A spot of brightness

KOCHI: The gate is opened for us with a guileless, heart- warming smile, welcoming us into their universe. An oasis for society’s afflicted,  Ashadeepam Rehabilitation and Special School at Kalamassery, Cochin  is sure  to  touch your heart.The institution was started under Shantimargam Social Welfare Service Society by the Principal Mini. P R many years ago. She began as an educator at a special school, after which she started working on building her current institution. It was a labour of love, and she could see it through because of the  trust and support she received from the parents of the children. At its inception, this residential institution had 12 inmates which has grown steadily to house  50 mentally disabled people ranging between the ages of 9 and 68. The residents hail from all parts of Kerala and many have been here for the past five-six years. The inmates suffer from different mental disorders such as pure mental retardation, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), epilepsy and autism.The inmates share an easy camaraderie with their care-takers. From time to time, they are taken for shopping and to explore the nearby locality. They also take part in creative activities like making soaps, doormats, paper bags, glass paintings, envelope making... They also make their own beds and keep their surroundings tidy.The students are instructed using the syllabus prescribed by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The inmates are divided into pre- primary, primary, secondary and pre- vocational classes. Their classrooms are vibrant and cheerful. They appear like normal school going kids in their attractive uniforms and eager manner. They are also taught yoga, physical education and computer in their class time of 9:30 to 3:30 pm.The teachers and staff teach the newcomers basics like eating properly, toilet manners etc. Foreigners often come here to be interns and help the authorities. Apart from government grants, the institution is supported by various public and private contributors like Rotary Club and Cochin Junior Club. The accommodating neighbourhood adds to the charm. Television is another source of their entertainment. Some of the residents are highly talented like the singer , Rahim and Kannan who identifies a person’s day of birth and star sign upon hearing his birth date.Though the institution appears to be functioning smoothly, the picture isn’t all that rosy. The government allots grants in two instalments which are almost never on time.  Also, these grants are only for inhabitants below the age of 18 while majority of the inmates are above 18. The amount provided by the government for medicine and maintenance falls short. The salary prescribed by the government for the teachers is between Rs 3800 and Rs 4200 which is grossly insufficient. Here, many severe cases are admitted but due to lack of facilities for bedridden patients, they are avoided.Though many of the parents and guardians play an active role in their life, some prefer to sever all contacts with them. “Like normal children , these kids also require parental nurture and social acceptance which is necessary for their growth”, says Mini P R, principal.Despite several hardships, this institution which is a part of Special Schools Association, is doing its bit to give its inmates a shot at leading dignified, normal lives.