An outstanding example of disabled children proving their mettle can be seen at Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan (MBCN). The children who show no progress on the academic front after a certain time come to vocational training programme at MBCN.

Swayam, the workshop where these small hands learn and excel in creative arts, is a place at MBCN where these special children get exposure to a whole new world. Visit the workshop anytime and you can see the place buzzing with activity. And when you ask Mrs. Usha Grover, the head of department, vocational training, about the current activity going on in the workshop, she would tell you about the humongous task the workshop has. Still there is no sign of chaos or confusion; you can only busy hands and lovely smiles.

About 60 to 70 children work in two shifts in these workshops. Beginners start their training with the basic things like folding papers and side pasting. The workshop is uniquely divided into different segments for children who are at different level of learning. Moreover there are about 4-5 teachers to overlook their progress for each batch. Starting from 12 students, the workshop today has over 160 children.

So, what is this humungous task that this workshop has? Mrs. Grover says MBCN receives orders from corporates and other organizations. These orders may be for gifting or for festival celebrations or regular office purposes. Candles, jewelry box, wall hanging, paper bags, pen stand, potli bags, jewelry pieces, file holder, etc. Mrs. Grover says they need 15 days to complete one order.

Though it may be hard to believe that these products are made by disabled children, it is these kids only who work from scratch on each assignment with assistance and guidance of the teachers. Most of the students work for bulk orders. As appreciation, these children get a stipend between Rs 600 to Rs 3000. The stipend creates a sense confidence and pride among the children that they are paving their way to independence and financially helping their families at the same time.

Many of the children are excited to come to the workshop. But there are many who resist initially and, even worse, their parents disapprove of them leaving academics and joining the workshop. However after some classes these uninterested children only become so excited for the workshop that they don’t want to attend any other classes.

There are even parents who contribute to the workshop. Usually they are the one who accompany their children to the school. While their children are busy in their classes, their parents spend, or rather utilize their time, at the workshop. Another attraction is that they are paid according to the time they spend at the workshop; they usually get Rs 1000 to Rs 2000.  

In all, this is the place where these special children are given an opportunity to show their talent and the staff at MBCN hones their skills.