To fulfill her dreams of attending school, participating in activities, and learning alongside her peers, young Priya held onto hope. However, her visual impairment posed challenges, hindering her academic progress and social interactions. Now, with access to education and support, Priya is thriving in her studies at a government school in Gaurella, Chhattisgarh.

Priya with her mother Gunja.

This transformation is thanks to the dedicated efforts of IAS officer Richa Prakash Choudhary. Upon realizing the struggles faced by visually impaired children in her district, Richa launched a unique campaign in 2022 to identify and enroll these children in schools.

Richa emphasizes the importance of not only educating the children but also sensitizing the community and schools to support them effectively. Partnering with Ek Kadam Foundation, Richa identified 120 visually impaired children in primary school age groups within her district.

120 visually impaired children identified.

Helping children grow

Children born blind face challenges in education and daily tasks, often relying on others for assistance. Through a specialized program, these children receive personalized support from teaching volunteers, enabling them to grow and learn independently.

I teach her [Priya] at home with braille books. She touches them and learns. Now she can read. She has developed interest in studies. She now speaks with other people also. There has been a change in her overall behaviour and personality. – Gunja Gendley, Priya’s mother

Gunja, Priya’s mother and a program volunteer, shares the positive impact of the initiative on Priya’s confidence and academic abilities. Embracing braille materials and audio lessons, the children are equipped with the necessary resources for a holistic learning experience.

IAS Richa with children

Richa’s initiative focuses on inclusive education, ensuring that visually impaired children receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially. By breaking barriers and fostering a supportive environment, these children are empowered to pursue their dreams with confidence.

Making a Difference: Enrolling Visually Impaired Children in Schools

In July 2022, the district administration organized a basic orientation workshop with 2,600 teachers of the district, along with national level resource persons, to address 21 disabilities including blindness and cognitive impairments. The workshop shed light on the fact that many parents are hesitant to send their visually impaired children to school.

Richa, an officer involved in the initiative, shared, “The workshop was eye-opening for us as it revealed the hidden percentage of the population suffering from various disabilities.” The campaign was inspired by a young girl named Kranti Baiga, who had dropped out of school due to lack of support and parental hesitation in escorting her daily.

After enrolling Kranti in the program, significant progress was observed. Richa mentioned, “I recently saw a video of Kranti where she was confidently speaking English and singing beautifully. It’s rare for individuals from the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups community to exhibit such confidence.”

Richa emphasized the positive impact on both the visually impaired children and their classmates who have become more inclusive and empathetic. She expressed her joy in witnessing rapid changes in behaviors and personalities, highlighting the importance of education in shaping individuals.

Empowering Through Education

Richa’s dedication to education led to plans of providing vocational training to visually impaired youth who couldn’t complete their formal education. She aims to equip them with skills that prevent them from feeling like burdens to society.

Overall, the initiative has not only made a tangible impact on the lives of these children but has also contributed to creating a more inclusive and aware community.

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Written by a seasoned journalist.