Wednesday 12 February 2014

A VISIT TO EKPRAYAS - A SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

30th January 2014 - Cambridge International School, Phagwara: A report

On January 30, 2014 we - the Award participants of Cambridge International School, Phagwara visited Ek Prayas - A school for children with special needs, in Ludhiana. It was a pleasant surprise to see how the expectations of a simple place were replaced by the reality of a vibrant, heart warming, and welcoming environment. The teachers of the school introduced us to the children, who smiled with sparkling and curious eyes as we interacted with them. It isn't possible for these children to get the same education as other children, but they are provided with everything according to their needs. We met children who aspire to be cricketers, singers, dancers etc.. Some of the students amongst us had prepared a song and dance to entertain the children and help us get to know them and encourage their trust. As the activities progressed, we noticed them losing their reservations and approaching us more confidently and interacting with us. We were astonished to encounter such happy and lively kids who we could get along with easily. And we were even more surprised to see how they warmed up to us on our very first visit. Once we left the school, we really felt like we were leaving new friends behind. 

The experience was, without the shadow of a doubt one of the most rewarding and fulfilling. It was a day spent between fun and interactions; by the end of the visit, we had learned most of their names. It is an understatement to say that time passed quickly; when we realized we had to go, it was well after the time we had intended to leave. With some final words with their teachers, we parted with the promise to return and the eagerness to do so.

We can happily say that this visit would prove to be a milestone to our ultimate goal. Getting to know these wonderful children, in a sense, will help us achieve our goal of contributing to their education, which is the only real legacy any person could hope to leave to another. Not only that, we are also certain that we will be learning a lot from them as well, including experiences about life such as being grateful and being genuinely happy with what we have.

Last but not the least, we would like to give a special thanks to our Principal Mr. Jorawar Singh and teachers Ms. Manju Verma and Mr. Rajat Bhaskar for organizing this superlative visit to Ekprayas and for guiding us the entire way. Also thanks to Mrs.Samira Bector founder member and the staff of Ekprayas, for motivating us to interact with the children and encouraging us to be a positive role model in their lives. 

-- Rupinderjit Kaur (Bronze Award Holder)

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