Gopal’s Garden for Little Vaishnavas – New Vrindaban Preschool Reopens
New Vrindaban Preschool Reopens
by Lilasuka dasi
The preschool takes shape.
The academic school in New Vrindaban has gone through many changes throughout the years. From “Nandagram School” back in the 80’s, to the “New Vrindavan School” in the 90’s, to the current “Gopal’s Garden Home School Co-op”, all ages of kids and teachers have come and gone. Many of the graduates have expressed fond memories of their time spent in those Nandagram classrooms.
These days, a new wave of enthusiasm is hitting New Vrindaban in the form of a preschool! It is a welcome phenomenon that truly happened by surprise. Recently, one of the newest mothers in New Vrindaban was searching for a babysitter for a few days a week. The search didn’t exactly bear fruit, but something even better took place. In talking to several other mothers with young children, the possibility of a preschool came up. The idea was an immediate hit.
Older student Brinda plays with preschoolers.
That same weekend, on Nov. 9, 2014, Mother Ruci held a meeting with the four interested mothers. Mother Ruci said, “I was totally surprised at the enthusiasm, energy and commitment coming from these mothers for a preschool. It must be that the time is right for this to happen. I think it’s a great idea and I’m enlivened. We’re ready for the New Vrindaban Home School Co-op to expand.”
The very next morning, all four mothers were down at the school building, working together to clean out the preschool classroom and bring in the paraphernalia provided by Mother Ruci. Lalita Gopi dasi, who cares for another mother’s toddler, Nadia, and who was instrumential in getting the project off the ground, was found enthusiastically sweeping the new classroom and arranging the tables. Sundari dasi said, “I’m very excited about this class for my two year old daughter, Bhumi. Just having this class here will attract more families with young children to New Vrindaban, I’m sure of it.”
The happy face of Nadia
Bhumi snacking.
Almost ready.
Vilasini dasi won’t be able to personally assist in the classroom, as she is going to school for nursing and also working, but she and her husband are very excited for their three year old, Malini, to attend. She confirms, “If they need us to shop for the class, I’d love to do that!”
One young mother, Priti dasi, was born in New Vrindaban back in the early ‘80’s and is a graduate of the school herself. She now has two little children of her own, one of whom will be attending the preschool. Priti said, “When I heard about the possibility of this preschool, I was very excited. My three year old, Rama, is ready for this. I’m really enthusiastic about helping to provide him a situation where he can learn to socialize with other kids his age in a Krsna conscious setting.”
