Hanume appears to be a born leader as he directs and aids his classmates around the metal shop. Like any twenty-something pursuing his studies, he has many aspirations in life. Currently in his second and final year at the Technical Training Center for Deaf in Bangalore, Hanume plans to get a job after his course completion and become an earning member of his family. As the eldest and only son, his responsibilities are many. Though his father is a farmer in the mainly agricultural district of Mandya, in Karnataka, Hanume hopes to work with computers to support his family. After finishing the second year, he wants to train further in the subject and work in the IT industry.
Stories like his have echoed through the silent classrooms of the training institute for nearly 25 years. Hearing impaired children from across India come to this Center for the Deaf to receive the National Trade Certificate that will give them employment opportunities. Many previous students, like Y.L. Harsha are already placed in some of the leading companies of the country. His younger brother, Jagadish, is also training at the institute now and hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
Currently there are over 80 students at the Center, which faces many challenges in its day to day operations. As Mrs. Gloria William, Managing Trustee explains, funds are not always adequate to meet the institute’s requirements. Some students find it especially difficult staying in a temporary hostel on the premises. Food is often an area of concern.
“We came up with a makeshift hostel arrangement out of need. Some students didn’t have the finances for accommodation outside, so we decided to provide them with a place to stay. But the children still have to manage their own food,” she says. One aspect of her worries for the Institute is now resolved. Starting this 27th of December, Akshaya Patra, with the support of ABB, a leader in power and automation technologies, will be providing mid-day meals at the Institute on a regular basis. The meals will be particularly helpful for those students who are currently staying at the hostel.
“We have two shifts in the school: one which starts at 8:30 a.m. for the second years, and another which starts at 10:00 in the morning for the first years. Many of these children come to school early, often without breakfast, so this one meal will be extremely helpful,” says Mrs. William.
