News

The young ones of today are protected and nurtured in a cocoon, unaffected by the stark realities of the world; unaware of the problems outside their purview; and uninitiated into the complexities of the last, the lost and the least. SJBHS, its Management, staff, and PTA, assist the students when they go on their Annual Outreach Programme. Social sensitization, awareness of social problems and social concerns is the main goal of taking the students of Class 5 and 6 on August 21, 2024 on a day’s trip to various centres.

Visit to Preethi Nivas - Class 5A and 6A Outreach
The visit to Preethi Nivas – Home for Destitute Men was part of the PTA guided SJBHS Outreach Program. Students entertained the residents with songs, dance performances and jokes. Fr. Sachin, who is involved in taking care of the residents, described the daily routine of the men entrusted to their care. Their day began with meditation and a calming walk, followed by breakfast and music therapy. During their free time, they are encouraged to keep themselves occupied by playing indoor games like chess and carrom as well as outdoor games like cricket and basketball. Those who are able, support the institution by making newspaper bags, brooms and oil.

The students were encouraged to interact with the residents, which they did wholeheartedly. They spoke to them, took their blessings, and listened patiently to the stories which the residents were willing to share with them. It was a very enriching day for all - the students, the residents and the teachers who accompanied the students. The students were very touched by the stories of abandonment of the old. The teachers were pleasantly surprised to see the caring side of their students.

Visit to APD Home – Class 5B and 6B Outreach
The home is a beautiful oasis where individuals with disabilities are given the opportunity to thrive through gardening. It was inspiring to see the dedication and care that went into tending to the plants. The healthy growth of the flowers and foliage were a testament to the loving hands that nurtured them.

The residents were friendly and welcoming. The students performed a skit, Kannada and English songs for the inmates. The home's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment was clear. By providing a space where individuals with disabilities could learn, grow, and contribute to their community, they were making a significant difference in their lives. The students & teachers were impressed by the initiative to sell the plants they had grown, which not only provided a source of income but also fostered a sense of pride and independence.

Visit to Liza’s Home – Class 5C and 6C Outreach
This is a special home for women with disabilities. The students interacted with the inmates. They also entertained them with some song and dance performances. The students too were enthralled by the performance put up by the specially-abled women. The inmates were happy to have the children around and were grateful for the time well-spent. The speech by Dr Deepa Subramaniam on various kinds of disabilities and challenges was an enlightening experience. It was indeed an enriching experience where the students felt an emotional connect with the less privileged.

Visit to Samarthanam Trust – Class 5D and 6E Outreach
A renowned Indian NGO established in 1997, Samarthanam is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and those from underprivileged backgrounds. Through its diverse initiatives, Samarthanam offers quality education, accessible accommodation, nutritious meals, vocational training, and placement-based rehabilitation. These programs empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society. The organization also facilitates direct livelihood opportunities through its social enterprises, benefiting hundreds of individuals with disabilities and women in distress.The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), a vital part of Samarthanam, fosters the development of blind cricket and provides a platform for visually impaired players across India to showcase their talent and passion.

Through a well-curated video, the students gained insights into Samarthanam's mission, vision, and initiatives. The boys also performed songs and dances for the children at the facility, fostering a sense of connection and joy.

The students observed the learning strategies and explored the organization's work in various fields. By asking questions to the resource persons, they learned about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in India. The visit left the students a changed lot!

Visit to APSA's Dream School – Class 5E and 6D
APSA's Dream School, a well-planned, well designed, child friendly inclusive education program for children from slums was built in 2005. The school caters to children in the age group of 3 to 18 years. The school follows the non-formal education pattern but enriches the experience for children with its creative teaching- learning methodologies in a child friendly environment. They have a Hole in the wall machine for educational purposes, weekly karate classes, and an Inchara room to encourage creativity in music, a library to inculcate love of reading in children, computer classes and individual care plans for each student in creation of which the child is fully involved.

It was a wonderful experience where students learnt to respect everyone irrespective of their background. They understood that caring for others is a very important part of being human. Students came back with the attitude of being grateful.

The field trips proved to be a profoundly impactful experience for the students. Many expressed a desire to volunteer at these centres and contribute to its reformational work. The boys found the experience enriching, learning valuable lessons about empathy, teamwork, and the realities of life.