SANKALP-IN AID OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLE CHILDREN

Dear Kind Hearts

Greetings from team SANKALP.

Kids at Sankalp went for an educational field trip to India's Biggest & Leading Amul Dairy at Anand which is about 60 Kms from Vadodara on 19^th March where they witnessed the process of milk being received in tankers and then being converted into butter through various stages. Dairy officials were kind enough to explain the process and also treat the children with a bottle of cold milk. Each of the child loved the trip.

Children also participated in the sporting events organized by the State Government as well as many other organizations for children with special needs. Participation in such events not only gives them an opportunity to showcase their abilities but also helps boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. We feel proud to inform you that one of SANKALP’s child won 1^st prize in running, another child 2^nd prize in running in Khel Mahakumbh (a State level sports event) & another child won Rs. 5000/- in another game. One child also won 2^nd prizes in running at state level sports organized at Mehesana which is about 250 Km from Vadodara. Our children also participated in sports organized by other schools in that also he won 2 prizes in Long jump & Running. Another even was organized by DARSHAN Ladies welfare Association in this even 3 children won prizes.

Sankalp like last three years as a part of its practice of collaborating with other organizations as well as with the public through various events/awareness programs and also to provide an opportunity to the differently abled children of Vadodara to demonstrate their capabilities,an“INTER SCHOOL DRAWING COMPETITION FOR DIFFERENTLY ABLED CHILDREN”was organized on Friday, 11^th April. The competition was held in two groups of up-to 15 years & above 15 years.

20 different schools of Vadodara were invited to participate in the event. 125 children from 11 schools participated. Prizes consisting of Gold, Silver & bronze medals were awarded to the selected top three winners from each group. All participating children were also given participation certificate along with a gift hamper, snacks and cool Milk. While the results were being compiled by the judges, children were treated with a magic show.

This being the last quarter of the session 2015-16, progress report for each child at SANKALP during the entire year has been compiled to assess the progress made by children. We are happy to inform all our donors that as a result of getting properly planned & appropriate child specific program through carefully crafted methodology under professional guidance, all children have demonstrated progress in self-help, cognitive, communication, behavioral, gross motor skills and socialization in varying degree as per the observations made by our special educators/ therapists/parents. This is certainly empowering them towards leading significantly independent & a better quality life. The summary of progress is as follows:

Progress Summary for 15-16 at a glance

7 Children secured         >90% of the target fixed                                (against 1 in 14-15) 

16 Children secured       between  76-89% of the target fixed          (against 14 in 14-15)

12 Children secured       between  51-75% of the target fixed          (against 11 in 14-15) 

4 Children secured         between  41-50% of the target fixed           (against 6 in 14-15) 

6 Children secured          <40% of the target fixed                                (against 4 in 14-15)

Out of the 6 who scored below 40%, 5 had attended only for 2 quarters with less than 50% attendance while the remaining 1 also had an attendance of only 50% besides being a severe case.

Of the 4 who scored between 41-50%, 2 attended only for 2 quarters & other 2 are very severe case.

Second parent meet of this session was conducted on 24^th April to discuss the yearly progress of each child with their parent, provide professional guidance through our experts to them for their active participation in the rehabilitation process of their child, guiding them about taking care of children at home, explain Do’s & Don’ts and also to get feedback from them on their child’s progress.

This meet also had a guest speaker Dr. Vishakha Babaria a senior dentist who gave a talk on dental & oral hygiene, dos & don'ts and the correct method of brushing the teeth to all parents. The meet was very well appreciated by all parents who attended it.

Let’s read what the father of Eijaj has to say about Sankalp:

“After coming to Sankalp, Eijaj’s speech has improved; He is now ADL trained and goes to the toilet himself & wears the cloth by himself. There has been remarkable improvement in him.”

The session closed for summer vacation and we will reopen on 9^th June for the new session.

Once again a BIG THANK YOU for your continued support to our project. YOU will keep getting regular updates about the progress made by this project with the help of YOUR donation.

May I once again request YOU ALL to suggest me how WE can work together more closely as a proactive partner and attract wider participation on this project to bring smiles on the faces of intellectually & physically challenged children and their families and make this world a better place to live for everyone? I shall be keen to receive your suggestions.

Gratefully yours