NAVAJYOTHI – A NEW BEGINNING

A new beginning – to bring a new light into the lives of some special children : to make a difference ! This is the spirit with which the Navajyothi Charitable Trust was founded in 2000 in Calicut, Kerala. The non-profitable organization aims to provide comprehensive care to children with developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, learning disabilities etc. With this aim the trust has formed the Prasanthi Centre for Developmental Disabilities which has been functioning in Calicut for the last nine years.

MENTAL RETARDATION

• Mental retardation is not a disease – its just a case of sub normal intellectual, behavioral and social development.

• Almost 5% of people in India suffer from some degree of mental retardation.

• Special children need special care.• Care comes from compassion,

commitment, understanding, patience & devotion .

PRASANTHI CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

At present the following services are provided by the center.

• Prasanthi center for early identification of developmental disabilities

• Prasanthi play school

• Prasanthi School for slow learners

• Prasanthi School for children with special needs

• The Rotary -Prasanthi Center for Autism and Related Disorders

WHAT WE DO FOR THE CHILDREN...

• A small, but committed team of doctors, academicians and dedicated volunteers is involved in managing schools and health centers for 80+ odd children.

WHAT WE DO FOR THE PARENTS…

• Parents are also provided the necessary instruction in caring for the special needs of their wards.

WHAT THE GOVT. DOES….

• A mid-day meal program for the special school is the only Government assistance the organization currently receives.

WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THEM…

• As a fledgling organization functioning solely on donations, often the Trust has to struggle to provide for the ever-increasing number of special children.

OUR HUMBLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• “Best Special School” award from the Government of Kerala twice.

• “Best Special School Award” from the Kerala Special School Association in 2008.

HOW YOU CAN HELP ….• There are various means by which each one of us can make a difference

to this noble cause. Sponsor one child for a year - Rs. 5000 Sponsor uniform of one student for a year - Rs 500 Sponsor stationery expenses for 20 students for a month - Rs 1500 Sponsor a day’s lunch- Rs. 1000 Sponsor one picnic or outing- Rs. 4500 Sponsor the salary of special educators for a month - Rs.3000 Sponsor students’ transportation expenses for a month- Rs. 4500 Sponsor a the salary of a caretaker for a month - Rs. 1500

• Cheques & DD/Cashier’s Checks should favor The Managing Trustee, Navajyothi Charitable Trust, Account no 205601010005804, Vijaya Bank, Karaparamba,Calicut, Kerala – 673010 India.

• Alternatively transfers from GCC can be done to Dr.Ramakrishnan Palat, Acc.no205601010005863;Vijaya Bank, Karaparamba, Calicut.

Through The Eyes Of A Special Needs Child

• S  -   Spend time getting to know me

P-   Please be patient with me. I may not be able to do the things your child can.

E  -   Enjoy learning about what I have and what is wrong with me so that you will understand.

C  -   Care about what my parents tell you about how I communicate.

I  -   Imagine if your child had problems then realize what my parents feel.

A -  Always be kind to people who are disabled. We are just like you, with things that didn't develop right or because of an accident.

L -   Listen to me, I may be hard to understand but if you take the time you can understand me. Learning is very hard for me. I may not be at my age level.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: HELP THEM THRIVE

• No amount is too small….. • you make a difference not only for the child

with mental retardation, but also for the family that lives in a terrible cycle of poverty, social stigma and isolation.