The inmates at Sumanahalli are shunned by their own families and the society at large. To pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and gain some independence, they need help with finding a livelihood of their own. Education is key here in establishing a sense of self-respect and pride.
We started a school and crèche within our campus in 1978-79. Students educated here were not just the leprosy afflicted but also their children, who faced discrimination and dismissal from their own schools due to fears of contagion. The older boys were admitted to St. Mary's Orphanage, while the girls went to St. Joseph's Convent School.
To date, we have made a difference my educating over 2000 leprosy-afflicted persons and their dependents.
The Vision
A holistic approach towards education along with life-skills training.
Methodology
Coaching the children through songs, art, drama and games. We encourage our students to take part in public functions, competitions, drawing, painting and cultural programmes on special occasions like World Disabled Day and other holidays.
Sumanahalli invites educators and social workers to help widen the scope and scale of our educational activities.
Results
Some students who have completed their PUC have been provided jobs as nurses and some are Government employees as well. Boys who have completed SSLC have been sent for ITI training and are now gainfully employed.
