In the serene landscape of Nova Scotia, a remarkable transformation is taking place at the Devi International Boarding School, where students from diverse corners of the globe are discovering the beauty of diversity and the joy of unity. Since its establishment in the quaint village of Mill Village in 2017 with just 24 students, the school has experienced significant growth, now welcoming 63 students from countries including China, France, Mexico, Ukraine, and the United States.
Anand Divecha, a 12-year-old student from Michigan, expresses this sentiment perfectly: "It helps me learn that there’s a lot I need to learn about the world." This is the essence of what the school stands for—creating an environment where students can appreciate not only their differences but also their shared experiences.
At Devi International, students bond over shared meals, exploring new culinary delights, and learning about each other’s customs and languages. One engaging activity involves students exchanging simple phrases like "goodnight" in their native tongues, fostering connections that transcend cultural barriers. Mary Kuhn, the director of the school, shares her observations: "We’re all sharing together no matter where we’re coming from. They’ve become very open-minded."
The school operates as a non-profit institution catering to middle and high school students, offering a curriculum grounded in the Nova Scotia educational framework but enriched with the practice of Sahaja yoga meditation. Many students arrive with prior experience in this meditative practice, which plays a central role in their daily routine. Morning and evening meditation sessions, along with outdoor games and exploration of the natural beauty surrounding the Medway River, enhance their educational experience.
Interestingly, the school has implemented a policy that restricts students’ access to cellphones to merely one day a week. This decision, according to Kuhn, is designed to encourage students to be fully present in their interactions and to cultivate genuine relationships without the distraction of social media trends. "They know that they're not going to be feeling that pressure from social media because they don't have their phone all the time," she explains.
Despite this limitation, many students embrace the challenge. Eleven-year-old Daniya Ghorpade, who has lived in various parts of the world, shares how her brother's positive stories about the school motivated her to join. "I was really excited to try something so different," she says, reflecting the adventurous spirit that many of her peers share.
Social connectivity is a priority for students like 12-year-old Pragya Krimmer from Dubai, who states, "I came here because you’re always around people. I’m a very social person. It’s a good place to be."
As they settle into life in Nova Scotia, students have quickly developed a fondness for their new surroundings. Hanuman Jalladeau from Germany articulates this sentiment well, saying, "I’ve watched videos of this place and pictures, and they’re really nice and I really wanted to come here." He affirms that the reality of Nova Scotia has met his expectations, particularly appreciating the wonderful nature and friendly locals.
In conclusion, the unique approach of the Devi International Boarding School not only equips students with academic knowledge but also fosters a deep understanding of cultural diversity, creating global citizens ready to embrace and celebrate differences. What do you think about the impact of such international educational environments on young minds? Do you believe more schools should adopt similar practices? Share your thoughts in the comments!
