Page 6 - EducationWorld Oct. 2022

EW SPOTLIGHT FEATURE
Journeys from the sidelines

into the spotlight

Centre for Learning Difficulties
t isn’t easy for parents to watch their children struggle with
things that most children learn instinctively. It is harder still
Ibeing the child who watches everyone around him do things
with ease, tasks they themselves take twice as much time to
figure out while wondering why they aren’t able to do the same.
Every day becomes a fight to keep up and succeed, chasing out-
of-reach or near-impossible expectations without help.
Arjun (name changed), joined Vidyaniketan Academy
(VNA) at the age of 14 with a fierce will to prove to his parents
that he could study and would do well, despite failing Science
and Math lessons at his previous school. It was evident to his
teachers from day one that Arjun was exceptionally talented.
He was skilled in every activity, particularly sports, and had an
unparalleled drive. But he needed much help with spelling, found the NIOS board -- a feat even his family doubted he would ever
it difficult to follow structure, could be extremely impulsive and reach.
often talked endlessly out of his joy for life.
Karun and Arjun had different experiences and yet their
Such children can be a challenge for teachers with many stories are intertwined at VNA. They are a glimpse into the
students to manage. In VNA, the teachers helped Arjun make diverse needs that students have and how the right environment
space for himself in just a couple of months. He has now learnt can help them flourish.
to take responsibility for his actions, assumes leadership at Children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD) and
each opportunity, supports his peers, and thrives in everything Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) grapple with
he does. Academically, he has pushed himself to reach new issues that range from academic to motor skills to socio-
heights and enjoys a sense of pride at how well he is doing. For emotional development. Often, their struggles are silently borne
Arjun, this change was not easy but he overcame his challenges in a world incapable of comprehending the true nature of their
steadily.
experiences.
Karun’s (name changed) journey was different. He enrolled At VNA, special educators work intensively with no more
at VNA at age 10. He had been bullied for his stammer and than ten students in a class, providing individual attention and
lack of coordination. He was taunted for being unable to do well academic remediation, alongside socio-emotional support,
academically. Unlike Arjun, Karun took time to adapt to VNA. He tailored to the needs of each one. Students are encouraged to
started every class with the statement, “I don’t know how to do explore their potential and celebrated for every accomplishment
it. It’s too hard.” It was not uncommon to find him hiding under however trivial it may seem to the world outside. For those
his desk before the next teacher walked in. The teachers worked whose skills lie outside the academic scope, VNA provides a pre-
with him individually, coaxing him to try even if it meant making a vocational programme to build digital, numerical and functional
mistake and ensuring support if things went wrong. His lessons literacy through art and activity-based learning.
were simplified and activities scaffolded to give him time to learn
at his own pace. Slowly but surely, Karun has grown to excel. He The team at VNA works in collaboration with parents and
is now working towards his Senior Secondary certificate through para-professionals, to focus on the overall development of each
child. It is always a matter of awe and
wonder to watch children grow intellectually,
socially and emotionally, and VNA strives to
build a safe, loving environment to nurture
such growth. No matter the differences
in the abilities of children, each one is
precious and capable in his or her own way.
VNA hopes to exemplify the change and
acceptance needed to help children with
differing abilities.

EDUCATIONWORLD OCTOBER 2022