Tag: inclusive education

Films

Rab Di Awaaz Screening Inspires Inclusion at Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High

Tanisha Cardozo

As part of the pre-events for the highly anticipated International Purple Fest, Goa 2025, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School, Porvorim, had the honour of hosting the screening of Rab Di Awaaz, a powerful and emotive film series that beautifully captures the lives and challenges of persons with disabilities.

Organized by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the United Nations, and the Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal. This inspiring initiative aimed to foster awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the need for inclusion and equal opportunities in all spheres of life.

The program featured esteemed guests including Mr. Ojaswwee Sharma, National Award–Winning Film Director; Mr. Bhasker Pandey, Film Editor; Mr. Shridhar Gupta, Editor; and Dr. Rimpi Arora, Advisor on Policy and Inclusion. Mr. Sharma addressed the students and faculty, offering a compelling talk on the creative process behind Rab Di Awaaz and the importance of inclusive storytelling in reshaping societal perspectives.

What made the screening unique was its delivery format—telecasted in every classroom using Smart TV panels, a pioneering step that sets Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High apart as the first school in Goa to integrate Smart Class facilities in all classrooms. This technology-enabled approach ensured that every student, from primary to high school, could engage with the film in an immersive and accessible manner.

The event left a lasting impression on students, instilling a sense of empathy and awareness about the challenges and strengths of persons with disabilities. It was not just a film screening, but a step toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate generation.

Through initiatives like these, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School continues to be a beacon of progressive, values-driven education that goes beyond academics to shape socially responsible individuals.

EduConnect

Goa Trains 240 Special Educators to Implement Standardised DISHA Curriculum for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Tanisha Cardozo

In a progressive move toward inclusive education, the state of Goa has begun training 240 special educators to implement the NIEPID DISHA Curriculum for Children with Intellectual Disabilities. This initiative, launched under the Sewa Pakhwada Abhiyaan by the Government of India, is being spearheaded by GSCERT Goa, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa.

The training program is being conducted from September 17 to 24, 2025, covering educators from both special and inclusive schools across the state. The inaugural ceremony took place in hybrid mode and was graced by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Honourable Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. He lauded the efforts of GSCERT and the State Commissioner’s office for taking initiative in adopting the DISHA curriculum.

The DISHA Curriculum, developed by the Jai Vakeel Foundation in Mumbai and approved by NIEPID in 2019, is a standardized educational framework designed to meet the learning needs of children with intellectual disabilities. Already implemented in over 460 special schools in Maharashtra, the curriculum includes comprehensive teacher manuals, student workbooks, and a digital web-portal that enables online assessments, progress monitoring, and real-time data analysis at various administrative levels.

Ms. Archana Chandra, CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation, shared insights on the success of the curriculum in Maharashtra and highlighted the recent MoU signed with NIEPID to facilitate nationwide rollout. The curriculum has also received approval from the Rehabilitation Council of India, New Delhi.

Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, commended the collaboration between NIEPID and Jai Vakeel Foundation, calling the introduction of the curriculum a much-needed intervention for the state. Ms. Meghna Shetgaonkar, Director of GSCERT, expressed full support for the initiative and assured continued efforts to enhance special education in Goa.

The implementation of the DISHA curriculum in Goa is expected to significantly improve the educational experience and outcomes for children with intellectual disabilities in the state, setting a strong precedent for other states to follow.

EduConnect

Scholarship and Stipend Scheme for Students with Disabilities Announced by Goa Government

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Goa has announced a welfare scheme to support the education of students with disabilities through monthly stipends and scholarships. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance across various levels of education—from primary school to post-graduation—covering both academic and vocational fields. The stipend for students from Standard I to VIII is ₹200 per month, while those from Standard IX to XII are eligible for ₹300 per month, both for a duration of 11 months. Additionally, scholarships are available for students from Standard IX and above.

For students from Standard IX to XII or equivalent university courses, day scholars will receive ₹500 per month, hostellers ₹200 per month, and blind students will be provided with a reader’s allowance of ₹75 per month, all for 11 months. For students pursuing undergraduate degrees such as B.A., B.Com., or B.Sc., the scholarship amount is ₹650 per month for day scholars, ₹270 per month for hostellers, and ₹115 per month for readers’ allowance for blind students. Students enrolled in professional and technical courses like BE, B.Arch, MBBS, LLB, B.Ed, diplomas in engineering, as well as postgraduate degrees like MA, MSc, M.Com, LLM, and M.Ed, are eligible for ₹900 per month for day scholars, ₹360 per month for hostellers, and ₹150 per month for readers’ allowance for the blind.

