Umang Jaipur

It was in December, 2005 that a group of parents along with some highly trained and qualified staff started an initiative to provide equal opportunities to not just their children but to many more, which were deprived of their basic rights like right to education, vocational training, employment and right to live a dignified life. It was a community movement where each parent contributed what they could. Someone brought spare furniture or an outgrown wheelchair, toys, books, utensils, fan, cooler whatever they could spare themselves or from their friends, neighbours and relatives. The team of professionals pledged not to take salary for 3 months till the institute could raise some funds. They not only set up their depts, working from 8 am. to 11 pm. but even painted the walls and windows. Some youth from neighbourhood came and fitted adaptations in toilets, Mrs. Bina Kak, one of the founders and present Chairperson vacated her house and gave it free of rent. A number of schools came forward to give teaching aids or a blackboard or furniture, whatever they could spare. Within a month the organisation opened its doors to the first batch of 80 students that increased to 150 in 3 months. Two neighbouring buildings were hired and services expanded. It became one of the fastest growing NGOS with following services within 2 years- • Special School • Pre-vocational and Vocational training • Physio and speech therapy • Parent training • Home based program and • Public awareness A number of established institutes doing similar work in Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai also came forward to support in staff training, strengthening resources and most of all provide emotional strength.