Breaking Barriers for the Visually Impaired

This is our second successful year at IELC School. We at the Ann Foundation would like to thank all our generous donors for their support during 2011.

At present, 80 visually challenged students are making good progress in both conversational English and interpersonal skills. The classes have been running smoothly while the enthusiasm of the students is growing. Many students say it is the highlight of their week, a time when they can learn and speak English in a fun way without having to sit for exams.

In addition to their English skills, the students are enjoying extra-curricular activities.  They have won numerous awards and accolades, participating in many Quiz competitions, volleyball, cricket, dance, music, kabaddi and more as they compete in state level tournaments.

The teachers also enjoy the classes conducted in both Tamil and English. Every teacher is given a chance not only to speak from the script but also to come up with impromptu lines for the topic under discussion. When they assign homework, the teachers complete it along with the students and present their work in class. Even the shy, hesitant teachers have now become more vocal as compared to the start of the classes. 

Interacting with these students has been a rewarding experience for our volunteers.Even though the school has limited resources, teachers and students show so much enthusiasm, inspiring everyone to strive for more. All the volunteers agree that they learn more from the experience than the students learn from them.

Our volunteers have also spent much time and effort over the past several months designing and developing a curriculum that could be adopted by our international tutors. We look forward to reaping the rewards of these efforts.  

In addition to continuing the current classes, in the coming year, we plan to give a sleeping bag to each of the 170 students at a cost of $50 each.

We appreciate your continued support for our project.

Links:

• Ann Foundation