To qualify for the scheme, students must have a disability of 40% or more, as certified by a Medical Board. They must also have secured at least 45% marks in their last annual exam, and their parents’ annual income should not exceed ₹1,50,000 from all sources. Possession of a valid UDID card issued by the Directorate of Social Welfare is also mandatory. The scheme additionally supports students pursuing music and vocational courses through recognized educational boards or universities.

Only online applications will be accepted under this scheme. Students must register and apply through the official CM Scholarship Portal. The application window for the academic year 2025-26 is now open, and the last date for submission is November 15, 2025. No offline applications will be considered.

EduConnect

Empowering Talent: Students with Disabilities Craft Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols at Sanjay Centre, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartening display of inclusion, creativity, and sustainability, students at the Sanjay Centre for Special Education in Porvorim showcased their artistic talents at a Ganesh idol-making workshop organised by Mapusa Kalakirti in collaboration with Bal Bhavan Panaji. The event saw the presence of Subhash Phaldessai, Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who commended the students for their craftsmanship and praised the efforts of teachers and parents who have nurtured their creative journey.

The workshop focused on producing eco-friendly Ganesh idols using pure shadu clay, a traditional material known for being water-soluble and environment-friendly. The students displayed idols modeled after iconic depictions like Lalbaugcha Raja and “Bappa Sitting on Undir,” reflecting their three years of commercial training. Under the guidance of Bal Bhavan instructors and dedicated teachers, students adopted modern techniques while honoring traditional rituals, producing beautifully detailed idols now available for public purchase at Sanjay Centre, Porvorim, for ₹2,000 each.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, proposed an exciting opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skills through a live street workstation during the upcoming International Purple Fest Goa 2025, scheduled for October 9–12. He further announced that, under Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s leadership, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will introduce Vocational Equivalency Certificates for persons with disabilities who cannot pursue conventional academic pathways—an important step toward formal recognition of skill-based education.

Prerna Pawaskar of Mapusa Kalakirti welcomed the gathering, sharing that such workshops are held annually, with this year’s edition focusing on commercial outcomes to promote entrepreneurship. Dignitaries present included Paulo Rodrigues, Accounts Officer, Sanjay School; Premanand Khumbar of Bal Bhavan; and Tatu Kudalkar, Headmaster, Sanjay School. Training was provided by teachers Ranjeeta Narvekar, Shri Deepesh Shetkar, Sanjay Mandrekar, and Ravi Harmalkar, while Shweta Harmalkar served as compere and delivered the vote of thanks.

The initiative stands as a powerful example of how inclusive platforms and focused vocational training can empower youth with disabilities—building both confidence and livelihood opportunities—while promoting sustainable cultural practices.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Vedanta Sesa Goa Employee Volunteers Drive Change Through Community Empowerment ActivitiesBy Allycaral News Desk | Community

allycaralgoa

Bicholim, Goa: In a powerful display of corporate social responsibility in action, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa (IOG) recently organized a series of employee-led volunteer initiatives across the villages of Piligao, Maem, and Bicholim. These were part of the ongoing Sesa Employee Volunteerism Activity, which aims to foster long-term, impactful engagement with the communities surrounding Vedanta’s operational areas.

With leadership presence from Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – IOG, the initiatives covered a wide range of community-focused activities:

  • Health & Hygiene Awareness: Targeted towards adolescent girls, these sessions aimed to improve awareness and promote positive practices.
  • Career Guidance: Conducted at Zantye Narayan College of Commerce, the session helped bridge the gap between academics and the corporate world.
  • Financial & Digital Literacy: Women from the community received valuable training to navigate modern banking and digital tools.
  • Tech Talks for Students: Designed to ignite curiosity in school-going children.
  • Football Match: A friendly game to promote physical activity and strengthen bonds with locals.

One of the event’s most heartfelt highlights was the ‘Rakhi’ stall, organized in partnership with Keshava Seva Sadhana, showcasing products handcrafted by special children. The proceeds directly supported their cause, promoting inclusive development and awareness.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jagdish remarked,

“Employee Volunteerism is an extension of our core philosophy of giving back and staying rooted in the needs of our people.”

Echoing this spirit, Prof. Dr. Rajendra Kumbharjuvenkar, Principal of Zantye Narayan College, stated:

“It was a pleasure hosting Vedanta’s career guidance session. It bridged real-world expectations and helped students think ahead.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to drive change through its multi-pronged CSR efforts, including Sesa Football Academy and Sesa Technical School, which have empowered over 2,000+ youth since 1994.

With meaningful volunteerism, the company demonstrates how industry can go beyond business — and truly become part of the community.

📸 For pictures, updates, and more, visit allycaral.com
🟢 @allycaralgoa | #CSR #Vedanta #GoaDevelopment