U.K, New York based bodies agrees tie-up to help JK’s CWSN

Srinagar, August 27 (Scoop News) – The State Government is, for the first time, roping in the support of international agencies in helping buttress "inclusive education" of "children with special needs" (CWSN). Two such bodies, the U.K based "SMILE TRAIN" and the "SIGHT SAVERS" of New York have in principle agreed for a tie-up in this regard. These international bodies will  provide professional and funding support in detection and assessment of disabilities in the school going children (06-14 years age-group), Conduct of corrective surgeries and Capacity development of Special Educators.

            This was stated here today by the Advisor, State Sarva Shiksha Abhyan Mission (SSA),  Mohammad Rafi while inaugurating a one-day WORKSHOP of DIET Principals, District Resource Groups, Special Educators and field officials of the Education Department. Rafi said 25 cases of CLEFT SURGERY, 11 from Kupwara, 03 from Doda and 04 from Rajouri Districts have been identified, to begin with, adding that that each such procedure will cost Rs. 80,000/- to be met under the tie-up. Likewise, for prevention and control of visual impairment in children, assessment and management camps are being organized at the District and Zonal levels.

            Expressing serious concern over "sluggish spending" in some of the components, the Advisor SSA Mission urged the participants to come up to the assigned task and accord primary place to "inclusive education" that it deserves.

             Rafi said that in the current Plan, the SSA Mission would organize" Exposure Visits" of 100 CWSN across the State with an allocation of Rs. 16.50 lakh and hold 1600 Counselling Sessions for Parents, adding that an amount of Rs. 80 lakh had been released to the CEOs for the purpose. In addition, each District office has been provided Rs. 50,000/- for promotion of "inclusive sports" among the children with special needs (CWSN).

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