TEA giving hope to children with spl needs

February 17, 2022 135 Views No Comment

February 17, 2022
Correspondent

Tabitha Enabling Academy (TEA), a special school, here is giving hopes to differently-abled kids by making admissions free.

The academy started in 2012 with three staff members and seven students at the basement of Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kitsubozou. In 2014, the academy shifted to a building of its board member Kudechu Khamo, who has allowed it to function free of cost till today.

Providing speech, music and physiotherapy, TEA now has 27 students and 10 staff members, including vocational therapist and two drivers.

During COVID-19 pandemic, teachers of the academy provided home-based tuitions to around 35 students, making them learn academics as well as training them with tailoring, besides helping them sell the products that they had made. They also taught these children with daily routine activities.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, TEA co-proprietor and administrator Asano Seb said teaching normal children might not be a problem, but acknowledged that teaching differently-abled kids was a different ball game. She mentioned that a teacher had to assume the additional responsibility of being a parent to these children.

Often, the teacher had to lift such children and take them to classrooms, as well as give them food and ensure that they clean their hands, she added.
Asano stressed that parents should not feel ashamed of having differently-abled kids, but rather be proud of them as such kids had special qualities and skills.

“We just need to recognise their skills and help them explore. The reason behind opening the school was to ensure that these children with disabilities would one be able to lead a life independently,” Veketilu Vese. The academy receives contributions in the form of tithes from families, churches and well-wishers, besides the support from Assam rifles and Social Welfare Department.

And when it faces financial hardships, TEA seeks aid and even organise jumble sale.

The idea of opening such school came in when Asano and Veketilu during their college days noticed a lecturer, who had a differently-abled child. Of course, this child received proper care and education. This motivated them and gave them hope to help children with special needs across the State.

Source: https://www.nagalandpost.com/index.php/tea-giving-hope-to-children-with-spl-needs/