Prajwal N R - Empowering Lives with Patience

Empowering Lives with Patience and Compassion

THEIR EVERYDAY Students, affected by Endosulfan poisoning, engaged in craftwork at the Sanidhya Kaushalya Training Centre, Ujire. PHOTOS BY AUTHOR

In the heart of Dakshina Kannada, a special school named Sanidhya Kaushalya Training Centre (SKTC) stands as a beacon of hope for students affected by endosulfan poisoning. Through empathy and talent recognition, this institution empowers its students to overcome challenges and develop valuable skills.

On a recent visit to SKTC, I was greeted by Justin (17), who stood at the door with his palms pressed together, warmly saying, "Namaste!" Inside the classroom, Pooja (16) sat engrossed in her drawing. When I asked her what she was creating, she softly uttered, "Phattto..." — her way of saying "photo." Despite her limited vocabulary, her determination shone through.

SKTC serves as a rehabilitation centre for around 45 differently-abled students aged between 6 and 36. The school goes beyond traditional teaching methods by identifying their talents and training them in skills like craft, tailoring, and technology. The classes are categorized as pre-primary, primary, and post-primary, and students are also offered yoga and speech therapy to enhance their growth and confidence.

Located in Ujire, a town in Belthangady taluk, SKTC was established to support the victims of endosulfan poisoning — a tragic consequence of pesticide spraying conducted by the Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation between 1980 and 2000. While the aerial spraying was intended to control tea mosquitoes, it ended up severely affecting thousands of residents in Belthangady and Puttur taluks. The aftermath left many with physical deformities, neurotoxicity, and other lifelong conditions

With a dedicated staff of 15 trained teachers, the school creates a nurturing environment where patience and love are key. Josphina, a senior caretaker with over a decade of experience, explains, "We don't just teach them; we connect with them. Each word must be repeated until it resonates with their understanding. Patience and compassion are our greatest tools."

This patient approach has yielded remarkable results. The students have learned to create useful products such as napkins and cotton bags, which are sold to support the centre. Teachers proudly emphasize that this initiative showcases the students' potential.

SKTC also extends support to victims from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. While families persist in seeking government compensation, victims now receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to help ease their burdens.

For some students, SKTC has become more than just a school. Srujan, a 17-year-old student, expressed his wish for "no holidays" because the school offers him security and regular meals. Sukumar, the father of Anjana, a 17-year-old victim, shared his gratitude: "In her previous school, my daughter felt isolated due to her condition. Here, she is surrounded by kind children and supportive teachers, which has transformed her life."

The concept of supporting endosulfan victims began with Dr. K. Vasanth Kumar Shetty, who initially cared for a few children at his home. As the number of children grew, he collaborated with Ganesha Seva Trust and the District Health Office, officially founding SKTC on January 23, 2019.

Through dedication, patience, and unwavering compassion, SKTC continues to uplift the lives of those affected by endosulfan poisoning, providing them with dignity, skills, and hope for a brighter future.