Communication as a medium of Learning

All are equal in nature

Amidst many children who landed in cars at the campsite, on Sunday the 6^th April, a young girl in her teens came with her father dressed in simple and humble attire. The father had been waiting with his daughter since 7.30 in the morning at Melkote to be picked up by the organizers. In spite of being informed to arrive at 10.00 they had made that early morning venture from a small village near K R Pet. Among the host of parents and children was a spree of introductory talks. For this girl all the talking was being done by her father. When everyone began to draw their self portraits as part of icebreaker she broke into tears. She could not follow any of the instructions. Further it began to appear that she was refusing to take them. With a lot of persuasion she gave in and drew herself. This hearing challenged girl, Arpitha felt at home when she met another boy with same disability. They communicated in sign language among themselves yet were feeling left out when an activity involving oral communication was conducted. So we found a way by writing to communicate with them.

Everybody wanted them to be in their team during activities that demand physical strength. They simply outmatched every other camp-mate in sports. Gradually we began to communicate with them through gestures. By the end of the second day, everybody empathized with them and understood how difficult it is for someone who cannot hear or talk. All of us began to learn their sign language and sentences in it. Arpitha and Praveen are really happy and participating wholeheartedly in all the activities since then. This experience taught us the real meaning of inclusive education. They both feel proud now to lead the younger children in many of the activities.

Praveen teaching sign language to camp mates

We strongly feel the necessity to include Sign language in the curriculum of all schools. Inclusive education is the most meaningful way of learning.

Arpitha as a sign language teacher!

Mother and daughter sharing their happy moments

Most often, in our camps children used to forget their homes and be with us for the entire length of the camp. They felt sad as day as the departing time arrived. Children have used all possible excuses and influences to extend the camp for a day or two. But this time, it was a surprise for us. The camp had such an assorted variety of children; those who didn’t even bother to call their parents and talk. There are unexceptional ones who want to go back and  be in the cozy comfort of their parents. Whom we thought has come from a humble background and week, proved to be emotionally very strong and balanced. Those who are given all possible opportunities to explore by their parents and have almost everything that they desired for are really weak. Perhaps over protection and too much care make them more dependent on their parents. Human beings are the only organisms who care for their offspring for so long. Eventually, everyone needs to lead independent life. Our camps aim at instilling this individualistic independence and stress the dependence on nature.

Geetha H