Korba (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 25 (HBTV): 'Umang,' a school for specially abled children funded by the District Mineral Foundation Trust, is transforming lives in Chhattisgarh. The school provides education in Braille and sign language to 50 children with disabilities, under the guidance of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The 'Umang Divyang Vidyalaya' was established for specially abled students who faced difficulties in accessing education in regular schools. Education at the school is completely free, with no tuition fees for students.
District Collector Ajit Vasant said, 'In Korba district, under the guidance of the Chief Minister, a school for specially abled children has been started… Around 50 children are studying in this school, and it is completely free of cost.'
He added that teachers have been appointed based on the abilities and requirements of the students. 'Teachers have been appointed in this school based on the abilities and talents of the children… The district administration is striving to ensure that when these children leave this school, they can join the mainstream of society like other children.'
Apart from academics, the school focuses on non-academic activities such as music, dance, and art. Hearing therapy and physiotherapy are also provided to support holistic development, Ajit Vasant told ANI.
Indu, a teacher at Umang Divyang Vidyalaya, said students are taught according to their levels of understanding. The school uses a checklist to ensure proper learning outcomes. 'Students who can showcase higher-level qualities are moved up a level,' she explained.
She added that teaching specially abled children requires more than knowledge; it demands patience and kindness. 'Right now, we are telling them about all five senses… It is very difficult to teach all this to the children… A lot of patience is required to teach these children,' Indu told ANI.
(ANI)