School for students with special needs
A classroom in the special classroom
Today is the first day at the clinics for session two. But instead of the clinics, I was able to go with Arun as he inquired other hospitals and schools about us working there as well. The most impressive and inspirational school was the special school right outside of town. This school takes in kids from all over the town and helps them to develop educationally, physically, and vocationally. School-aged kids are given therapy based on their impairment, whether it be hearing, speech, vision, cerebral palsy, polio, or mental retardation. The school tries to assimilate the students into the regular schools as much as possible, but they are always welcome back if they need more therapy. Some of the teachers are even graduates of the school which revealed the tight knit group the kids form when they are all overcoming the same challenges. The most impressive rooms in the school were dedicated to teaching the older students, and some adults, vocational skills that will give them the opportunity to get a job in the real world. The products made are mainly paper cups, bags made from newspaper, and trays and bowls made from compressed leaves and newspaper. In addition, one women is in charge of the prosthetics department where they made braces and other devices for any disabled person who is in need. The fact that someone started such an institution and found a way to keep the project sustainable is very inspiring. The only way to truly make a difference is to create a program that will carry on through the years, reaching out to more and more people.
Vocational training in the special school