Kerala - Kochi   

Assistance sought for special schools

KOCHI: The All Kerala Special Schools’ Association has sought government help to run the 270 special schools in the State. The demand comes in the wake of the financial crisis plaguing many special schools that have to be run using donations and grants from the Central government.

Addressing the gathering after a function organised by the association here on Saturday to present awards for best special schools, special-school teachers, and non-teaching staff, Mons Joseph, Minister for Public Works, said that he would probe the possibility of the State government pooling in funds to help special children.

“There is a need to create awareness about utilising five per cent funds given to local bodies for the welfare of children with mental and physical disabilities.”

He mooted the opening of vocational training centres adjacent to special schools, in coordination with agencies like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

Chairman of the association J. Oommen sought the government’s help in running special schools.

He said that the skills of special children could be utilised by imparting them vocational training, and by encouraging them to participate in sports and cultural programmes.

“Events like the Special Olympics help them better coordinate their body movements,” he said.

K. Babu, MLA, presided over the event in which best special school awards were given to Sneharam Special School,

Manalur, Thrissur; Ashanilayam Special School, Ponkunnam, Kottayam; and Prasanthi Special School, Kozhikode.

The awards for teachers went to Basil of DSS Marian Centre, Kannur; Merin Francis of Chavara Special School, Koonammavu; and Teslin Michael of Snehasadan, Idukki. Among non-teaching staff, the awards were given to John Thomas of Vikas Vidyalaya, Kottayam; Radha Susheelan of Sankalp Special School, Kochi; and Chinnamma Devasia of Asha Bhavan, Kannur.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Row over film release
Unions back Travancore Rayons revival plan
Assistance sought for special schools
VS keeps off meet
VC wants a bigger, better Cusat
CPI(M) secretariat
‘Thinking skills’ put to test at CBSE exam
Land acquisition cases: CJI suggests solution
VS promises resettlement to Moolampally evictees
Budget briefing
Missing vessel: probe sought
Textbooks for Lakshadweep
D&O licence: traders will get more time
Surveillance post set up at railway station
In Kochi Today

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu