NONGSTOIN: With students across the State and country excelling in their academics, Nongstoin’s Rympei Jingshai School for Special Education (Education for Special Need) has a different story to tell.
Alvin Nongrum, a masters in Management from Pune and Principal of the school and also the president of the West Khasi Hills District Parents Association for Disabled (West Pad), initiated the first step for education for the differently abled.
Nongrum who has a son who is differently abled felt dejected when his son was not admitted to schools as they lacked the curriculum or the facilities for them. After coming to Nongstoin from Jowai, he formed the West Khasi Hills District Parents Association for Disabled (West Pad), and along with its members took the plunge to facilitate the differently abled children with education.
The association after seeking help from the District Social Welfare Officer, West Khasi Hills District, the DSWO provided them with a residential quarter to begin their efforts. With 3 teachers who voluntarily aid the school from the Nongstoin Social Service Society (NSSS), the school was inaugurated on December 20, 2013.
With an encouraging response of 15 students in the first year, the school has helped parents and the children to learn the basics of not only education but also to support themselves in their daily needs.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Nongrum said “We want to reach out to as many differently abled children as possible in the region. The parents of the students that we have are praise worthy as since the school’s inception, they along with their children are very punctual and regular. We are trying everything we can, however, lack of funds from the Government, entrepreneurs or from NGOs are very discouraging and at times make us feel that we are fighting a losing battle. However, the sight of the children keeps us going.
The Deputy Commissioner S Kharlyngdoh has been very kind and is the lone contributor to the school with Rs 77,000.”
Nongrum also informed that besides a permanent building for the school, the school lacks the basic amenities and facilities required for obtaining the status of a special school. He also told The Shillong Times that he was ready to donate his land in Nongstoin for the site of the school.
Local legislator Hopingstone Lyngdoh had inaugurated the school and had assured to help the school. However, one year later, the assurance remains in words.
With students, who come everyday with their parents from far flung areas, the site is heart wrenching to witness the students’ efforts to learn what comes to us instinctively.
Nongrum added “Most parents of differently abled children are shy or unaware of the existence of such schools. If only we had proper funds for creating awareness of the school.”
Parents of the students also told The Shillong Times that their children initially had to be lofted to the taxis to bring them to the school.
But hardly a year later, students could be seen scurrying around the class rooms, snatching the books of their mates and attempting to recall the names of the human sense organs.