PROJECT
Arpana CSI School for Special Education - 2019
OUR PROJECT HISTORY
In the year 1978, the CSI Church of South India, Karnataka Central Diocese, through their Socio-Economic-concern Committee felt the need to express the church’s concern with regards to the mentally challenged children, especially those who belong to the poorer section of the society. And so, with this concern, a small group was set up to study about the neediest area in the city where such a program is essential.
The group consisted of experts from NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental and NeuroScience) who were already involved in the program for the mentally retarded children and few other representatives from the Diocese, with the Bishop as its Chairman and soon, along with the help of the staff from the NIMHANS, the area in need was identified.
Various areas including Ulsoor, Frazer Town, and Shivajinagar with a population of 3 lakhs were identified as the areas in need as a majority of the population in these areas belonged to the poorer class with a massive record of 200+ cases of mentally challenged children at NIMHANS.
Therefore, the Diocese then decided to start a day-care center offering Special Education in these specific areas, and the All-Saints’ Church premises was identified as an ideal location for conducting the program.
The CSI-CCC in their resolution approved our project proposals, both the program and the building components, and asked the Diocese to start the program in a temporary accommodation until the building grants were made available. The Church pastorate committee allowed us to use their parish hall for temporary accommodation of this program. The program was started in April 1981.
From June 1981, the CSI-CCC started supporting the children in the program. The Diocese also contributed to initial expenses. Since then the program has been carried out in the parish hall. In 1988, the first-floor building was constructed and the school initially started with 29 children, four teachers, one social worker, one helper, and three volunteers.
The Pastorate Committee of the church had come forward to demarcate a portion of their land that is necessary for the construction of the new building in the church compound and accordingly the blueprints were prepared.
Project Members:
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Bishop K.E Gill (Late)
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Rev. Flinder Stephen
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Rev. Lawrence
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Rev. Moses Jayakumar
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Mrs. Vasanthi Sounderajan (Late)
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Mrs. Vatsala Sebastian (Late)
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Pastorate Committee Members
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All Saints’ Church and Socio-Economic Committee Members (Then) after registration with the Government of Karnataka
Our Project Highlight:
The Arpana school is located in healthy surroundings- a church, home for senior citizens and a regular ICSE school brings additional value to the institution providing safe and disabled-friendly infrastructure and holistic children's development facilities. And our staff is dedicated to working with special needs children.
Our Staff Structure:
Over time, with thorough determination of helping children lead a better life, today we are proud to say that we are now helping 100 children to overcome their issues and live a healthy life. And this wouldn’t have been possible without our staff members.
Our staff structure currently includes-
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Superintendent
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Social Workers
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Special Educators
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Vocational Instructor
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Helpers
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Drivers
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Cooks
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Domestic Help
​Also, we have recruited a new member on our board who is given the responsibility of raising local contribution along with the Superintendent
Government Recognitions
In 2010: Best March Past Award by our children in the Inter Special School Sports meet held in 2010. The award was received from Chief Minister Shri.Yeddyurappa in 2010.
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In 2013: At the first scripture contest held by the All-India Christian Teachers Association at Methodist Church Chapel, Arpana won all the awards and was awarded with the first prize in the scripture competition. Children's painting was submitted to the National Science Painting Competition of the United Schools Organization of India, Delhi. Our children have been awarded the Silver Medal for the painting competition.
Our Project Achievements
Our former children are currently working in different capacities, leading an independent life while contributing to their family members for a happy living.
Most girls are skilled in various domestic skills and cooking and are helpful to their families in their daily chores.
The positive impact of the project has been recognized among the community members and has encouraged them to be helpful to the children and their parents.
The Interventions planned in the project provide a platform not only for the children to realize their rights for basic facilities towards their survival development, protection, and participation but also assist them in becoming less dependent instead become contributive members in the community.
Our Children’s Achievements
In 1990, 1993, and 1994: Our children represented India in the Special Olympics and brought immense pride to our country as well as to the institution
In 2005-2006: Our children trained in the communication department by the UTC
Our present children are well trained in the ADL skills (Activities of Daily Living)
Our Interventions / Growth
1980 - School building (ground floor) with 20 children
1988 - First-floor building constructed
1996 - Purchased Auto Rickshaw for (10 children) offering pick up and drop facility
2002 -
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School Bus was donated by Edukans Foundation, Netherlands
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Two-wheeler vehicle by CCCYC
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Machinery: punching, cutting, paper plate making machine donated by Edukans Foundation, Netherland
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6 Sewing Machines donated by Otis Elevator
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Treadle machine donated by CCCYC
2007 - Donation towards extension of work shed (Vocational Unit) by Hope Foundation
2014 - Extension of office room and grill door for activity/therapy room done- sponsored by St. Mark’s Cathedral, Bangalore.
2019 – Candle mold 9 no’s donated by St. Mark’s Cathedral
Government Registration
