Date: 3rd December 2024
On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the students of OCER B.Ed. College visited Cheshire Home, Andheri East. This home, part of the Cheshire Homes India network, has been a cornerstone for 66 years in uplifting people with disabilities. Its mission is to transform lives by enabling individuals with disabilities to become productive members of society.
Objective of the Visit
The visit was organized to support and engage with the residents of Cheshire Home, understand their challenges, and contribute to the organization’s efforts through meaningful interaction and assistance.
Activities Conducted by Students
- Interactive Sessions:
- Students interacted with the residents, learning about their experiences and challenges.
- Motivational talks were conducted to encourage the residents and boost their self-confidence.
- Skill Enhancement Workshops:
- Students conducted workshops on vocational skills, including craft-making and computer literacy.
- The sessions aligned with Cheshire Home’s focus on livelihood training and employment opportunities.
- Health Awareness Program:
- Basic health check-ups were facilitated in collaboration with local healthcare providers.
- Discussions on access to health care and the importance of maintaining physical well-being were conducted.
- Cultural and Recreational Activities:
- Cultural programs, including singing, dancing, and skits, were organized to bring joy and entertainment to the residents.
- Recreational games and activities allowed residents to participate actively and showcase their talents.
- Donations and Contributions:
- Students donated educational materials, hygiene products, and assistive devices.
- A small fund collected by the college was handed over to support the home’s programs.
Impact of the Visit
- Empowering Residents:
- The residents gained a sense of inclusion and empowerment through engaging activities and meaningful conversations.
- The programs reinforced their capabilities and boosted morale.
- Learning for Students:
- The students gained insight into the lives of people with disabilities and the importance of advocacy and inclusivity.
- It instilled in them a sense of social responsibility and compassion.
- Strengthening Advocacy:
- The visit highlighted Cheshire Home’s initiatives, including Residential Care and Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), and reinforced the need for such programs in society.
About Cheshire Homes India
Cheshire Homes India has been working tirelessly for six decades to uplift individuals with disabilities. Their comprehensive programs include:
- Residential Care: Providing a safe and supportive environment.
- Livelihood Training and Employment: Enabling individuals to be economically independent.
- Access to Health Care: Ensuring regular health support for the residents.
- Inclusive Education: Advocating for equal educational opportunities.
- Awareness and Advocacy: Promoting the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.
Conclusion
The visit to Cheshire Home on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was a heartwarming and transformative experience. It emphasized the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities and the vital role organizations like Cheshire Homes India play in creating an inclusive society. The students of OCER B.Ed. expressed their commitment to supporting similar initiatives in the future.
Maharashtra Government observed 26th November as ANTI DOWRY day on which Equality of Men & Women was imbibed in our Constitution and was accepted by the State. Custom of DOWRY is against the principles of Equality of Men & Women and hence this day is to be observed as Anti Dowry Day. Various awareness programs were organized to mark this occasion. OCER & HKCE collaboratively organized the lecture on anti dowry on this day . The lecture was delivered by Ms. Asha Kulkarni madam, daughter of late Mamasaheb Kulkarni. In lecture madam Kulkarni talked about background of an anti dowry movement and dowry system in India and suggested some suggestions to curb this evil practice.
International day of disabled persons was started celebrating internationally on 3rd of December every year and promoted as an international observance by the United Nations from 1992. The vital purpose of this day celebration is to improve the understandings of the people worldwide towards the people with disability issues as well as get together to support them to improve their self-esteem, well-being and rights in the society. It also looks for to involve all the persons with disabilities in the society in each facet of life such as the political, economic, social and cultural. That’s why it is celebrated by the title of “International Day of Disabled Persons”. OCCM, OCER, HKCE, Sol’s Arc colloboratively participated in a rally on inclusion of disabled persons in the mainstream. Raay Foundation sponsored this noble cause.
WORLD AIDS DAY OBSERVED @ OCER
World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988. Globally there are an estimated 34 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
On 1st December the students of B. Ed section came together to increase the knowledge about aids. We had two activities organized one was a PowerPoint presentation based upon the causes and effects on people suffering from aids. And the second section was based upon a real life experience sharing. Last but not the least the programme was ended by vote of thanks to all participants for the lovely performance and for the students being wonderful audience.
International Day of Person with Disabilities observed @OCER
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is an international observance on December 3rd promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. It was originally called “International Day of Disabled Persons” until 2007.Each year the day focuses on a different issue. The theme for this year’s International Day is “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”. This theme notes the recent adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of these goals in building a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities. This year’s objectives include assessing the current status of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and SDGs and laying the foundation for a future of greater inclusion for persons with disabilities. On 3rd December we B.Ed students came together to observe the international disability day. The students together planned an assembly based on the same. The assembly was followed by a skit based on a child who was facing problems in coping with normal studies and was facing problems with making friends. The programme was systematically organized and ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
