ISKCON Educational Services (UK)
For students and teachers of religous education
ISKCON Educational Services (IES) was established in January 1991, primarily to offer support to the educational world in its study and teaching of Hinduism.
Those involved are also concerned that ISKCON's traditions are accurately represented.
Hinduism, or more precisely Sanatana Dharma, teaches about universal principles and their corresponding values. Consequently, IES has no interest in converting people from one religion to another, but aims to encourage every student's moral and spiritual development, irrespective of background or religious affiliation.
IES also recognises the need to acknowledge the autonomy of each discrete religious tradition. One aim, therefore, is to serve the needs of the British Hindu community, by helping it preserve its heritage. IES attempts to support and exemplify an approach towards religious education that embodies the best of both spiritual and educational principles.
Achievements
- Increased the number of school programmes from 25 to more than 250 per year ( reaching more than 15,000 students annually);
- Developed and maintained a national correspondence service, answering 200 letters each year;
- Established a Resource Centre at Bhaktivedanta Manor, with a mail-order service for books and artefacts;
- Produced (and helped produce) over ten publications on Hinduism and related topics;
- Assisted QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, UK) in drawing up their "Model Agreed Syllabuses" (1994), as members of the Hinduism Working Party;
- Worked with the Hindu community to provide classical dance and drama presentations to over 50 schools each year;
- Helped provide Hindu representatives to sit on local SACREs.
ISKCON Educational Services
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Hilfield Lane
Aldenham
Watford
Hertfordshire WD2 8EZ
UK
Tel: 01923-859578 (IES direct line),
Tel: 01923-857244 (reception) - ask for Indriyesha.