Imparting inclusive education to special children

Tribune News Service
Bathinda, February 22

To make differently-abled children self-sufficient and employable, Gurbanta Dass School for Deaf and Dumb Children has been training students in automobile repairs (scooter/bikes).

Run by the Red Cross Society, the special school has tied up with Government Polytechnic College for providing a six-month certification course in automobile repair. In the course, the children are being trained in repairing/assembling scooters and motorcycles.

The certification course includes theoretical as well as practical classes on a daily basis. There is a designated automobile workshop at the school where the practical training is imparted. Initially, the course was started for students of classes IX and X. Recently, the school authorities have started giving training to classes V to VIII as well.

On a visit to the school recently, the Bathinda Tribune team found that students were busy repairing a scooter and learning functionalities of the engine. The automobile instructor at the school was seen explaining concepts in sign language.

Kartar Singh, an automobile instructor, said, “These children may have physical or mental disability of one kind or other, but their ability to grasp new concepts and concentration level is really good. I conduct six periods on a daily basis and students from almost every class exhibit deep inclination to learn how automobiles work. Apart from training students in repair work, we also teach them assembling and functionalities of different parts of the vehicle. After completion of the six-month course, students are provided certificate from Government Polytechnic College, Bathinda.”

School principal Maninder Kaur said, “The main idea behind providing automobile training/certification course to students is to make them self-dependent. After completing their education with an added skill, it can serve as a source of livelihood for these children. Moreover, the basic education does not ensure jobs, learning a skill would definitely assist them in earning money for survival.”