With the inauguration of a new vocational center for individuals with developmental disabilities in the Paingottoor Panchayat of Ernakulam district of Kerala, Navajyothi has opened its doors to a new world for them.
Navajyothi, an affiliate of the International wing of Center for Social Change [www.centerforsocialchange.org] has been directing its work in the rural sectors of the State of Kerala for the past three years. CSC also works with other affiliates in various States of India and has been guiding and supporting their work among children with developmental disabilities for the past 10 years. Idukki which is the poorest district in the State of Kerala, has welcomed this initiative of Navajyothi.
The new center was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp in the presence of hundreds of villagers who had flocked the venue not only from this village but neighboring ones. We are committed to improving services for adults and children with developmental disabilities to focus more on meeting the individual's needs and aspirations and their families rather than the provision of general care and fitting people into services, said Mr. Rajas Mathew, the Director of Navajyothi. He further stated, “Our efforts are directed to help individuals here become actively involved and lead ordinary lives in their local community.
An exhibition was also organized and products made by the children of Navajyothi centers were on display. It drove home the point that with the proper care and training, these very individuals could also be productive.
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