Blue Lion Preschool – A unique educational institution in Singapore
Blue Lion Preschool (BLP), nestled on the second floor of a colonial post office in Singapore’s Siglap district, emerges as a unique and transformative educational institution.
Regulated by the Early Childhood Development Authority (ECDA) of Singapore, BLP is a licensed nonprofit private childcare facility catering to young minds aged 18 months to 6 years.
Currently, 22 children are enrolled in the school, embarking on a journey that intertwines early childhood education with the profound principles of Buddhism.
At the heart of BLP’s philosophy is mind training, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature.
The school provides an experiential and embodied understanding of Buddhist views, fostering a holistic approach to learning.
Beyond academic excellence, BLP integrates Asian values such as filial piety, hard work, and loyalty into its curriculum, creating a well-rounded educational experience.
The dedicated team at BLP consists of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche’s students, each contributing expertise in early childhood education, dharma learning, art, crafts, sustainability, and Singaporean preschools.
Their approach involves applying Rinpoche’s teachings to develop educational theories, creating a symbiotic relationship between Buddhism and modern pedagogy.
BLP’s commitment to a forward-thinking education is evident in its exploration of socio-emotional learning within the framework of Buddhist education.
The integration of science-based approaches, like understanding how emotions affect the body, showcases the school’s innovative and holistic teaching methods.
The role of educators extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing roles as weatherpersons, navigators, and collaborators in the intricate emotional journeys of young learners.
Despite the challenge of assessing abstract learning outcomes, BLP focuses on learning journeys rather than results.
The preschool, now in its third year, celebrates successes in diversifying its dharma curriculum, extending into Sunday school settings, and building relationships with community partners.
With an eye on the future, BLP aims to share knowledge, perspectives, and continue shaping the landscape of Buddhist mainstream education through lab-style initiatives and collaborations.
