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Alone In A Dark Alley

A school that has opened its doors to special children but found most doors shut on it

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HBPV is the only special school in the area. Before it was set up, Kanailal, a former teacher himself, and his friends decided to understand the needs of special children. A door-to-door survey in New Barrackpore and adjoining areas revealed that most special children never had the opportunity to go to school. Some came from very modest economic backgrounds and couldn’t afford expensive special schools in the city.

Kanailal approached the state government’s education department for academic affiliation and funding in 1996-97. But no help was forthcoming. However, Kanailal didn’t give up. He met teachers and special educators. His team also trained at the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy, to understand the teaching processes appropriate for special children. Finally, in 1997, the school started functioning. "Whether it was a godsend or not I don’t know, but at the start itself, I managed to get a team of dedicated special educators. They are working despite being paid a paltry salary," says Datta.

The school finally got academic affiliation in 2004-05. But funds were hard to come by. Kanailal approached the central government’s social welfare department which has a scheme for special education. But their application was rejected on the ground that the word ‘pratibandhi’ or ‘disabled’ was not stated in the school objectives. Also, the school did not function out of a permanent building. When it became clear that no governmental aid was forthcoming unless HBPV had its own building, Kanailal built one with the help of donations from well-wishers. Today, the school has 89 special students.

HBPV stresses on vocational training. They teach book-binding, tailoring, incense stick-making and needle-work. Apart from this, they also teach painting and music which helps the children give vent to their creative aspects. Kanailal says there’s still a lot to do. "The school needs better infrastructure, equipment and more teachers." But he does not expect too much from the government. "I believe sincere, relentless work does never go unrecognised."

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Contact 51/1, Netaji Subhash Road, New Barrackpore, Calcutta—700131, Tel: 033-25672078

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