MEETING THE BLIND CHILDREN

Dear Friend
In January I returned to my favourite place in the world — our centres for disabled children at Kanigiri and Ongolain inSouth India. Each time I have visited since 1995 — the visit which led to the establishment of Enable — I have been overwhelmed by the love and affection of the children. This visit was no exception. As the last Update described, we have started to care for many new children during the past year. The total receiving residential care is 208, which includes 30 blind children for whom accommodation was arranged last year. It was a joy to see all the children, but those who are blind made a particular impact. Last year we had decided to try to help the many blind children in desperate need of care, and it was encouraging to see that these children were now receiving that care

6 year old Swarna
One little girl who made a particularly deep impression on me is 6 year old Swarna, pictured above. In addition to being blind she is mentally and physically disabled. She is barely able even to crawl and has to be carried everywhere. She has an older brother, Madhava Rao, and a sister, Subbamma, who are also blind. The children’s parents had been desperately looking for help for their children and had been unable to receive any — until now. They are even poorer than most parents of children we are caring for. Although many parents reject their children, Swarna’s parents clearly wanted what is best for them — but had simply been unable to provide it. Madhava Rao and Subbamma are very bright, outgoing and keen to learn. It was lovely to see how caring they are towards their little sister. Swarna has a very uncertain future, but for now she is getting the best possible care.

Learning Braille
We have been very fortunate in finding three excellent teachers for the children. One of these, Rafi, is himself totally blind. Another is sighted, but physically disabled. Not only are they very well qualified but their personal experience of disability makes them especially sensitive to the children’s needs.
The children have already learned much in a short time. Using Braille slates they can write and it is fascinating to see the joy this gives them. They also use special devices to study mathematics. Some pupils, like Nagajyothi in the picture, are making very good progress.

Nagajyothi being taught by her blind teacher Rafi. with Alison (Right) 

Developing talents
We also try to develop the children’s talents. 14-year-old Yesudasu has a voice that could compete with the blind Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli. He often sings for the other children and I observed how all of them -including little Swarna - would tap their fingers to the music, unaware of being watched.We have bought some percussion instruments to foster their talents. The blind children also enjoy participating in events like going to the cinema, appreciating comedy and music in films even though they cannot see the images.At the moment we are caring for 30 blind children in temporary accommodation. In the longer term we hope to raise funds for a purpose-built residential centre for 80 children, with a school attached for them and for day-pupils. At the moment this is but a hope. But, then, one year ago, it was just a hope to be able to care for some blind children.

Thank you so much for your support, which lets our hopes for the children become realities.

With love and best wishes,

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