Beyond the Classroom

Jaipur Rugs Foundation (JRF) implemented the Beyond Classroom Project with students of Vardhman School as a field-based learning initiative that connects classroom education with real-world experience. Conducted in the artisan community of Manpura–Machedi, the programme offered students an immersive opportunity to learn directly from rural ecosystems, crafts, livelihoods, and community knowledge systems.

The project was carried out through three structured, day-long field visits. During the first visit, students were introduced to the village’s social, cultural, ecological, and economic landscape, including craft traditions, food systems, architecture, and daily life. Based on their interests and observations, students were grouped for deeper engagement. In the subsequent visits, JRF’s in-house researchers supported focused learning within selected domains, enabling students to move from observation to inquiry and understanding through guided field research and direct community interactions.

A core strength of the programme was learning from people themselves. Students engaged with farmers to understand seasonal agriculture, explored local ecology through guided walks in the Aravalli hills, interacted with communities to study climate-responsive architecture, and learned about diverse rural livelihoods by observing craft practices such as bangle-making and pottery.

To bridge classroom learning with lived, real-world experiences

To develop observation, inquiry, and research skills through field-based learning

To foster respect for traditional knowledge, crafts, and rural livelihoods

To encourage meaningful engagement between students and local communities

Field Learnings

Seasonal farming practices: Students learned directly from farmers about crop cycles, irrigation methods, and traditional tools, gaining insight into how agricultural decisions change with seasons and environmental conditions.

Local ecology and plant knowledge: Through an Aravalli walk led by JRF researcher Zakir Bhai, students explored native plants and trees, understanding their ecological roles as well as their traditional and medicinal uses within local communities.

Community-based architecture: Interactions with villagers revealed how local materials, house layouts, and construction techniques are shaped by climate, occupation, and daily living needs, highlighting practical, climate-responsive design.

Diverse craft livelihoods: Students were introduced to craft practices beyond weaving, including manihari (bangle-making) and pottery, helping them understand skill-based livelihoods and the role of craft in sustaining rural economies.

Everyday livelihood systems: By observing daily work routines and decision-making processes, students developed a practical understanding of how rural households manage resources, labour, and community knowledge to sustain their livelihoods.


Outcomes and Impact

Students strengthened their skills in observation, listening, and documentation

Learning became more contextual, linking academic concepts with real systems

Students gained confidence to engage with people across diverse communities

The programme fostered deeper appreciation for skilled work and traditional knowledge

The project demonstrated how structured field learning can make education more practical, responsible, and human-centered