Dimapur, Jan. 25: Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) conducted a legal awareness programme with differently-abled children, parents and teachers of Cherry Blossoms School, Kohima marking the celebration of the 68th Republic Day of India.
The programme was organized as per the decision of the co- ordination meeting held on January 12 for the celebration of the Republic Day, where various organisations, clubs and NGOs volunteered to visit homes and institutions on the Republic Day.
In considering the convenience of the special needs students, the programme was conducted on a working day of the school.
During the programme, Purnima, administrator of Cherry Blossoms School, Lierie in her welcome address, mentioned the importance of inclusion of the differently -abled children in schools. He said on seeing differently-abled children being denied accommodation in mainstream schools, the school in 2007, took up the responsibility in imparting education to them. Pointing out that all children have the right to learn and be educated, she said society needed to create more opportunities and spaces for them to get educated and isolating the differently-abled should be discouraged. She also expressed delight that some of the differently-abled students were excelling in sports, music and academics today.
The then Governor of Nagaland, Aswhini Kumar had shown the Government’s commitment towards the cause of the differently-abled by allowing 5% job reservation in the state for those who are qualified for such jobs. In this connection, the administrator reminded the gathering that, such goals can only be made possible for the differently-abled by giving them education and helping them acquire the requisite qualifications. Further, she thanked KDLSA and the State Government for holding a most needed legal awareness program in the school.
Joshua Sheqi, Legal Aid Counsel and Trainer, NSLSA spoke on the topic, ‘Legal responsibilities of schools and parents of the differently-abled children’. He communicated his appreciation and gratitude to the school authority in serving humanity by showing social acceptance and re-introducing the differently-abled to the society through imparting of education. He highlighted the general legal provisions relating to the disabled such as- the constitution, education laws, health laws, family laws, succession laws etc.
He elaborated the persons with disabilities (PWD) (equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation) Act 1995 and the main provision of the Act. The Mental Health Act, 1987 and Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992, were also mentioned. He also stressed on the ‘Right to Education Act 2009’, which provides free and compulsory education for every child from age 6-14.
He also talked on other laws pertaining to entitlement of the differently-abled which are already in place. Further, he reminded that, Legal Services Authority may be contacted for any assistance in various funds and entitlement of the children.
Panel lawyer, Nancy Ezung gave presentation and interacted with the children in ‘Sign Language’. Documentary films on legal awareness relating to children were shown to the students.
The Cherry Blossoms School, Kohima presently enrolls 150 pupils , out of which 33 are differently-abled. The programme was attended by parents, teachers of the differently abled student. Students presented two special songs and the programme was chaired by Wapangienla, Panel lawyer, KDLSA.
