The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : 44 years of service to children with special needs

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Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008
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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

44 years of service to children with special needs

Staff Reporter

A MILESTONE: Minister for Law M. Vijayakumar inaugurating the 44th anniversary celebrations of the Rotary Institute for Children in need of special care in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 44th anniversary celebrations of the Rotary Institute for Children in need of special care, run by the Rotary Club of Trivandrum, were held in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

The institute was founded in 1949 and today provides special educational training to as many as 189 children, 93 of whom live on the premises of the institute itself.

A press note issued here said the main objectives of the school were to educate and train mentally challenged children, generate public opinion in the State regarding the training and treatment of special children, give training to teachers, specialists and therapists and those interested in educating mentally challenged children.

“The school helps children with mental disabilities come to terms with their conditions and prepare them with their life ahead. Under the instructions of the National Institute for Mentally Handicapped, the school provides speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psycho therapy, music and yoga to them, apart from classroom lessons for the established curriculum. The school provides development skills in motor function, self sufficiency, communication, social interaction, academics and vocational pursuits. Every effort is taken to ensure the participation of the children in almost all cultural and sports activities, special Olympics and special Kalotsavam at State and national level,” the press note said.

The pupils

The institute admits children between the age group of 5 and 18, most of whom are from the economically weaker sections of society. It is supported in its activities by organisations, including Terumo Penpol and the Trivandrum Club.

All the trainers at the institute have a Diploma in Special Education (MR), Special B.Ed. (MR) and are registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India.

“The trainers evaluate the individual need of each child and the areas where training is necessary. They develop a plan and programme covering the levels of training needed. They also provide vocational training to enable children to become independent. Individuals who are mentally challenged are dealt with on a case-to-case basis,” the press release said.

The institute is primarily funded by grants-in-aid from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, by the Rotary Club of Trivandrum and funds from private philanthropic trusts.

It is looking to expand its activities, build on its infrastructure, set up a library, purchase an additional van for the transportation of the children and utilise the services of specialist teachers.

Further information about the institute can be had from the president of the Rotary club on phone 9744 200115, the press note said.

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