Visually-challenged by birth, Ashwini started the Belaku Academy in June 2014 to provide education for visually-challenged children in Bengaluru
Bangalore girl Ashwini Angadi has added another feather to her cap after being honoured with the UN Special Envoy for Global Education’s Youth Courage Award as part of the Malala Day Celebrations on July 12, 2013. Ashwini is set to receive the Queen’s Young Leader Award on June 22 in London and is one among the three people selected for this award from India.
Visually-challenged by birth, Ashwini started the Belaku Academy in June 2014 to provide education for visually-challenged children in Bengaluru. “As of now, there are 21 visually-challenged children. We are providing boarding and lodging for these children at a rented building situated at Suprajanagar near Konanakunte in Bengaluru South. I have to ensure Rs 70,000 for the maintenance per month. There are three teachers, one cook and one ayah to look after these children,’’ says Ashwini.
What made Ashwini start the academy? “I worked with Young Voice, a project by UK-based Charity Leonard Cheshire Disability, and came across many visually-challenged children who became victims of discrimination and negligence due to lack of education. I realised the need of providing a home for visually-challenged children and educating them. I consider education as one of the main things for them to become self-reliant and lead a dignified life,’’ explains Ashwini.
She had the opportunity to speak for the rights of disabled people at a function (where she received the award in 2013). She also attended the Global Education Skills Forum meeting organised by Gems Education in Dubai. “I spoke on the need of education for girls with disabilities to around 800 eminent people from around the world,’’ she recalled.
What does she expect from the state government? “I personally do not want anything from the state government. But it would be highly appreciated if any philanthropist comes forward to donate an acre land for the residential school for the children. As of now, middle-class families are supporting me. There are occasions where they sponsor breakfast or lunch for the children,’’ she said.
Education facilitates the visually-challenged to have a dignified life, she emphasised.
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