The Samagra Shiksha, Kerala, has proposed that the Children’s Day celebrations this year give priority to differently abled children.
Though the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed in State schools on December 3 each year, the activities neither include all children nor the message of a differently abled-friendly State are taken through the children to the masses.
Not involved
Also, the parents and the society at large are not involved in the activities nor are they encouraged to take up the problems of differently abled children.
It is against this backdrop that the Samagra Shiksha has recommended that the Children’s Day celebrations on November 14 include the differently abled so as to increase awareness among other students and the public of the challenges faced by such children.
Transforming Children’s Day into differently abled-friendly day will help proclaim its importance and ensure that all teachers and other school and department employees are roped in for the activities, say Samagra Shiksha officials.
Priority
The cultural programmes on Children’s Day will see the differently abled get priority.
The programmes will be arranged in a manner that all differently abled students are able to reach the venue.
Even bedridden students will be brought to schools if possible.
In the case of those who cannot come to the schools, home visits will be made, and cultural programmes performed in the presence of such children.
Participation of all parents and representatives of local self-governments will be ensured.
Competitions
Based on profiles prepared beforehand, friendly competitions on the basis of the abilities of the children will be organised and prizes given away.
A Children’s Day rally on the occasion will be led by the differently abled, and those among them and others who have battled odds to achieve success in life will be invited to the programmes and interactions held with them, say Samagra Shiksha officials.
