A ray of hope for blind students in Dakshina Kannada district

Though the institution was opened a couple of years ago, the centre could not be sustained for long. After a gap of two years or so the Institution was opened again on Monday by Roman and Catherine Lobo Charity Home and Seva Bharathi at Kotekani road, Kapikad.

The inaugural programme was compered beautifully by a blind student, without fumbling or forgetting even a word. Prayers, entertainment programmes and vote of thanks were all done by the students of the school.

With full of confidence some danced to the tunes of folk numbers, some enacted roles of Raavan, Bhima for the audience. There were some shy sorts who sang beautiful songs to show that they too can be a part of the race. All in all, the students of the institute took everyone by surprise with their outstanding energy, confidence and capabilities. The Centre was inaugurated by renowned eye specialist Dr C R Kamath.

He said that people should join hands to do their bit for the blind persons instead of waiting for the Government to do everything. District Disabled Welfare Officer B P Puttaswamy was the chief guest. Sri Ramakrishna Mutt Mangalore President Poornakamanandaji presided over the programme.

Caramine Lobo Bosse, (daughter of Roman and Catherine Lobo) and Henz Richard Bosse couple were felicitated during the programme for their support in running the institution.
Director Dr U V Shenoy informed that the residential school provides free informal and formal education, free boarding and lodgings facilities to blind children. Food, uniform, toilet items like soap, toothpaste, etc are also provided free of cost.

The school follows Karnataka Education Board syllabus along with computer education.
For those with partial vision, Computer applications is taught using the screen magnification software. The other informal methods of Education include orientation and mobility, independent living, Handicrafts, special games like Cricket, Chess, etc.

The medical facilities of the student, if necessary is taken care by the School with the total consent of parents or guardian of the Student.

Braille script is the medium of learning here in the school from first to Seventh Standard. When a student completes seventh standard, he or she will be admitted to a High School (Eighth Standard of a normal School under the New Integrated Education Policy formulated by the Sarva Shikshan Abiyan, Government of India. Even in this case, the student will lodge within the premises of the Blind School and the student will be given proper counselling and career guidance by specially trained personnel. Trustees of Seva Bharathi, Roman and Catherine Lobo Charity Home, School Principal Calistus D’Sa and others were present.