VIJAYAWADA: Where can children learn happily without being deprived of the pleasures of childhood? Where can they engage in activities without the fear of punishment? Definitely not in the present system of education and this needs to be changed by following alternative methods of imparting education, opined speakers here at a meeting conducted at Vikasa Vidya Vanam, Poranki, on Sunday.

Attended by around 200 parents and students, the meeting highlighted some aspects in the present day education scenario. Speaking at the meeting psychology lecturer Aruna Mohan stressed on the need for the participation of students in the learning process.

“The modern education system should focus on the “applicative learning process” only then will the children find ample opportunities to give expression to their creativity. ” she said.

The facilities and teaching methods being planned at the “live-in” (residential) school of Vikasa Education Trust which was coming up at Akkineni Sudarshana Puram, Adivinekkallam cross roads of Agiripalli mandal were also discussed at the meeting. Trust secretary S.R. Parimi said the main aim in establishing the school was to make education meaningful to life. The school would have classes 7 to 12 only. Admissions for the first year (2011-12) are made only into classes 7 and 8. Physicians B.V. Apparao, Hema Parimi, Shanthi, school principal M. Vijatalakshmi. VET president Anne Radhakrishnamurti and vice-president D. Sambasiva Rao were present at the meeting.