At a secluded boarding school nestled on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, young students from various parts of the world express how living alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds has enriched their outlook on life.
Established in 2017 in the quaint community of Mill Village near Liverpool, the Devi International Boarding School started with 24 students and has since expanded to 63 this year, hailing from countries like China, France, Mexico, Ukraine, and the United States.
One student, named Anand, shared, “It helps me learn that there’s a lot I need to learn about the world.”
Interacting with peers, exploring new cuisines, and delving into each other’s customs and languages have fostered an understanding not only of their differences but also of their shared values. Some students bond by learning to say “goodnight” in various native languages.
“We’re all sharing together no matter where we’re coming from,” stated Mary Kuhn, the school’s director. “They’ve become very open-minded.”
The non-profit institution caters to middle and high school students, imparting the Nova Scotia curriculum alongside Sahaja yoga meditation, a form of spiritual practice that many students are familiar with through their families.
Students engage in meditation sessions in the mornings and evenings, partake in outdoor activities, and explore the natural surroundings along the Medway River during their leisure time. Classes are held in a renovated old schoolhouse, a brief walk from their dormitory-style accommodations.
A standout rule at the school restricts students’ cellphone usage to just one day per week. This practice aims to encourage presence in the moment, foster interpersonal connections, and shield them from negative influences on social media platforms.
“The cellphone rule doesn’t seem to be a deal-breaker for some of the young students who knew what they were signing up for,” mentioned 11-year-old Daniya Ghorpade, who has lived in various locations globally.
A common sentiment among students is their growing fondness for Nova Scotia during their stay. “The nature and the people here are really nice,” remarked Hanuman Jalladeau, a student from Germany.
For these students, the experience at the Devi International Boarding School transcends borders and resonates with the essence of unity amidst diversity.
