Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Little Angels

Came to know about this school through a common friend. The Little Angels school, situated on the Undri road (Pune) is for the differently-abled children. 

I fixed an appointment and visited the school to have a look at their daily routine.  When I reached the school, they were having their regular outdoor activities. I found this boy, happy and content being in the swing all the time. 


One teacher told me that it was a big leap for many considering the fact that at one point of time they could hardly do any activity independently  and now they can balance and pedal a cycle on their own.


Each one was an “expert” at something or another. This boy had mastered the trampoline and tried to go higher and higher with each jump


Jumping over small hurdles, co-ordination of mind and body. 


Throwing the coloured balls across the net was a fun event for many


I was surprised at the ease with which they balanced and skated around.  


Some of them looked forward to the daily practice of Yoga 



I was admiring the patience and resilience of the teaching staff as each student is in a different mood and need a lot of coaxing to get into some activity. 




The outdoor activities are held in the first session so that their pent up energy is released and they are calm in the classroom during the second session.

The class rooms may look small but that helps in giving individual attention to each one as the absorbing capacity of each student is different.



They have a class for vocational training in which the students are encouraged to make handmade articles 


The first school was started by Mr Jehangir Afshari in Mumbai about 13 years ago. The aim of the school is to give the children an opportunity to live independently away from their families. The second one (a pre-primary school) was opened in Bandra, and a training school was opened in Lonavala. 

Items made by the students  

At present the students in the Mumbai school are capable of taking the Govt. examinations i.e. National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) – X & XI and is also planning to do the same in Pune.

There was a cultural program in which stalls were put up by the school and it was good to see the students and the staff, turn out in their Sunday best. You can see more pictures in the video.




31 comments:

Anonymous said...

Like that last picture. So happy.

Nutan said...

Superb Joe as always.... thank you for helping spread the message of Empathy and not Sympathy coz that's what our children need.:)

Julia Thorley said...

What a lovely, inspiring post, and such great pictures. I like the previous comment: empathy not sympathy; I'll try and keep that in mind.

A Lady's Life said...

With proper education these children could lead wonderful lives.Great Post.
We've come a long way. :)

tina said...

Your description of special children as 'differently abled' is by far the best way I've ever heard to describe them. This looks like an awesome place to learn and grow. Thanks for sharing it.

Linda said...

Empathy makes us reach out more, whereas sympathy does not. Beautiful photos and such a lovely post. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I admire your emphatic meeting for sharing your valuable moment with these Little Angels..
Thanks for sharing ...

Regards

UG Kulkarni

Anonymous said...

Hi Joe,
Nice post, the school is for challenged children I see. Well I know how hard it can be as my dad is a doctor and deals with a lot of patients suffering from cerebral palsy. Good to know their condition is ameliorating.
Nice seeing you take a deviation from partying department to this department.
Regards,
Sushrut

TexWisGirl said...

it looks like a wonderful facility full of fun activities and good caring people.

(and, yes, the hawk was a juvenile.)

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi Haddock, what a winderful school to post about, the teachers sound amazing, great photography!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful read.
All the teachers are so enthusiastic and they seem quite young too.
Thanks for sharing.
Maithilee Apte

SANTOSH SABALE said...

I am so proud to be a part of this school,

it has taught me alot , great work,
hats off to LITTLE ANGELS SCHOOL PUNE

Anonymous said...

That was beautiful!!! The work u did is also difficult!! Working with gifted children is difficult and clicking them is even more tough!! Especially if they are not in a good mood! Im so glad that you covered this and also the pics are beautiful!! God bless.
Sneha Raizada

Gail said...

May this help them be happy.

Anonymous said...

Dear Joe,

Very good pictures of special school.

We could visit the school through your eyes.

I am able to see many things because of you.

Thanks and keep it up.

R P Madiwale

My Unfinished Life said...

Such a refreshing post!!

www.myunfinishedlife.com

Red Rose Alley said...

What a special school this is, Haddock. It's nice to be away from our families and work on projects like this and make new friends. The teaching staff sounds patient and caring. These pictures are just wonderful. I smiled at the trampoline one, as we used to have one when the kids were growing up and they loved it. The picture of the boy on the tire swing is great, and that last one is so very special. Thank you for sharing this post with us.

~Sheri

Hilary said...

What a great place and I love the term "differently abled." My cousin's young (25) son who was born with a brain stem tumor and has had difficulties through his life because of it has started up a group for people who deemed disabled, can put forth their various strengths for employment. He calls it This-ability"

betty-NZ said...

How nice to have some positive places for those who are challenged. Your post gives them a wonderful review.

Anonymous said...

You are doing a wonderful job Joechetta. Having a normal child is the best blessing of God. Unfortunately, most of the parents don't realise it - James Mathew

Sharad Kulkarni said...

JOey..
That was a great experience. Was very emotional....

Marti said...

What a wonderful school! I love that you said differently-abled. Kudos to the school and those teachers for making a difference in the lives of these children.

Connie said...

Great pictures! It is wonderful that they encourage each child to pursue what they enjoy and are qualified to do. This school is helping these children find their own independence.

Valerie-Jael said...

A most interesting article, and those kids have a great place to learn and be happy. The last photo is especially beautiful. Thanks, too, for your visit on my blog today. regards, Valerie

Christine said...

What a wonderful school it is a very interesting post thank you.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Looks like a great school! Thanks for popping by my blog today, Haddock!

Launna said...

This school sounds great, I'm glad they have smaller classes, this way they can help the children better xox

Alka Gurha said...

Your pictures make the post so vivid and so special. As always.
Amazing kids, more power to their patience and resilience.

Unknown said...

Nice. need to think regd help.

KParthasarathi said...

I have no words to express my deep admiration for those running the school,the teachers wh patiently with understanding train the student and the children for the effort put in.The post with its pictures give an idea of the great work being done.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Lovely to see the happy responses of these children due to the love and care they receive at this school.