Their Disabilities Don’t Define Them, Help This NGO Fill The Lives Of Countless Kids With Hope & Joy

Ashima* is one of the sweetest children you’ll ever meet, and has a smile that can light up any room. But when Ashima struggles to understand what is being told to her or can’t go to the bathroom by herself, her parents are left frustrated and overwhelmed - they just don’t have the means to get her the care she needs. And for a child like Ashima who has an intellectual disability, the right care can truly transform her life. 

There are so many parents like these who don’t have access to get their child diagnosed or don’t have the means to afford the special care they need. And so many children like Ashima who face innumerable challenges every day. This is where Hemtul Education & Charitable Trust in Rajkot, Gujarat plays a crucial role. With 60 children with intellectual disabilities in their care, this school has been changing lives since 2015 and giving them the opportunities they deserve. 

Hemtul Education & Charitable Trust  Is The  Beacon Of Hope For Countless Kids

Ever since she can remember, Nehal has always wanted to do something for children with special needs. This led her to study B.Ed in special education and even get a government job. However, it was after her husband’s sudden demise from a heart attack that Nehan’s life completely changed. Though heartbroken, she decided not to give up. Along with her brothers, she started teaching children with special needs. 

“Our entire family has come together to make this dream a reality. The children call my parents dadaji and dadiji, and they even feed these kids with their own hands. We’re all one big happy family.” - Ankur, Trustee 

In a world that often misunderstands and overlooks their potential, the Trust stands as a beacon of acceptance, striving to change the narrative for these young souls. All the children’s needs - whether it’s food, clothes, shelter and even medical care - are taken care of by them. Out of the 60 children, 40 are residents, and 20 are day boarders. These children have struggled for so long to be understood, and at Hemtul, they’ve finally found their safe place. 

“Here we have children whose parent also has an intellectual disability, some of them have Down Syndrome… many of them aren’t able to communicate their needs, or even able to do every day activities by themselves. This can be a huge challenge for parents from poor families. These children need special care, their potential needs to be recognised and they need to stop being treated as burdens. Each one of them has the ability to thrive in their own way, and as educators, it’s our job to ensure they have the resources to do this.” 

Hemtul Trust wants to give these children the best life possible, and they can only do it with your support. 

Together We Can Ensure These Children’s Lives Are Filled With Love, Joy And Hope 

Hemtul Education & Charitable Trust now wants to build a new school for these children as the rented space limits their ability to provide the best care possible.  The need of the hour is to construct a permanent residential school, a sanctuary that these children can call their own. A place where their unique abilities are nurtured, where they're not seen as burdens but as bright stars with untapped potential. They now need your support to get construction materials, groceries to nourish these growing minds, medicines to address their specific health needs, and hygiene products to ensure their well-being.

With your help, we can provide these children with the opportunities they truly deserve. Your support can be the foundation upon which their dreams take flight.

About the NGO: Hemtul Education & Charitable Trust in Gujarat is a safe home and school for children with intellectual disabilities. Started by Nehal and her brothers in 2015, the school currently has 60 students, 40 of whom are residents and 20 are day boarders.  All the children’s needs - whether it’s food, clothes, shelter and even medical care - are taken care of here. These children come from humble backgrounds, families who couldn't afford the specialized care and attention they so deserved. In a world that often misunderstands and overlooks their potential, this NGO stands as a beacon of acceptance, striving to change the narrative for these young souls.