KOCHI: tuffed dolls, colourful bangles, exuberant wall hangings made out of wood and various other curios, carved and perfected with immense care, is what you get to see at the Ability Mela being held at Woman's Association hall.What makes it special though is the fact that all these products have been made by differently-abled students of various special schools in the city.The two-day event, to be inaugurated by Eranakulam High court justice, Thottathil B Radhakrishanan, has been put together by the People's Council for Social Justice (PCSJ), Shilpa Society for the Mentally Handicapped, Palluruthy Relief Settlement along with Raksha Society. The mela sees 17 schools participating in it. Bitty K Joseph, project manager of PCSJ says, "The aim of the exhibition is not merely to showcase their abilities, but also give them a chance to interact with the public." Students from different vocational schools, ages varying from 18 to 35-40, have involved themselves in the art and handicraft production. Sheeja, the principal of Reena Memorial public school, Chittoor, says, "There are 25 vocational students in our school who make items like wooden utensils, pickle, detergents, bedspreads. There are students with different disabilities, hence tasks given naturally vary. 15 of the students are earning up to Rs 1000 per month which is deposited in their account. The salary boosts their confidence levels."In several schools, the vocational department is further divided into home science, carpentry, arts and craft sections. One of the stalls is by the Snehanilayam school, Kakkanad. Students here have made a variety of items such as pots, penholders, book marks, table spreads and greeting cards. Sister Sangetha from the school says, "Such activities are very beneficial for the students and we've seen a marked difference in their behavioural pattern."Knick knacks such as teas-cosies, door mats and other kitchen utensils made out of banana plant fibre are what you find in the stall put up by students of Ashadeepam Residential school, Kalamassery. The teachers and principals point out that not all students can take up all works, and activities have to be divided carefully. Minel, the principal of Raksha Special School of Mattanchery says, "Some students cannot take up strenuous jobs. For them we have the paper unit. They tear off paper into small pieces which we supply to the recycling unit. Then there are day care units where inmates are assigned to do gardening. Students who are less challenged, take up tailoring and candle making... Many come up with innovative ideas," she adds.Special schools are now referred to as 'normalisation centres' says Susheela Kuriachan, the principal of Asha Kendram school, Karikkamury. The students demonstrate various talents like spiral binding, sewing,and making phone books. They are also offered training for screen printing, post cover,and photo copying. The principal says that students with potential show as much ability as ordinary children.Not all students are youngsters though. There are products by several inmates of Palluruthy relief settlement. Majority of them are from outside Kerala with severe health issues. Sathyababu, the superintend of the settlement says, "Along with the treatment and counselling, art and craft activities have made a very positive impact on them. They have shed their idleness, their self-worth has improved..." Bitty K Joseph says, “Many of them have reservoirs of potential, and providing them with a livelihood makes their life more meaningful.”
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