‘Special Kids’ unleash ‘Special Talents’ at St Agnes ‘Special School’ Day
With Motto “In Love We Grow”- ‘Special Kids’ unleash ‘Special Talents’ at St Agnes ‘Special School’ Day
Mangaluru: Special Children aka Different-abled Children got talents-That’s True!. With the motto “In Love We Grow”, St Agnes Special School-Bendore, Mangaluru hosted their “Annual School Day” at their open air school grounds. Nearly hundreds of differently-abled students belonging to this Special school unleashed their hidden talents in the form of music, songs and dance-proving to the august gathering that they too can “Dance, Sing and Act”, even though they were mentally challenged/differently-abled. And for the fact, I too was astonished at their various performances rendered by them during the nearly three-hours programme. These children simply enthralled the audience, and everyone who were glued to their seats watching these “Special Children” perform so good just like “Normal Children” were amazed and went “Wow”, applauding them after each event.
Inspired by Christ’s Compassion for persons with disability and the charisma of their Foundress Mother Veronica, the staff of St Agnes Special School, strives to help those , under their charge, to accept their condition and to use their potential to the maximum extent and thus leading them towards a better quality of life. This is done, with the support and cooperation of the family and society, through individualized educational programmes, imparting skills for daily, functional, value based living and learn and earn programmes. The school also strives to be a centre for out-reach programmes. The school helps the differently-abled students to achieve as much integral development as possible i.e. intellectual development, healthy social relationships, economic efficiency, civic responsibility and spiritual fulfillment in accord with individual potential
St. Agnes Special School which started in the year 1970 as the centenary memorial of the Apostolic Carmel Sisters in India, has played a big role in the field of Special Education. From four mentally challenged children in 1970 the school strength has increased year by year and at present nearly 400 students are studying at this school. As the first school of this kind in the district of Mangaluru and Udupi, the Apostolic Carmel Sisters, teachers and staff of this school have helped hundreds of children with disabilities in rehabilitating them either in the school programme or Vocational Training Programme. The children who come to St Agnes Special school have acquired daily living skills like brushing of teeth, washing of face, eating, dressing and undressing etc. the fine and gross motor abilities are increased through exercises.
St Agnes Special School educates , taps, and develops the potentialities of these children and youth , both boys and girls, from the age of 3, with it’s Early intervention, Academic, Pre-Vocational, Vocational, Home-Science and Computer Training Programme. No doubt it is one of the pioneering school in Mangaluru catering to the needs of the Mentally Challenged. The school also helps the differently abled students to achieve as much integral development as possible, and has helped hundreds of students to help find out their innate potentialities and showcase their abilities to the World. Through the Hard Work, Dedication, Love, Care and Commitment of the Sisters, Teachers and Staff, many of these students have developed various talents and have shine in academic, co-curricular activities and sports- and many of them showed their potentials and talents during this Annual School day.
The programme began with a prayer dance performed by the school children under the guidance of Sr. Thejaswi AC, and teachers-Mamatha and Geetha, which was followed by a minute of silence remembering the departed souls. The welcome speech was delivered by Sr M Shruthi AC- Principal of St Agnes Special school, followed by a welcome dance by the students choreographed by teachers Ms Joshna, Irene and Hilda. Then came a Action song by the students under the direction of Sr Mercita AC, and teachers Ms Lucy, Marcelline and Anitha.The students really got into action performing to the medley of Bollywood Action songs. The annual report was presented through audio-video display, followed by a scintillating group dance.
Various students and parents were felicitated during the occasion by the dignitaries on the dais namely the chief guest-Ms Vathika Pai-the President of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Sr Maria Anita AC-Joint Secretary, Sr M Shruthi AC-Principal, and Ms Irene Pinto-the President of PTA. Felicitations were done to students passed in SSLC; Winners at the National Level Sports who participated in the 17th National Jamboori etc. Addressing the gathering chief guest Ms Vathika Pai said, “We should not discriminate people with disabilities. They too are human like us, and they too need to loved and cared for. Looking at the talents of these special children here proves that even in spite of their disabilities they have made great achievements in academics, sports and co-curricular activities. I am very much blessed to be amidst these special children, who have touched my heart in a big way. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to grace this special programme of special children- it’s indeed a special moment for me”.
After the formal stage programme, a awareness Dance and a mixed song Group Dance (in- Charge were Sr. Sonal AC, Ms Dolorous and Shanthi) was followed by a colourful tableau was presented by the training students of St Agnes Teachers Special Education”, and the glittering annual day celebrations ended with a Christmas skit enacted well by the special school children, and the guidance of Ms Philomena, Ms Reena, Prakash, Sr. Laveena AC and Sr. Anitha AC. Christmas came early, as “Santa Claus” appeared in his red suit and bagful of candies to be distributed among the kids and audience. Merry Christmas! The entire programme was professionally compered by V J Dixon- a choreographer, and vote of thanks was proposed by Ms Anitha- executive member of PTA Long Live, St Agnes Special School which is catering to to the needs of the mentally Challenged/Differently-abled!
True spirit, patience, love and courage in taking care of children at St.Agnes Special school, Mangalore.