Beltangady, Feb 16, 2009
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Most parents consider them a curse. But the teachers here consider them the children of God and do their best to bring them into the mainstream. The warm welcome that is given by the special children at Christaraj Navachetan Special School, Venur transports one into a different world.
The school has been successful in lighting the candle of hope in these innocent children. They become friendly with you in a moment’s time.
The village of Venur which comes within the jurisdiction of Beltangady taluk has a special place on the map of Karnataka as the statue of Lord Gomateshwar is located here. This place is about 45 kilometers away from Mangalore and has an abundance of areca and coconut trees.
The local Lions Club here started this school in 1988. But they could not continue it for many years as the maintenance of the school became a big burden for them. Later, this school was handed over to the Ursuline Franciscan Education Society in 1998. The school began its second innings on January 1, 1999.
At present, a total of 58 children are studying in this school and 30 of these are also residing here. The school is headed by Sr Severine Veigus and she is supported by four nuns, five helpers, and two specially-trained teachers.
Teaching special children differs from teaching other children, says Sr Severine. Initially, the children are divided into separate groups based on their IQ. They are toilet trained, and taught eating, dressing, brushing, combing, and shaving skills for they cannot learn these skills on their own.
The school also trains them in Yoga, drawing, dance, singing, games, clay-modelling, and academic skills like reading, writing, counting, telling time and the money concept. Students who complete 18 years of age are also trained in making greeting cards, preparing roses, jasmine cultivation, gardening, cooking, rubber tapping, sheet making, and other such activities.
Students of this institution have also participated in district and state-level special Olympics and won several medals. The performance of Pratibha Shetty in Yoga is impressive.
Though the school has been engaged in serving special children irrespective of their caste and creed, it has not been successful in getting a government grant. The principal is tired of appealing to government offices to secure this. Moreover, she is saddened by the shameless attitude of the officers of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department in New Delhi who ask for bribes whenever she visits them. Because of these corrupt officials, the maintenance of Christaraj Navachetan Special School has become a tough challenge for her.
This school is dependent on donors as the parents of most of the children here as of economically poor background. Every child who resides here needs an average of Rs 2,200 per month for their upkeep. But the parents can hardly pay Rs 400 to 500 every month. Rest of the amount is borne by the Ursuline Franciscan Education Society, through other sources. Therefore, the institution needs the help of generous donors who want to participate in helping special children progress in life.
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Address:
Christaraj Navachetan Special School,
Venur Post, Beltangady Taluk,
Dakshina Kannada.
PIN: 574242
Cell: 9448953583, Landline: 08256-286870
Bank account details:
S B Account Number: 01502200028936,
Syndicate Bank, Venur, Beltangady Taluk- 574242
Email ID: christnav@yahoo.co.in