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.
Like that last picture. So happy.
ReplyDeleteSuperb Joe as always.... thank you for helping spread the message of Empathy and not Sympathy coz that's what our children need.:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, inspiring post, and such great pictures. I like the previous comment: empathy not sympathy; I'll try and keep that in mind.
ReplyDeleteWith proper education these children could lead wonderful lives.Great Post.
ReplyDeleteWe've come a long way. :)
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.
ReplyDeleteEmpathy makes us reach out more, whereas sympathy does not. Beautiful photos and such a lovely post. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI admire your emphatic meeting for sharing your valuable moment with these Little Angels..
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing ...
Regards
UG Kulkarni
Hi Joe,
ReplyDeleteNice 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
it looks like a wonderful facility full of fun activities and good caring people.
ReplyDelete(and, yes, the hawk was a juvenile.)
Hi Haddock, what a winderful school to post about, the teachers sound amazing, great photography!
ReplyDeleteWonderful read.
ReplyDeleteAll the teachers are so enthusiastic and they seem quite young too.
Thanks for sharing.
Maithilee Apte
I am so proud to be a part of this school,
ReplyDeleteit has taught me alot , great work,
hats off to LITTLE ANGELS SCHOOL PUNE
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.
ReplyDeleteSneha Raizada
May this help them be happy.
ReplyDeleteDear Joe,
ReplyDeleteVery 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
Such a refreshing post!!
ReplyDeletewww.myunfinishedlife.com
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.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
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"
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have some positive places for those who are challenged. Your post gives them a wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteYou 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
ReplyDeleteJOey..
ReplyDeleteThat was a great experience. Was very emotional....
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.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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.
ReplyDeleteA 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
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful school it is a very interesting post thank you.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great school! Thanks for popping by my blog today, Haddock!
ReplyDeleteThis school sounds great, I'm glad they have smaller classes, this way they can help the children better xox
ReplyDeleteYour pictures make the post so vivid and so special. As always.
ReplyDeleteAmazing kids, more power to their patience and resilience.
Nice. need to think regd help.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see the happy responses of these children due to the love and care they receive at this school.
ReplyDelete