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