Project for training of teachers of schools for the mentally challenged
Help Handicapped International has now entered a new area of Education and Training. The first project seeks to enhance the quality of life of children with special needs by enhancing the quality of teaching in special needs education
Under this the first training programme for teachers of schools for the Mentally challenged in Gujarat has commenced from 7th June, 2010. This was inaugurated by His Excellency the Consul General of Belgium- A report :
The first ever advanced training progarmme for teachers of schools for the mentally challenged in Gujarat was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr Jean-Joel Schittecatte, Consul General of Belgium by lighting the traditional lamp in the prayer hall of BPA Ahmedabad on 7th June, 2010.
The programme is a result of the collaboration between Brothers of Charity, Belgium and Help Handicapped International (HHI), Mumbai. Brothers of Charity is a well known Belgian organization working in 30 countries all over the world and are experts in education and training in the field of mental health. HHI is a leading charity implementing humanitarian projects in India, Africa, Afghanistan amongst others.
The collaboration was signed in the presence of their Royal Highnesses the King and Queen of Belgium during their state visit to India in end 2008. This was followed by a visit of a 300 member delegation from Belgium led by HRH the Prince and Princess of Belgium last year. This shows the importance that Belgium is giving to India and this prograrmme marks a new era in Indo-Belgian co-operation which now enters the field of social and welfare work.
His Excellency the Belgian Consul General said that he was honoured on being invited for the inauguration. He reiterated that Brothers of Charity are experts in the field of mental health and their team comprises professional who are having hands on experience in the field with mentally challenged children. He said that India and Belgium are partners in the diamond trade and industry and this venture in the social field was very welcome.
Mr P.K. Taneja-Secretary Social Justice & Commissioner Disability-Gujarat appreciated the efforts of all concerned and assured that the Government would provide full support to continue such programmes. He also said that in future programmes he would like some Government staff to also participate to understand the needs of special education..
Dr Bhushan Punani of Blind People’s Association spoke of the activities of their organization and also thanked Mr Mahendra Mehta for this new venture.
Mr Mahendra Mehta of HHI said that they are normally working with the physically challenged and this was their first project for the mentally challenged children of Gujarat. He said that HHI plans to have at least 3 to 4 such training sessions every year so that about 3000 to 4000 teachers could be trained over the next 3 years as the needs are very high for such trained teachers.
