Cuckoo Forest School

WHAT IS CUCKOO

In 2004, a group of friends from Tamil Nadu took to the road, screening childrens' films and setting up nurseries & libraries in remote villages across the state. This was the beginning of the Cuckoo Movement for Children. 

Then began workshops in government schools to introduce the kids to folk arts, music, martial arts, theater, organic farming and suchlike. Along the way, we realised that we needed a space where this learning could extend beyond a weekend’s interaction into a full-time learning environment. We pooled in the contents of our pockets and bought a piece of land at the foothills of Javadhu Malai. We named it ‘Cuckoo Forest School’.

Cuckoo is about ‘free schooling’ - both philosophically and economically. Our generation has been schooled in the traditional form – and while it does have its perks, we believe that with a little freedom, the children will be more open to the idea of learning more. The school is in an area surrounded by over 30 tribal villages from economically-backward background. The children from these villages will receive education & hostel facilities free of cost. 

WHERE IS CUCKOO

At the edge of the forest in the foothills of Javadhu Malai. 

https://goo.gl/maps/cotr2mKaXGD2

WHOSE IS CUCKOO

Cuckoo belongs to the ice cream vendor who comes to the village in his old bicycle. Once during the construction of school, seeing the effort taken by volunteers, 'Icekara Thatha' donated everything in his pocket to the school. With tears in his eyes he said, “This is my small contribution, all that I have.”  

Cuckoo belongs to him and to many such generous souls who have taught us the true meaning of kindness. 

Cuckoo belongs to you.

Volunteers at Zen Garden

LEARNING METHODOLOGY

“Those who teach should become children and those who learn should become adults.” At Cuckoo, we focus on mentoring children into environmentally-sensitive and socially-conscious change-makers. We believe that if children are given the freedom to choose what they wants to learn, they tend to learn more willingly. Cuckoo is merely a provider of space, opportunities and experiences that will prepare them for a future of responsible adulthood.