On December 3, 2021, in observance of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the Catherine Hope Foundation organized a special programme for children with special needs and their families at our Center in Ennore. Twelve children, accompanied by their parents and guardians, participated in the event, which provided a platform for sharing their experiences and challenges.
Listening to the mothers speak about their daily lives offered valuable insights for all of us. Each encounter with these families reveals the profound connections among the children, who show remarkable compassion for one another. When one child is distressed, another instinctively offers comfort, demonstrating powerful lessons in empathy. To conclude the day, we provided each family with a month's supply of groceries, adding to the meaningfulness of the event.
The programme included travel arrangements for some participants, interactive activities, storytelling sessions, and a meal of chicken biryani. We learned about the personal struggles of attendees who appreciated the opportunity to share their stories. For example, Kumaran, a father of two daughters, conveyed his despair regarding financial challenges and his daughter’s life-threatening health issue. After hearing about CHF from a friend, he expressed a desire to secure employment and was deeply touched by the respect shown during the event.
Regina, a young girl unable to walk, attended the programme with tears in her eyes. While she enjoyed the games, she expressed a longing to participate more fully. Her parents were hopeful for her involvement in future events. Santhosh, a seven-year-old boy with physical and mental challenges, shared his family's financial difficulties, while Pushpa and Bommi, two elderly women, actively engaged in the activities despite their challenges. Pushpa, who lives alone and is restricted in movement, relies on minimal support from a nearby ashram, while Bommi expressed gratitude for the meal provided.
Many participants remarked that no one had previously organized a programme specifically for differently-abled individuals that truly listened to their experiences. As a mark of respect, our staff draped towels over their shoulders, thanking them for their participation and honoring them as our VIPs. This gesture fostered a special recognition and appreciation, with attendees expressing their gratitude for being heard and valued. It was a day filled with warmth, connection, and hope.
