Tag: special education

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Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias Partners with Disha Charitable Trust to Host Drawing Competition for Specially-Abled Students

allycaralgoa

Panaji, October 2025: Over 275 specially-abled students from across Goa came together to showcase their creativity and talent at a drawing competition organised by the Disha Charitable Trust, in collaboration with Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar.

Now in its 24th edition, this annual event is dedicated to encouraging specially-abled children to express themselves through art while promoting inclusion and understanding in society.

Students from 30 special schools across the state participated in six different categories, each reflecting unique talent, creativity, and imagination.

Speaking about the initiative, Sandhya Kalokhe, Secretary of Disha Charitable Trust, shared:

“Over the years, we’ve realised that these children have creativity, abilities, and dreams just like anyone else. Our aim is to showcase their talents and create empathy, not sympathy.”

Following the drawing competition, the children also took part in a dance activity, filling the venue with joy and energy. The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, graced by Parind Nachinolkar, Managing Director of Priority Constructions, who served as the chief guest.

Each winner received a certificate and trophy for their exceptional work.

🏆 Winners included:

  • KR Adidev – SFAL, Panaji
  • Dikshit Gawade – Keshav Seva Sadhana School, Valpoi
  • Jubal Peixoto – Chetna School, Curchorem
  • Seema Kalangutkar – SFAL, Panaji
  • Ramnath Bhandari – Peace Heaven Convent School, Caranzalem
  • Shivani Chari – Lokvishwas Pratishthan Special School, Mollem

The event once again proved that art knows no barriers and that initiatives like these help create an inclusive, compassionate Goa where every child’s talent shines bright. 🌈

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

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.

Social

Chetna School Launches Braille Library to Empower Visually Impaired Students

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Curchorem, Goa – In a commendable stride toward inclusive education, Chetna School for Special Children has inaugurated a dedicated Braille library for its visually impaired students. This initiative, backed by the Directorate of Social Welfare, aims to provide equitable access to reading and educational materials for children with visual impairments.

The Braille library was formally inaugurated by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, who praised the school’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, accessibility, and dignity in learning.

The newly launched facility is equipped with a wide range of Braille books, tactile materials, and tools designed to enhance the learning experiences of visually impaired children. It not only supports the academic curriculum but also promotes recreational reading and independent exploration — key components of holistic development.

The initiative reflects a strong partnership between government departments and educational institutions striving for equal opportunities for all children, regardless of physical ability. It aligns with the state and national goals for inclusive and accessible education under the Right to Education Act and the National Education Policy (NEP).

Chetna School plans to expand the collection and introduce audio-visual aids, Braille printing facilities, and hands-on training for educators to further support students with special needs. They envision becoming a model for inclusive education in Goa and beyond.

This new Braille library is more than just a room with books — it’s a space where knowledge becomes accessible, and where every student is empowered to dream, read, and lead.