Caring with a difference

Located in the winding by-lanes of Shukrawar Peth,within the premises of the Sardar Kanoji Angre School,the Centre For Special Education (CFSE) has been carrying out their work with quiet determination. The organisation has been dedicated to providing education to and rehabilitation of spastic children for the last 25 years. The institute is a place where time moves according to the pace of children affected by the illness and helps them become individuals who can hold their own in the fast moving world outside.

“We started work as a charitable foundation in 1986. Our main aim was to provide these children with education,” says Anjana Chaudhury,the principal of the school,who currently heads the organisation. “Not only do we provide them with education but also teach them skills that will enable them to get a daily living,” she adds.

While the school involves children with cerebral palsy,it also enrols others who have hearing,visual and speech impairment,and are ataxic. “Most of the children have difficulty in walking. We start by helping them sit up,and give them basic toilet training. Another important part of their growth is regular therapy sessions. Physiotherapy also plays an important part in their rehabilitation,” says Dr Snehal Jagdale,the in-house physiotherapist. Currently the centre has 35 children who are aged between three and a half to eighteen years. Apart from their regular studies,the children are also encouraged to take part in outdoor sporting activities,and are taught music,arts and craft in house.

“They deserve to be exposed to all the joys of childhood,” says Shymala Kumar,one of the teachers at the centre. “In fact we even organise picnics and outdoor trips for the children. We have our own bus in which we pick up and drop the children daily too,” she adds proudly. “Most of the children here come from low income families,” Jagdale says. “As a result it becomes important for us to ensure that their physiological needs are taken care of. Music and dance helps them to build their muscle coordination. The children are also provided afternoon meals daily.”

Chaudhury admits that even with grants coming in from the Zilla Parishad,a lot of work still remains. “We really hope that people can come forward and help us. Not just with monetary donations but also by coming and spending time with these children and teaching them new things. It is important for these children to understand that they too belong to this society and that they also have a right to lead a dignified life.”