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About SJS

Inspiring Jain Values in Our Little Ones

Singapore Jain Shala (SJS) aims to provide a strong base and an all-rounded education of our Jain traditions and principles, and to promote moral values to mould them into becoming ‘a good Jain’. The Shala is open to ANY Jain child above 4 years of age and is completely free of any charges to the student (e.g. books and learning materials). Classes are held most Sundays (except school holidays) from 10.15 am to 12.30 pm at the Jain Sthanak.

A broad-based curriculum has been specially created for our unique Singapore context, with the teachings also tailored to each student’s ability and aptitude, which enables them to apply and practice Jainism in the globalised world in which they live.

All students are divided into 3 main levels (with 2 sub-levels each), and “graduate” (with certificates presented at each stage!) upon completion of curriculum at their own pace.

A Brief History

SJS was conducted informally for our society’s children for a number of years

In 1982, a formalised SJS was launched, with classes on Sunday mornings at the Sthanak. Madhuben Doshi was the head teacher, and taught for the next 24 years.

The year 2007 saw the beginning of the next significant chapter – the re-structuring of SJS towards broadening the syllabus and modernising the teaching & learning methods, content and equipment (esp. multi-media). The teaching staff strength totalled 5, and a sub-committee (to support and manage SJS) was also formally set-up, all to cater to the increased student size and curriculum scope. The teaching staff has since expanded to 8 teachers.

Objectives

The main objectives for SJS are:

  • To provide a well-rounded education of our Jain traditions and values, and to tailor the teachings to each student’s ability and aptitude, which will enhance the learning of Jainism and also stimulate and sustain the interest of each student
  • To impart various aspects of the religion in a structured leaning format, and to inculcate the love of Jainism and its values, in an interesting an engaging manner
  • To promote moral values and create inter-faith understanding and awareness in this globalised world
  • To facilitate close social interaction and enduring friendships between all our society’s children

Who are the Students of SJS?

Students are children of our Singapore Jain community members, and these boys and girls range in age from 4 to 12 years and are studying at the kindergarten and primary school levels at our local and international schools in Singapore. They are all also from DIGAMBAR & SVETAMBAR sects, and from Hindi-speaking and Gujarati-speaking households of our community.

Who are the Jain Shala Teachers?

SJS has a total of 8 teachers. They are all volunteer ladies from our community who are able to teach at various knowledge levels and languages (English, Gujarati & Hindi). The teachers are:

Dollyben Shah
Hemaben Mehta
Hemaben Shah
Swatiben Shah
Artiben Kothari
Tejalben Shah
Nimishaben Timbadia
Pannaben Timbadia

Jain Shala Subcommittee

This SJS administration subcommittee supports the teachers & students, and facilitates & manages the SJS structure, and also communicates with external organisations. It is supported and headed by a SJRS Management Committee member. The sub-committee members are:

Ravibhai Shah

JOIN US! We are always happy to welcome YOUR contribution of your time, effort, talents/skills (or anything else useful you can think of!) in any way you can, be it part/full-time, short/long-term, from home or at the Sthanak.

Contact Singapore Jain Shala at jainshala@sjrs.org.sg

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