Kayalpatnam.com>When and why The Thulir School for Special Children was established in
Kayalpatnam?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>In too many societies all over the world, children with Mental Retardation
are considered a liablity to their families and burden on society. They are reliant on families and
others, with no opportunity for special education or for acquiring adaptive skills for every day life.
Kayalpatnam is no exception. Hence, Thulir School for Special Children at Kayalpatnam was
established in July 1999 with about 5 mentally retarded children. It has gradually expanded to the
present 32.
Kayalpatnam.com>What personally drove you to found this school for the disabled?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>Our great Islamic religion taught us not to value human being in terms of
shape, colour or race, but according to what a human being can offer to his/her society. Acting on
this assumption, Thulir Trust was founded by me - to offer services to disabled who are in need of
continuous help and to enable them to lead a better life. Every individual should be given the opportunity
to utilise his/her potential fully in order to live with dignity and self-respect - regardless of
mental or physical limitations.
Kayalpatnam.com>What training is provided by the Thulir School? Who are the people it targets?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>Thulir School offers services to infants, children and adolescent mentally
handicapped. The school provides special education. The focus is on maximum independence and
self-care, communication, need based education, survival skills, intensive training in functional literacy,
pre-vocational activities, self help skills, social/emotional skills, art, games, cooking and home
skills.
Kayalpatnam.com>Are the staff at Thulir specially trained to handle these children?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>Yes, our staff are diploma holders in Mental Retardation. They are trained
to deal with the mentally handicapped children and they know how difficult, yet satisfying it can be.
Every one working with these special children are very optimistic in their outlook (which is important).
Kayalpatnam.com>Running an institution like Thulir must be costing enormous amount of money.
How does Thulir raise funds for its functioning?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>Yes, we spend Rs.25,000 (approximately) every month on salary to teachers,
administrative staff, care takers, rent for school premises, electricity, telephone charges and other
expenses.
Our principal sources of income are -
- Annual donations during the month of Ramzan by way of Zakaath and Sadakkah from muslim well
wishers
- Periodical donations by visitors and philanthropists
- Donation in kind - by way of equipment and other items
Often the impression in the minds of those who visit the school has been instrumental in making donations
to the school
Kayalpatnam.com>Are you satisfied with the co-operation and support you are receiving from the local
community?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>Yes, local people support is the backbone of Thulir. We strongly believe it
is the support of the local community that helps us to perform our activities well. Involvement of every
person from the public in any form is precious to us. We are thankful to the local youngsters and elders
of Kayalpatnam for giving their continuous support for the growth of Thulir.
Kayalpatnam.com>We understand contributions to Thulir are exempted from Income Tax?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>Yes, Thulir Trust has obtained income tax exemption under Section 80-G
of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Trust calls for generous contribution for the cause and welfare of the
Mentally Handicapped.
Kayalpatnam.com>How does one provide support to Thulir?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>Individuals or organisations may help the special children by -
- joining the Rupee a day scheme. Through this scheme, every year, Rs.365/- can be donated to our
school
- joining the Newspaper for change. Give us old newspapers every month for our newspaper for
change scheme
- Sponsoring a child. Sponsor the rehabilitation cost for a year for one child. This would work
out to Rs.1000/- per month
- Sponsoring a teacher. Sponsor the cost of the salary for a month, for one special teacher.
This would work out to Rs.3,000/- per month
- buying articles. A variety of craft items, made by our special adolescent group, which are
on sale at our school. Recommend friends to visit and buy
- taking the initiative to contribute in any way with time, ideas or money for
the betterment of our special school and for the benefit of our special children
Kayalpatnam.com>Are their any immediate requirement that Thulir faces?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>Our immediate requirement is one Omni van to transport our special children.
The cost would work out to Rs.3 lakhs. Sponsors are welcome for the above need.
Kayalpatnam.com>What are your future plans?
Mr.Ahamed Abdul Cader>To extend the rehabilitation service to more special children, Thulir
requires its own bulding with a bigger space for running the Special School. 1.5 acres of land has to be
acquired by Thulir Trust - nearer to the church on the Western side of Kayalpatnam - Tuticorin highway
[Local Fund (LF) Road]. This is to construct a permanent building for running the school in greenish
surroundings - providing for a healthy, clean, unpolluted and peaceful atmosphere.
We have planned to purchase this land from AKM family, Kayalpatnam and construct the building. These
require substantial funds (About Rs.75 lakhs). We appeal to generous hearts to contribute to
our land and building projects.
The cheque/DD may be made for this purpose in favour of Thulir Trust land and building development fund A/c
- 431, Central Bank of India, Kayalpatnam. All donations are exempted under Section 80-G of Income Tax
Act, 1961 and all contributions will be given due recognition in the building premises.
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