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Photo: PRIYADERSHINI S.

One to one Every child gets individual attention at the summer camp at Raksha School

Says Elizabeth Philip, project co-ordinator and principal, Raksha Society, “Earlier, we had a camp for children with learning disabilities who go to regular schools. This time we have opened it to accommodate all special kids in the city and even from outside. The response has been extremely good with 35 kids and their parents enrolling for this present camp. There are 12 from the suburbs of Ernakulam and three from outside the district.”

So what exactly happens at the summer camp? Explains Elizabeth, “These months, when the school is closed, the teachers and therapists are free to attend extensively to the kids. The parents too are free to come for half day training. The main difference is that we are able to give intensive training to the child, which is not possible when school is on with 200 kids.” The camp is from 9.30 to 1.30 and is on till May 7.

Susy Joseph, special educator at the camp says, “For many of the kids this is the first time that they get a consistent, systematic type of support. That really gives them a push forward.” As an example Susy says that hyperactive children are made to sit with some serious work, which improves their attention span. We insist that parents be in the class with the kids but each parent is to work with another child and not with their own. This helps parents learn the different aspects of handling a special child. In between sessions we have counselling for parents. At the start of the camp we set goals for each child and work towards that.”

Jansy is encouraged by the camp and says, “Earlier, I did not have the confidence to admit my child in CBSE English medium school but with training and guidance that I have found here I feel strong enough to do that. The main benefit I have derived here is I have learnt how to train my child. I really wish there are more centres doing such work.” The camp, where the youngest kid is 10 months old and the oldest a 12-year-old, has group therapy, academic programmes with focus on reading, writing, comprehension, physiotherapy, sensory stimulation for infants, sensory integration for the older kids and of course lots of games along with intensive coaching. The kids are with their mothers. Says Susy “it is practical for mothers to be here as fathers are at work and they help at home.”

And so, as the youngest child Neha comes smiling every morning to the camp she becomes the cynosure of all eyes with her new different ways each day. She like the rest get special attention by the very special teachers who are spending their vacation in this special way.

Really very special indeed!

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