Asha for Education

Mathru�s purpose is to give quality education to visually impaired children from grades 1 through 10 and prepare them to live a fulfilled life. The school is recognized by the Department of Welfare of the Disabled, Government of Karnataka. Since the students are from poor families in the surrounding rural/semi-urban areas, the school is residential. Food and health care is provided. In order to build the self-confidence and talents of the children, Mathru also has started a music, art and drama academy. The training given in the academy, along with the sports activities, life skills development etc. are intended to give the children a good start for an independent life, later. Besides the school, Mathru serves the community at large by conducting eye, medical, dental and blood donation camps in the surrounding villages.
Mathru�s goals as stated by them are:
� Providing quality based education for the visually impaired
� Providing vocational training and skills development
� Job opportunities
� Building confidence
� Socio-economic rehabilitation

Mathru Educational Trust for the Blind is a registered, non-profit, voluntary organization established on January 15, 2001. Ms. G. R. Muktha, the managing trustee lost her foot in an accident when she was 22 years old and studying for a postgraduate degree. Her own disability inspired and motivated her to help other disabled individuals. She decided to help the blind, created the trust and started the residential school in Yelahanka, Bangalore District to educate and rehabilitate visually impaired children. Ms. Muktha is a practicing lawyer, teaches at a college and is the editor of the Lawyers Lawbook.

At present, there are 42 students studying in grades 1, 2, 3 and 4. Mathru plans to add a grade every year until grade 10 is reached in 2010. The school is recognized by the Government of Karnataka. The children are also given food, clothing and health care. They are from poor families, born generally of illiterate parents who work in the fields and/or are daily wage earners from the surrounding semi-urban and village communities. Besides a formal education following the CBSE syllabus, the children are trained in music, art and drama at the Academy associated with the school. A computer with the appropriate software is available to give computer training. A braille inscription center is also functioning on the premises. The children have sports and physical development activities to instill confidence. They are taught cooking, cleaning, gardening and other life skills. Mathru gives vocational training as well, making candles, soaps, phenols, incense sticks, envelopes etc. Mathru markets the products made by the trainees and the profit is distributed among them. Children trained in the Academy have participated in street plays, drama and music programs in many places in Karnataka. Besides getting publicity for Mathru, these events serve to instill confidence in the children and encourage their talents. The press has acknowledged the work of the Mathru School by publishing articles about them. A DVD of one major public performance based on the Mahabaratha is also available.

Mathru works towards creating employment opportunities for the blind community. At present Mathru has given employment to two visually impaired teachers, one music teacher, one tabla master and a field worker. The Trust is sending one blind adult for further education towards a Diploma for Teaching the Blind. Another girl is being sent to the local Pre-University College. For the community at large, the Trust has organized many eye, medical, healthcare, dental and blood donation camps.
The school and all the associated activities run by Mathru are supported by local donations from businesses, charitable organizations and individual donors. Donations are made in cash and kind. Many dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and services also support Mathru. Asha-CNJ is the first non-India based group to make a donation to Mathru.

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Timeline:
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•2000
–School started with first grade
–Rented premises and "kutcha" sheds.
–Goal: Add one grade per year. Be a 10 Grade High School by 2010
•2002
–Subsidised Civic Amenities Plot allotted By local government
–Appeals made for funds and services to local donors & individuals
•2003
–Appeal and plans sent to Asha CNJ for funds to construct a 10 room school
•2004
–Asha CNJ issues first grant for school construction ($17,000)
–Appeal made for local funds to construct dorms, kitchen, dining room. community and computer center.
•2005
–Construction started.. Started 5 th grade
–Second Asha CNJ grant and WAH grant made ($18,000, $10,000)
•2006
–Construction completed. School moved to new premises.
–School named The Asha School in appreciation.
–ESlate successfully designed, built and tried out in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon Institute ( http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~nidhi/brailletutor.html )
•2007
–Started 7 th grade
–Application made to Central Government for grant to run school. When approved Grant will pay 70% of expenses.

mathru_india@yahoo.co.in