We have around 35 youngsters above the age of 18, and those capable of working are involved at our vocational training center that also oversees our WIP program. Youngsters choose their areas of interest and perform duties at the office, the kitchen, in our gardens, with cattle rearing, etc. The program seeks to involve them in home activities while training them for gainful employment in the local community.

Weekly WIP feedback sessions have been introduced to create a space where the youngsters are free to share their experiences and challenges in the course of work. The sessions also help staff to plan their schedules and provide the necessary trainings. Reward mechanisms were introduced to encourage both staff and students to better attain their goals. Savings Bank Accounts have been opened for the youngsters and a monthly stipend has been deposited in their accounts since March 2019, which they are free to use as they please.

Working on campus offers them many opportunities for learning and growth, and our WIP program seeks to focus on three main areas of development: personal – where they develop the knowledge and skills important to personal growth, which includes expanding self-awareness, and organizational and communication skills; professional – where they develop skills important to professional goals such as establishing and understanding professional conduct, setting priorities, etc.; and social – where they gain the knowledge to navigate relationships and share skills while developing social competencies that build inclusivity.

We are happy to share the wonderful news that Mukesh, our visually challenged teenager, has aced the 10th Standard SSLC Public Exam with 401 marks out of 500. Although completely blind, Mukesh is not one to wallow in self-pity. What he lacks physically, he more than makes up for in intelligence.

Although starting an academic program much later than others his age, Mukesh showed tremendous progress in studies and we enrolled him in St. Louis School for the Blind, Adyar. Of keen wit and mind, Mukesh not only aced at studies but also at music that he learnt to play at this school, famous for its orchestra of blind students.

It is said that “many have sight but few have vision”. The complete opposite is true of Mukesh. Always an achiever – in fact stubbornly so, he never takes “no” for an answer and finds strength and means to accomplish goals he sets for himself. He wants to pursue higher education and we know that’s exactly what he’ll do! We are incredibly excited at his potential to lead a powerfully inspiring and purposeful life.

Both boys and girls at the home had consultations with a leading ortho specialist, Dr. Senthil Kumar who worked with our physiotherapists on specific treatments and therapies for each child, which is to be periodically assessed.

Our Clinical Psychologist took special classes for our special educators, social workers, physiotherapists and caretakers on the topic of constructively handling behavioural issues among adolescent youngsters. The team maintains therapy logs, which will be periodically reviewed and revised.

Staff from Computer Age Management Services Pvt. Ltd., (CAMS) conducted several fun activities at our home. Our children’s drawings are now on display at the CAMS office. As part of their outreach activity, CAMS organized an eye camp for our children with Sankara Netralaya. The group of visiting doctors was headed by Dr. Rizwana and spectacles were donated for 7 children. The doctors also conducted an orientation program for our caregivers.