Through street play, special kids prove their mettle

Students of Holy Cross Convent Special School and Training Centre in Thane were excited on Wednesday morning when they boarded their school bus to go to Kolbad.

This was the first time these special children were going to perform a street play and their first destination was near the Jagmata mandir at Kolbad. This street play was an initiative to create awareness about the disabled, who despite disability, are talented and skilled. They wanted the society to understand and not consider them any different.

The children were confident as they stepped out of their school bus and exhibited the varied talent that they possess. They performed at Kolbad, Court Naka and also at Vrindavan. These kids have been part of many competitions as well as the Special Olympics and won accolades. So, they wanted everyone to understand that they are capable and talented.

"Each of these kids have a different ability and we focus on that particular skill and help them hone it. They only need some support and direction that will help them focus properly and work towards it. The street play spoke about how they have different talents and they also exhibited it. The students sang, danced, displayed painting skills and conveyed the message that they are differently abled," says Leena D'souza, teacher at the school.

"I enjoyed performing in front of so many people. They applauded after watching us perform and this further motivated us. This was the first time we got an opportunity to display our skills at an open platform," says Joel Monteiro, one of the student.