Sangha Education Center, Inc. is a Long Island 501(c)(3) non-profit created in 2019, growing out of The Children’s Sangha, which was established in 2005 by Christine Keller, M.A., M.S.Ed.
“Sangha” means “community.” The supporting roots of community enableS positive growth for all.
The Children’s Sangha’s mission was to plant the seeds of stewardship in children and young adults by deepening their understanding of themselves, others and nature, as well as fostering in adults the spirit of education and joys of the growing mind that they may cultivate it in our youth.
We began our journey by offering educational enrichment programs for children and families, serving all of our youth but with particular focus on those whose abilities were not being cultivated and needs not being fully met. We set forth to IMAGINE… an education that challenges and inspires, honors a learner’s individuality, nurtures mutual respect, fosters relationship building, connects community… an education without labels, without limits!
Our vision was and continues to be inspired by the original “settlement houses” and educational reform movements of the early 20th century. Within this model, neighbor cared for neighbor and for the environment to which their sustenance was connected. The community would seek to ensure that all children receive the exemplary education that they deserve. A reciprocal relationship exists within a community in that working on behalf of one another we all flourish.
At the beginning of the 21st century, The Children’s Sangha began weaving a “lifeway” vision to serve our communities. While learning from the wisdom of those who came before us, we have established Sangha Education Center at Historic Malcolm House on the 22 acre Jericho Preserve where “Heart-Centered Learning Programs Inspired by Nature” enable us to learn and grow together. We educate, support and celebrate young people with a range of abilities and needs in Long Island’s first community education center of its kind… creating “A Place of Wonder”! Our programs and services offer a unique concept for today’s suburban community through a “whole-person”, strength-based approach to teaching and learning.
The Children’s Sangha’s original philosophy or Different Abilities Development Model has laid the groundwork for all that is ahead. Discover Sangha Education Center and become part of our collaborative community!
Photo courtesy of andreiuc88 via Shutterstock.