Here is proof that a lot can be achieved for the upliftment of people with special needs if corporate houses and the community are not just involved in the cause, but learn to work in tandem.
C.R. Balaji, M. Hariharan, and S. Vaishnav, who have special needs, are at work on the assembly line at the plant at Grundfos Pumps at Thoraipakkam on Rajiv Gandhi Salai.
Their employment at the multinational company was made possible by the training they received at Swabodhini School, located at Valmiki Nagar in Thiruvanmiyur. At this school, they were trained in thought functional academics, introduced to basic computers, imparted vocational skills and provided experiential learning. Anandan, one of the staff members at the plant says, “At the time when they joined, one of their teachers would come here and train them in the skills we require. This went on for nearly three to four months. In the meantime they also got adapted to the new environment.”
The three are very punctual and prompt in completing the day’s job. They don’t go on leave unnecessarily, says Anandan. “We also feel happy that we have done something to bring them into the mainstream. All it takes is a little bit of patience from our end,” he says. Radha Ganesan, founder of the school, organised an orientation programme at the company before her three students joined duty. She explained to the staff members what roles her students would fit into.
“Earlier, when I used to visit their company, they would become excited on seeing me. Now, they just come, wish me and get back to their jobs. They have got into the groove and understand the work culture,” says Radha.
