vadaketh development centre
DESCRIPTION
Dedication of new school and reportTRANSCRIPT
NEW SCHOOL BUILDING AND PROGRAM UPDATE
2008by
David Householder
In the 1980’s Dr. V.C. George was introduced to NSPC by Rev. Bob and Joan Downs, then again by a special Scottish lady and missionary to India, Nancy Ramer. In the late 1980’s we began to support Dr. George’s work in a program called Shalom. In 1990, NSPC and others brought George to the USA. He spent most of his time in Erie, Pa for on the job training at the Gertrude Barber Center. He worked there for around 4 months. Just as he was preparing to return to India we learned that he had been removed from the position of manager for Shalom.
George was at my place that day. After some brainstorming, some prayer and a promise of $200 per month from NSPC, George decided to start his own special school in his own home. He and Irene began with having students stay for the week but soon changed to a day school format. Average class size is now around 28 students. The first year NSPC was the sole supporter and the total budget was $2400. This year , as of 9/15/08 , six churches and 10 individuals have donated $31,920. And we have another quarter to go..
The school has become approved by the government and now most of the staff salaries are paid by the government. This includes 3 special education teachers, an art teacher, a driver, a janitor, and one teacher’s aide. As the teachers and staff switch to government sponsorship they become eligible for benefits and pensions. Dr. George continues to receive his modest salary of $468/month from the Trust.
Farm next to the school
You can see some of the students beside him who then sang a song for us
Two new schools have been started as a direct result of Dr. Georges initiatives in Special
Education.
Land has been made available by the Government for a future
Adult Vocational Center
A joint effort of Dr. George, local political leaders and the
National Institute of Mental Health may lead to a Regional Rehabilitation Center in Miraj
Group picture at the Khanderajuri school. The village chief, headmaster, teachers and others all came out to
show off the new special education room in their school. It is now sponsored by the village and an integral part of the local school. This is an amazing thing for this
rural area and it was initiated by Vadaketh .
The school headmaster is in the background
The girl in the chair at the bottom was brought in by her father because he knew Dr. George was coming to the village and wanted her evaluated.
The teacher in the green Sari is Mrs. Sahylaja Goundaji who was originally sponsored by Vadaketh Development. This school is requesting some added
financial help
