Samwad India – Learning Center for Differently abled Children

Samwad is a non profit organization and learning center for differently abled children – working on a mission to identify, educate, empower special children and impart skills to make them independent since 1995. We are recognized by Government of Maharashtra and all donations to Samwad are tax deductible in India under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

OUR STORY

In 1995, our founders realized that there were many differently abled children in Lonavala and surrounding villages, but the nearest learning facility that could cater to the unique needs of special children was 50 kilometres away.

Recognising this need, they founded Samwad Shala on 11th July 1995 with the objective of identifying, training and integrating special children and equipping them with skills to make them independent and empowered to lead lives of dignity. What began with 2 students in 1995, has grown to serve more than 400 students over the years.

Over the last two decades, Samwad has been recognised with accolades from government agencies, media organisations, and elected representatives and has earned the reputation and goodwill of being a dedicated organisation providing service to society.

Samwad Shala is located in Lonavala and provides day schooling to over 50 students each year. Samwad is equipped with trained professionals, teaching and learning aids, occupational therapy and vocational training resources. A dedicated team of teachers, counsellors, physical therapists, yoga instructors and vocational trainers are committed to transforming lives of our students and helping make them independent.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

As a non-profit organization, we depend entirely on the generosity of individuals and organizations to help cover our costs. Over 80% of our students come from economically disadvantaged households and their schooling is highly subsidized by the support we get from you.

ways to support US

You can also contribute towards a special educators salary, counselling sessions, teacher training programs, school picnics, assistive aids whatever suits your cause to support our work.

Learning & Development

Samwad’s educational and vocational training initiatives are designed for students in age group of 4 -20 years. An Individual Holistic Educational Program (IHEP) is chalked out for every student based on his/her abilities and limitations.

IHEPs are comprehensive programs that outline cognitive, academic, social, and behavioural needs for each student. Every child’s development is then tracked throughout the year basis this plan. This customised approach ensures that our children get the tools, skills and confidence to succeed not just in school, but find vocations beyond school years and lead balanced multi-faceted lives.

The school supports tuition, educational supplies and vocational training for students coming from economically disadvantaged families.

Vocational Training

In our effort to enable self reliance, we place a lot of focus on conducting skilling and vocational training for all our students throughout the academic year. Dedicated trainers conduct a range of art therapy and vocational training to make a range of products such as paper bags, diyas, block printing, file and folder making, paper quilling products etc.

The training unit encourages parent participation to develop interpersonal relationships while providing an empowerment and earning opportunity to parents.

Diwali Mela

We conduct an annual Diwali mela at Samwad. The Diwali mela showcases the work of students from their vocational and art classes. It also serves as a means for the children to bond with their friends and parents, and as an opportunity for people from all over to interact with students.

The month leading up to the Diwali mela is filled with activity at Samwad. The vocational training unit creates lamps, candles and other gift items. Parents and local residents get closely involved in organising the mela.

Our children take charge of all stalls at the mela. The aim is to encourage social interaction as well as learn basic money management skills.

Community

Throughout the year, we conduct activities to enable a seamless transition for children from the school to the outside. Children participate in art and craft and dance competitions with other schools in the region. We also conduct outings for children including picnics, visits to supermarket, movie outings, visit to the bank etc. In addition to this, all festivals in the year are celebrated at Samwad.

Further, to enable integration of special children with the broader community, we conduct meetups among students of Samwad and other schools and community organisations in Lonavala.

Research & Development

It is our constant endeavour to uncover new techniques that will benefit our students and special learners across the world. Towards this, we conduct research with partner organisations.

Recently, in collaboration with the researchers Dr. Meena Ramanathan from the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research and Dr. Praseedha Menon Research Officer at the Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute, we participated in a study attempting to understand long term impact of yoga on differently abled children. The study was conducted over 5 months between Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute and Samwad Shala.

The results of the study extremely positive. The children showed improved ability to listen and follow instructions accurately. They showed greater neuro-motor coordination, stability of posture etc.