Hema Rao, the co-ordinator of the group identified the school while browsing the internet for institutions to render support and was impressed by its goals and achievements.

The group has made a contribution of Rs one lakh to the school this year.
The school is doing a “remarkable” job in providing opportunities to the neglected children by boosting their confidence, the group observed.

Yasmeen, one of the students was abandoned by her family as they could not afford the expenses of raising her. She was enrolled in the school in 2001.

She has passed her State music examination with distinction and is keen on embarking on a career in music.

She has submitted an audition tape to a TV network and wants to become a music teacher.Fifteen-year-old Muneendra, a talented musician, inspired by a tabla performance on TV, convinced his father to allow him take up tabla as his hobby. “I love cricket and am interested in computer design, but I want to study to be a lawyer,” he said.

Fundraising

The group of Indian Australians made a smaller donation, of Rs. 50,000 last year. This year, the money was raised from a concert held in Sydney, wherein various dance forms of India were showcased.

The funds will be spent on improving recording technology and expanding the school library by translating a greater variety of books into Braille, for the benefit of the students.

Rao plans to set up a trust fund to help the students after they leave the school.