Rabiya is 12 years old, and the best English student in her class. Since becoming a student at CHILDReach, an Atma Partner school, Rabiya has been able to excel in subjects that were previously inaccessible to her. This is because CHILDReach offers Rabiya a classroom environment and specialized attention that supports her unique learning style.
Photo by Neha Kumthekar
CHILDReach is a school that serves children with learning difficulties and alternative learning needs. Occupying a floor of a BMC school in Santacruz, CHILDReach school has been an Atma Partner since June 2009.
Rabiya attended two different schools before hearing about CHILDReach. In her previous schools, Rabiya lost confidence because she was not given appropriate time to answer questions she was asked. Rabiya has Attention Deficit Disorder and has trouble forming her sentences because of poor short term memory. She needs a little bit more time to effectively communicate, but is otherwise not limited in her capacity for learning.
At CHILDReach, children attend classes of different levels for each individual subject, depending on their ability. Not having to study all subjects at the same level allows students not to be held back by the areas they may have difficulty in. The CHILDReach teachers support each student in their specific learning style and challenge them as they need.
Rabiya has been attending CHILDReach school for three years now. She studies subjects like Math, Science, Environmental studies, computers, music and crafts, and recently danced in the school’s Annual Day performance.
“Rabiya has come very far in her study of English since joining CHILDReach,” said Juliet Thakkar, Rabiya’s main schoolteacher. “She is able to break up new English words to pronounce each sound and put the word back together. She takes a lot of initiative in putting sentences together using words that are new to her.”
CHILDReach aims to create an environment in which students with learning difficulties can thrive, by challenging the unique abilities of each child.
“Rabiya is a proactive student and a very keen learner. We give her the space to develop on her own levels, and we’re glad to see how much she has grown.” said Ms. Thakkar.
At 12, Rabiya has many ideas about her future. “I would like to work in the US,” she said, mentioning that she has some relatives who live there.
Atma is currently supporting CHILDReach’s efforts to bring the same quality of education found at their school to other schools through their OUTReach program. We are proud to support organizations like CHILDReach who make Quality Education accessible to students who may need more tailored teaching methods or a different learning environment suited to their needs.
