Thursday, January 9, 2014

Day 5: Janta Adarsh Andh Vidyalaya (Special Residential School for blind children)

Day 5: Janta Adarsh Andh Vidyalaya (Special Residential School for blind children)

This school was established by Sh. J. S. Sharma, a visually handicapped man who was inspired to do something for those like him with the motto of “Learn and Earn”, on December 25th, 1970.  This school is a non-profit organization, which provides free education, boarding and lodging for 140 blind children from different states in India and belonging to poor families. 

This school consists of students of ages 6 to 16 and they teach grades 1 to 10.  When a student is ready to go into the 11th and 12th grade, the student goes out to an integrated school (integrated meaning a school with students who are not visually impaired) but still live at the school for the blind.  Most of these students then go off to college and have jobs, they are not good jobs but they are jobs that will sustain them enough. 

I think it is great that this school is teaching these children on how to become mobile beginning at the age of 6, so that they can go and become what they want in life.  Most of these students have the aspirations of becoming teachers; this shows the value they see in their education.  Besides mobility, these students learn braille, instruments, science, computers and home economics. 

This school receives a grant from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which covers 30% of the school’s financial needs; the rest is met through donations by ordinary people like you and me.  If you would like to make a donation, please visit their website at www.jaav.org or e-mail them at contact@jaav.org.

Below are some images and videos taken in the school!

Widow of Sh. J. S. Sharma, Principal of Janta Adarsh Andh Vidyalaya (Special Residential School for blind children)

Some of the students from the school 

One of the older students from the group introducing himself before playing his instrument

Ashah, a 6 year old who resides at this school

Some of the students from the school, others were home due to Winter Break

Entrance of the school


Link to Video of the students singing to Manhattan College:




This blog was created with images and videos taken by Eleana and Britney.

2 comments:

  1. I believe the Janta Adarsh Andh Vidyalaya visit was an excellent experience for all of us who had the opportunity to attend. The children were so sweet, talented and a pleasure to be around. I left the school with a deep admiration towards the energetic and dedicated Ms. Sharma who does an incredible job running it. It was one of the many events on the entire trip that made me appreciate the little things in life more.

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  2. This day was also one of my favorites. My favorite part was when they sang the Hindi prayer. Even though I didn't know what they were saying while they were singing, it seemed to really touch me.

    It is always great to see people that even though they have a physical disability, they have so much strength and are genuinely happy.

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