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Pooja Has Dedicated Her Life To Caring For Kids With Mental Disabilities, Support Her Cause
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“When my son Vasu turned 2, we realised he wasn’t like other children. I knew I had a difficult road ahead of me. There’s so much stigma and not enough resources for children with mental disabilities. I was struggling to find the right school for him, someone who can help me and him through this process. That’s when I decided that I had to do something to help children with special needs. Vasu is the reason I now look after the well being of 200 special children!” - Pooja Patel, President, Prayas
Pooja took it upon herself to do her M.Ed in Special Education and grew Prayas to what it is today. Pooja has dedicated her life to these 200 children and gives them and this cause, all her attention 24/7. To her, their wellbeing is of utmost importance.
Prayas Gives Children With Special Needs A Safe Space
Prayas is a parent’s association for children with special needs in Rajkot, Gujarat. Started in 2009 by 5 parents of children with mental disabilities, Prayas aims to provide holistic support to children with special needs through psychological, emotional, social, educational, vocational, Homoeopathic and other Medical guidance to their children, thereby ensuring that they achieve their full potential physically and mentally, and also easing their integration into the larger community.
“We started with just 3 children then, and have only grown over the years. We teach children with autism, cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities among others. Each child receives special attention and is taught and given vocational and other training according to their level of disability. Every child that comes to us is important.”
One of Prayas’ main aims is to support children with special needs from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The parents of children at Prayas also become members of the association and contribute to the wellbeing of the children there. About 80% of the staff are parents who have studied and been trained to teach and care for special children. Pooja wants to ensure that all the children are aware of their legal rights, given the best access and opportunities, and live a happy and healthy life.
However, the pandemic has proven to be a great challenge for Prayas as many of the parents and children from lower economic backgrounds are struggling to get by.
The Pandemic And Its Challenges
“So many parents have lost their jobs and are struggling to afford even one meal a day now. Along with trying to feed the family, they also have to ensure that their child’s special needs are met. These children haven’t been able to come to school ever since the pandemic began. During the first wave, we were able to support these families by giving them ration kits, and also teaching some of the children at home. But the second wave has been even tougher.”
Pooja hasn’t let the pandemic stop her, though. She continues to help these children and their families in any way she can. However, despite her best efforts, she’s struggling.
How You Can Help
Pooja and team Prayas now need your help to give groceries, fruits, vegetables, milk and learning aid to 200+ special children at Prayas and their families so that they can survive these devastating times. These groceries will ensure that they’re able to have nutritious meals every day and their children are taken care of. The learning aids will ensure that the children continue learning at home, and their holistic development is still taken care of.
“I’ve devoted my life to these children. They’re my children too and I want them to have the best life. One of our students even works at a bank now, and that makes me so proud. They’re my responsibility and I will do my best. But I need your help for that.”
About the NGO:
Prayas was started in 2009 by parents of children with special needs in Rajkot, Gujarat. It aims to focus on the overall development of children with mental disabilities while also providing the parents with the tools and training to care for their children’s special needs. Today, Prayas has over 200 children who are taught and cared for with love and dedication.
Note: All the donations towards this campaign is eligible for Indian Tax Exemption.
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