May 15, 2022

When Krishnaveni*’s mother left her daughter in the independent group home, the mother cried. “I have never been apart from her even for one day,” she sobbed. Krishnaveni, on the other hand, told her mother, “I will take care, you don’t worry, go!”

This might be the scene in many hostels when college starts, but this scene was different: It was the first taste of independence for Krishnaveni and seven other girls at Sristi Foundation’s “Community Living for Adult Women with Developmental Disabilities.” Satya Special School provides therapeutic and other support, with The Banyan the knowledge partner.

Even the day of “paal kachal” a small ceremony indicating the entry into a new home, the women were excited. They were eager to boil the milk themselves; they were excited about their own rooms. Satya is exploring vocational employment opportunities for the young women as well.

It is this dignity and inclusion that the project aims to promote, as G Karthikeyan, founder of Sristi, says of the pioneering project. Moving away from the gated community concept, this project aims to include the women in society, by living in one house in a ‘regular’ neighbourhood.

“A hostel is different –here, if the women want to have pooris one day, they can. In fact, the weekend they moved in, they all went to the beach!” he says.

Each home is managed by a caretaker, and nearby police stations and residents’ associations were also informed, to ensure their safety.

Satya Special School is so proud to be working on this project alongside Sristi Foundation, a trusted partner of many projects. A perfect example of organizations coming together for the goals!