<p>College students are interning at special schools, and in the process, learning about people with disability.</p>.<p>Those doing under-graduate courses, especially students of sociology and social work, are doing internships with NGOs running schools for the disabled.</p>.<p>Typically, NGOs work under many constraints, with limited human and financial resources, and appreciate the support from interns.</p>.<p>Samarthanam, a home for people with special needs, was established in 1997. It provides education and employment opportunities. It is among the many organisations in Bengaluru offering internships. </p>.<p>“The internships are non-paid. In addition to the enriching experience, I have the feeling I have made a small contribution to society as a whole,” says Bindya S a psychology student from Jyoti Nivas College, now interning with Samarthanam.</p>.<p>The work involves recording audiobooks for those with visual disability. Interns read and record books of all kinds, including textbooks, on a software program called Obi 4.3, and upload them on to a website with open access.</p>.<p>Samarthanam has collaborated with Daisy Forum of India and established a digital library. </p>.<p>Snehadara Foundation in JP Nagar and Tamahar - Center for children with special needs in Malleswaram also take in interns. </p>.<p>The work involves reading aloud in a class, and teaching grooming, languages and vocational skills to children.</p>.<p><strong><span class="bold">GOOD FOR CONFIDENCE</span></strong></p>.<p>Laxmi Sreenivas, an undergraduate science student, believes working with NGOs boosts interns’ confidence. </p>.<p>“In a large company, your role might be inflexible or insignificant. At an NGO, you are an important member of a team, and your inputs are heard and valued. This can be a rewarding experience,” she says.</p>.<p>Jennifer, a sociology student in Jyoti Nivas College, loves working with children with special needs.</p>.<p>“There is so much I can do to help them, and it also makes me feel glad and fulfilled,” she says.</p>.<p><span><strong>NGOs that welcome interns</strong></span></p>.<p>- Samarthanam, HSR layout: Ph 9480809586, email info@samarthanam.org</p>.<p>- Belaku School, Yelahanka: Ph : (080) 2856 6301, email: Belakkuschool@gmail.com</p>.<p>- Association of People with Disability, Hennur Road: Ph: (080) 2547 5165, email: contact@apd-india.org</p>.<p>- Spastics Society of Karnataka, Indiranagar: Ph: (080) 4074 5900, email: office@ spasticssocietyofkarnataka.org</p>.<p>(Volunteering and interning cover reading lessons aloud, participating in fundraising, organising school events and festivals, assisting in data entry, and teaching).</p>
<p>College students are interning at special schools, and in the process, learning about people with disability.</p>.<p>Those doing under-graduate courses, especially students of sociology and social work, are doing internships with NGOs running schools for the disabled.</p>.<p>Typically, NGOs work under many constraints, with limited human and financial resources, and appreciate the support from interns.</p>.<p>Samarthanam, a home for people with special needs, was established in 1997. It provides education and employment opportunities. It is among the many organisations in Bengaluru offering internships. </p>.<p>“The internships are non-paid. In addition to the enriching experience, I have the feeling I have made a small contribution to society as a whole,” says Bindya S a psychology student from Jyoti Nivas College, now interning with Samarthanam.</p>.<p>The work involves recording audiobooks for those with visual disability. Interns read and record books of all kinds, including textbooks, on a software program called Obi 4.3, and upload them on to a website with open access.</p>.<p>Samarthanam has collaborated with Daisy Forum of India and established a digital library. </p>.<p>Snehadara Foundation in JP Nagar and Tamahar - Center for children with special needs in Malleswaram also take in interns. </p>.<p>The work involves reading aloud in a class, and teaching grooming, languages and vocational skills to children.</p>.<p><strong><span class="bold">GOOD FOR CONFIDENCE</span></strong></p>.<p>Laxmi Sreenivas, an undergraduate science student, believes working with NGOs boosts interns’ confidence. </p>.<p>“In a large company, your role might be inflexible or insignificant. At an NGO, you are an important member of a team, and your inputs are heard and valued. This can be a rewarding experience,” she says.</p>.<p>Jennifer, a sociology student in Jyoti Nivas College, loves working with children with special needs.</p>.<p>“There is so much I can do to help them, and it also makes me feel glad and fulfilled,” she says.</p>.<p><span><strong>NGOs that welcome interns</strong></span></p>.<p>- Samarthanam, HSR layout: Ph 9480809586, email info@samarthanam.org</p>.<p>- Belaku School, Yelahanka: Ph : (080) 2856 6301, email: Belakkuschool@gmail.com</p>.<p>- Association of People with Disability, Hennur Road: Ph: (080) 2547 5165, email: contact@apd-india.org</p>.<p>- Spastics Society of Karnataka, Indiranagar: Ph: (080) 4074 5900, email: office@ spasticssocietyofkarnataka.org</p>.<p>(Volunteering and interning cover reading lessons aloud, participating in fundraising, organising school events and festivals, assisting in data entry, and teaching).</p>
