heart and integrated them into their teaching and activities. This has enabled the Keipene Elementary School to be officially recognized as a Sathya Sai Partnership School.

Four online sessions of the ESSE Course 1 Training program were conducted with participants from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, the UK, Lithuania, and Ukraine. An online Course 3 was conducted for Zone 8 educators in cooperation with trainers from the ESSE campus in Zone 8.

Online teacher training was offered by the ESSE Institute in three Sathya Sai Partnership Schools in Haiti, which was attended by 620 children. This year, the focus was on stress reduction and inner peace, disciplining with love, and how to adapt and teach for each age group based on the direct lessons shared bi-weekly by a Belgian SSEHV Teacher. Haitian-trained teachers conduct information meetings for new teachers and parents.

Austria

In 2024, weekly SSEHV lessons were provided to two Iranian refugee boys, and daily SSEHV lessons were given at a public kindergarten. The SAI-Summer Course tradition in Austria continued in August 2024, with 14 participants engaging in music lessons, SSE classes, drama, and seva at an ecological farm. Study circles focused on ‘Communication and the Five Human Values’ also were held. Additionally, four seminars on EDUCARE and human values were conducted by local SSEHV teachers/trainers, and an education conference was organized at the Sanjeevini Community Saalfelden.

Zone 7 Austria 1

Estonia

Zone 7 2024 Z7 Estonia Conference Workshop 1
Zone 7 2024 Z7 Estonia Conference SSEHV 2

Significant ESSE and Educare activities took place in connection with the international Sri Sathya Sai Conference on ‘God in Daily Life’ in Pärnu, Estonia. One of the key topics discussed at the conference was human values. A talk titled ‘Universal Human Values – A Gift to the World’ was delivered, and another presentation focused on ‘Human Values in Keipene Primary School in Latvia.’ The conference concluded with a workshop on educare and human values.

Germany

In 2024, five SSE parenting meetings were held in Stuttgart, with parallel SSE classes, and four meetings took place in Munich. During the annual regional retreat at Ammersee, near Munich, SSE classes were offered, including a special class for older children. The retreat focused on the topic of love and awareness. Regional nature events were also organized for the SSE children. The Sai Children's Channel continued to offer monthly programs for families, focusing on the five human values. Additionally, two value-oriented patient therapy sessions (10 hours of instruction) were conducted at the IB School for Speech Therapy in Baden-Baden.

Zone 7 Germany 1

Hungary

Zone 7 2024_Z7_Hungary_Self Sustainability 1

On the Hungarian SSSIO Facebook, an online project was published containing posts on environmental protection, nature conservation, and sustainability in everyday life. The content was based on a previous publication titled 'Nature is the Best Teacher,’ containing excerpts from Sri Sathya Sai's teachings on the environment and nature.

Latvia

Zone 7 2024_Z7_Latvia_EHV Class 1
Zone 7 2024_Z7_Latvia_EHV Class 2

At the School of Conscience in Sigulda, Latvia, an SSEHV teacher introduced human values classes to kindergarten and preschool children of three to five and five to seven years of age.

Lithuania

Monthly webinars were held, focused on SSEHV and the spiritual path of wisdom. A workshop titled ‘Take Care of Yourself – Start with Your Mind’ was attended by 40 participants, focusing on gaining experience through Self-knowledge. Study circles aimed at exploring the nature of the Self were held monthly in Vilnius and Kaunas, with 8-12 participants each. The material was later shared with a wider audience. Sathya Sai Scriptural Studies Committee study guides were translated and shared with the Sai community and the general public. In Green Nature School in Kaunas, human values education was incorporated into the teaching process.

Zone 7 2024 Lithuania Annual Conference Study Circles 1

Netherlands

In 2024, SSE classes were conducted every two weeks in Amsterdam with five children and monthly in Groningen with one child. Special programs were held for Easwaramma Day and Christmas. Additionally, four teenagers participated in online sessions with their SSEHV teacher. Children took part in the children's program during Swami’s Birthday celebrations and a Family Day with 15 parents and grandparents. During the International Peace Day festival on September 24 in Rotterdam, a special program for children was organized. The ESSE NL Campus arranged five online workshops, followed by a one-day event focused on human values at the workplace, attended by 30 participants.

Poland

The Theatre Studio, Education through Theater, in Warsaw has been running for over 16 years, offering education through theater and teaching human values. In 2024, the program involved 48 participants, ages 5-19, who learned about the core values through films, discussions, theatres, and plays. Twice a year, students perform for parents, friends, and schools, with seven performances held in 2024: four in June and three in December.

Sweden

Every Sunday, two SSE online classes were held at the Stockholm Sai Center, with 10 children in Group 1 and five children in Group 2. The children, aged 6-14 years, were from various cities across Sweden, including Stockholm.

