Asha Kiran Ashram is a school for young people with physical and mental disabilities located in a rural village called A.P Nadanoor, close to the town Tirunelveli in the Southern Indian district of Tamil Nadu.
The school was opened in 2009 and is part of the Non Governmental organization ‘Celestial Ministries Charitable & Educational Trust’, which is registered as a Public Charitable and Educational Trust. The school has Government approval and is registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. It is the first facility of its kind in the area. Before the school opened, many of the children with disabilities had never been to school. This is mainly because mainstream school was unable to accommodate the needs of disabled children. The children came from mainly poorer families who work very hard to earn a living and receive no help or support from the authorities. Whilst working for the social development of the area, Rev. Santhosh saw a need of this district to help integrate disabled people and educate those less fortunate:
We know that this is not an easy task. However, Gandhi and Mother Theresa served the society sacrificially. The teachings of Jesus Christ also tells us "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me"- helping our fellow disadvantaged brothers and sisters is akin to helping our Lord.
By providing access to education, therapy and social integration, we aim to develop the children’s confidence, improve daily living skills so they can realise their full potential and prepare them for adult life.
There are about 30 children who attend the school with a range of disabilities. This includes Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Downs Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Learning Disabilities, blind and deafness, and some children’s mobility is limited.
Santhosh and Sheela Kumar’s children: Benny, Bobby and Lisha
Rev. Santhosh and his wife Sheela are originally from Kerala, South India and moved with their three children Bobby, Lisha and Bobby, to the Tirunelveli area of Tamil Nadu over 10 years ago to continue the social development work and setting up churches with their organisation- ‘Celestial Ministries Charitable and Educational Trust’ (C.M.C.E.T).
The number of staff at the school has dramatically increased in this past year as the school expands and the new hostel is built.
Founders
Director Rev. Santhosh and Assistant Director Sheela Kumar
Santhosh and Sheela Kumar’s children: Benny, Bobby and Lisha
Rev. Santhosh and his wife Sheela are originally from Kerala, South India and moved with their three children Bobby, Lisha and Bobby, to the Tirunelveli area of Tamil Nadu over 10 years ago to continue the social development work and setting up churches with their organisation- ‘Celestial Ministries Charitable and Educational Trust’ (C.M.C.E.T).
Staff
- Mr. K.V.Baiju- Office Manager.
- Mrs. Delcy - Physiotherapist
- Mrs. Selva Jaicy - Physiotherapist
- Mr. Thanam - Special Co-Ordinator
- Mr.K.Rajan - Special Teacher
- Mrs. G.Jeyaseeli - Special Teacher Trainee
- Miss. R.Ambika - Nurse cum Special Teacher Trainee
- Miss. P.Anitha -Special Teacher Trainee
- Miss. Thanalakshmi -Special Teacher Trainee
- Mrs. Olivu - Care Taker
- Mrs. Sulochana - Care Taker
- Mrs. Theresammal - Care Taker
- Mrs. Janaki - Care Taker
- Mrs. Chandanamary - Cook
This is the cook who makes delicious meals for the children, staff and volunteers. She also looks after the school when the children have gone home.