Current Edition : April, 2004

Reason to Hope:

Urvi - I am not different

Inclusion means "to include into". Inclusive classrooms are a place where children with disability and without disability work and play together.

I was included into Guru Harkishan School in the year 2001 when I was in standard VIth. I remember being very excited when my earlier principal told me that I could be included into mainstream school. Just the thought made me feel "very accepted". This is what I have always wanted to be like all the other children.

Though I was very excited I was apprehensive as well, I wondered if the children would help me, if the teachers would like me and if I would be understood and totally accepted. Soon the inclusion happened and I have never been happier...

My class teacher Ms. Robinson D'Gama is extremely cooperative, I do need extra help and she is prepared to give it.

Due to all this encouraging support I have even managed to get prizes in the Science quiz and Essay writing competition.

Hum Kissi se Kam Nahe, we are in no way less than others…….. I feel that we should close down the special schools, and the government should make it compulsory for all children to be included at the earliest possible age, that would make things easier for everybody.

Awareness will improve when we are seen around in society and not when we are kept away in special schools.

All people able and disable must work together. I would like to sum up by saying the Government of India's Policy of 'Education for All Together'.

One person with disability should become a minister, which would stop exclusion thereby identifying all as one.