Zone 8

In 2024, there were 282 SSE classes for 84 children and 688 SSEHV classes for 1,487 children. During the Volunteer Camp in Kazakhstan from July to August, 2024, a team of Zone 8 teachers conducted 48 SSEHV classes, 29 creative workshops, 10 puppet shows, 2 sports competitions, 3 ‘Life Skills’ quests, and 24 evening talks for 261 children. The 22nd Annual Zonal Education Conference was held in the second half of March, 2024, with the theme ‘Sathya Sai Education - A Message of Love and Peace to Humanity.’ The online format brought together 272 participants from 7 countries and 63 cities. Teachers shared inspiring experiences of working with children and parents on SSE and SSEHV programs.

The 9th Annual Zonal Conference and Festival of Youth was held online in early January, 2024, on the theme ‘Through the ability to forgive and peace of mind - to the manifestation of love and knowledge of Self.’ The festival attracted 195 participants from 7 countries and 47 cities, including 32 children.

Azerbaijan

Zone 8 Ab SSEHV 1
Zone 8 Ab SSEHV 2

More than 200 children, parents, and public teachers enthusiastically participated in the Summer Camp on the theme ‘Good character is the basis of a happy life.’

Belarus

Zone 8 Bu 1

In June-July 2024, three Sai Olympics were held with the theme ‘We are all one team of joy.’ In mid-August, the Belarus team organized the Zonal Holiday ‘Clean Planet’ initiative for children, parents, and teachers.

Kazakhstan

Zone 8 Ka 1
Zone 8 Ka 2

Teachers visit the institution, ‘Support Center for Children in Difficult Life Situations,’ twice a month. Twenty-four people planted trees and flowers at the Support Center, including 17 children. Three SSEHV teachers conducted classes for children during the Volunteer Camp.

Zone 8 Md 1

Moldova

Children, along with adults, collected garbage on June 29, 2024, as part of observing the Day of Cleanliness, to increase awareness about the environment.

Russia

SSE and SSEHV classes were held in the Northwest Region for 26 children. Fifteen people, including eight children, visited the residents of the Veterans' Home and the hospital on New Year’s Day. A family camp was held from June to July, 2024, in the Volga-Ural region with 12 children on the theme of "Family Happiness - in Love and Coherence." The 8th Children's Festival "Happy Family - the Basis for a Prosperous Homeland" was held in the Siberian region for 22 adults and 12 children.

An online class was held for all children of the Siberian region on the theme "Sri Sathya Sai Baba is our Spiritual Teacher” The 25th Jubilee Family Camp on the theme "Cooperation" was held in the Southern region, attended by 39 people, including 16 children. The Vacation School under the SSE Program continues its work with 10 SSE teachers and 10 children. A family camp, ‘Nature is the Best Teacher,’ was held in the Samur forest, attended by 57 people, including 23 children. Children in the Central Region regularly serve food to the poor and homeless. They enjoy taking care of the animals at the shelter.

Zone 8 Ra 1
Zone 8 Ra 2

In 2024, three camps were held in the Kaluga region for 45 children and another camp in the Vladimir region for 27 children on the theme "Life Skills." Five online seminars of ESSE Institute and ESSE Campus were held between January and April, 2024. Four candidates defended their project presentations of "Course 3, Final Requirements, Part 2." In addition, a seminar and 17 Courses were held at the ESSE Institute Campus departments with 159 members. In June 2024, a 5-day workshop was held by ESSE Campus trainers for 100 educators and directors from 50 children's social and educational institutions. At the Medical Camp in Kazakhstan, ESSE Campus trainers conducted seminars on "Culture of Love and Supportive School Environment." In addition, training was given to 119 teachers in public schools on "How to Turn a Collective into an Effective Team." The Campus trainers in Kazakhstan, organized the Pedagogical Conference on the theme "Modern School - education and upbringing based on universal, spiritual, and moral values," attended by 277 educational specialists.

Zone 8 Ue 1

Ukraine

During 2024, SSE classes with children of the "Beads of Character" group continued, with nine master classes on knitting and weaving from beads. An English teacher integrated human values and Sathya Sai Education teaching techniques in her subject for 12 children.

Zone 9

SAISSSE (South African Institute of Sri Sathya Sai Education) was renamed the African Institute of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Education (AISSSE) to better represent its role across all African schools in Zone 9. In 2024, the AISSSE conducted a range of training and development programs:

An Introductory SSEHV Course with six modules was completed by 25 principals and teachers from Chatsworth, Lagos, Newcastle, and Kisaju.

Four Parenting Programs engaged parents, teachers, and children from various schools in the zone.

A Christmas Program featured the creation of musical videos for the drama ‘The Christmas Chronicles.’

Additional virtual courses were held for teachers on topics such as study skills, leadership, transformational techniques, and lesson planning.

Sri Sathya Sai Organization of South Africa (SSSIOSA), embarked on a special journey celebrating 55 years of the legacy of Swami’s pure love. AISSSE played a pivotal role in organizing this celebration. A highlight of this event was the dances and the drama, entitled ‘The Summoning of Man,’ performed by the children of the Sri Sathya Sai School of Chatsworth. The message for this function was “Do not give up when you still have something to give.”

Sri Sathya Sai School, Ghana

In 2024, Ghana conducted several impactful SSEHV activities focused on values-based learning and community involvement. From January 27-28, a session on the roles of parents, teachers, and students was held, attended by 14 teachers, 60 parents, and 115 students. On March 5, 30 students and three teachers visited a sculpture site to inspire creativity and teamwork. On May 3, a lesson on HOPE included a visit to a farm, where 70 students and five teachers gained inspiration from farmers, reinforcing resilience and positive thinking. The School Farm started six years ago to support meals for the school, and by October 2024 had expanded to 10 acres of food crops and 10 acres of palm plantation. Plans are underway to plant 1,200 palm trees on an additional 10 acres by the end of 2025, aligning with the Sai 100 initiatives and supported by the local farming community.

Zone 9 Ghana Parent Meeting 2
Zone 9 Ghana Parenting Meeting 1
Sri Sathya Sai School, Uthiru, Kenya
Zone 9 Uthiru 2
Zone 9 Uthiru 1

In 2024, Madam Mamta from the Yogasana Sports Federation awarded five students who secured 1st position in the National Yogasana Championship Competition. Additionally, Lewis Kamoni, a Grade 6 student, participated in the Essay & Art Competition organized by AISSSE. The Ministry of Education (MOE) held a brainstorming meeting for Grade 6 final examination for students to discuss important topics such as integrity, seriousness of conduct, and the administration of the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which is crucial for advancing to the next phase of education.

Sri Sathya Sai School, Kisaju, Kenya

The school kitchen provides fresh organic farm produce regularly from the Sai farm.

Produce Quantity (kg)
Spinach 304
Kale 304
Onions 132
Bananas 10
Lemons 220
Green Maize 540
Total 1510

Zone 9 Kisaju 1
Zone 9 Kisaju 3
Sri Sathya Sai School, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Zone 9 Madagascar Art Competition

The school serves children from a very poor socio-economic background. Despite these challenges, it actively promotes student engagement and achievement. One student won second prize in the Zonal Art Competition, highlighting student talent. Every Friday, 160 students and seven teachers take part in maintaining a vegetable garden, fostering responsibility and practical skills.

Sri Sathya Sai School, Lagos, Nigeria
Zone 9 Nigeria Christmas 3

The Sathya School of Lagos held a variety of engaging activities to enhance student learning and leadership. Students participated in competitions testing their skills in computer literacy, art, and mathematics. A four-week summer camp in August offered enriching activities such as chess, sports, arts & crafts, coding & AI, spelling bees, and science experiments. The school also celebrated Nigeria’s Independence Day on September 30 with a patriotic program that included flag hoisting, the national anthem, a history lesson, and a quiz competition involving both staff and pupils. An Investiture Ceremony was held for newly elected student leaders. The formal swearing-in was conducted by Barrister John E. Uche, who encouraged the leaders to serve with integrity and lead by example.

Zone 9 Nigeria Summer Camp 1
Zone 9 Nigeria Summer Camp 2
Sri Sathya Sai School, Chatsworth, South Africa
Zone 9 South Africa Top Achiever 1
Zone 9 South Africa Grad 1

In November 2024, the Grade 7 Economic Management Science (EMS) class hosted a successful Market Day, where students applied entrepreneurial, accounting, and event management skills. The event, attended by parents, emphasized responsibility and integrity, with all proceeds donated to the school. This activity aligns with the Department of Education’s curriculum requirements. Students also participated in a Zonal athletic meet, showcasing school spirit and teamwork. Also, the Grade 7 Life Orientation Career Day Expo allowed students to explore various career paths by dressing in costumes representing their chosen professions.

Sri Sathya Sai School, Newcastle, South Africa

On November 28, 2024, the school held the Grade R Graduation and Awards Ceremony, where each graduate received a framed photo, certificate, and goodie bag. The ceremony also recognized the top achievers from Grades 1 to 3, awarding the top three students from each grade with certificates, trophies, and goodie bags for their academic excellence, dedication, and hard work. The school continued its tradition of recognizing Top Achievers each term, motivating students to strive for excellence. Students were also encouraged to dress according to their future career choices, with motivational talks and guidance provided. During Readathon Week, students had the fun opportunity to dress as characters from their favorite books, fostering a love for literature and creative engagement. The school celebrated Valentine's Day on February 14, when all students wore red to symbolize love. The day featured poems, songs, and role-plays presented by each class, and every student received a red rose and a Valentine's card to share with their families.