Making the differently abled stand on their feet : Bangalore

She may have won medals for India in the Paralympics, the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games,  but her main goal is to now bring differently abled children from rural and impoverished backgrounds into the mainstream. Malathi K Holla wants to reach out to as many children as possible— children affected with polio, cerebral  palsy, spasticity and other disabilities.

 

 Mathru Foundation, the NGO she started in 2005 near Old Airport Road with two children, is currently providing education and medical assistance to about 20 children in the 7-17 years age group. 

The set-up is much like a hostel, where children from poor backgrounds—from the city and from places as far as Belgaum, Raichur, Gulbarga and Mandya—come, live, get educated and are trained in sports, art and music. Once their education is completed, they are also provided help with job placements. Holla wants to make them financially independent by making them familiar with prospective employers.

“Three of our kids did an ITI course and are currently employed with small scale industries. Providing education is one part, while job support is the other, more crucial aspect here. This is important because most of these kids are  from poor backgrounds and their families view them as burdens. So we strive to ensure that they’re educated and are given a career too,” says the Arjuna Awardee.

“We also want to develop their other potentials, and hence apart from formal education, we give them training in music and sports,” adds Holla.

The foundation works by getting in touch with local health centres in various districts and encouraging parents to send their differently abled children to the NGO.

“Also, through word of mouth many parents are convinced to send their differently abled kids here,” says Holla.

The Mathru foundation is now looking for a larger space near Sarjapur Road so that more children can avail of the  facilities that are provided for free. Due to space constraints, the NGO currently caters to only boys.

“We would be needing infrastructure in terms of lodging facilities for opening the foundation to girls. Since we are a registered trust and run through funds, we are also seeking funds from people interested in helping,” says Holla.

Those interested in contributing may reach Holla at 080-25400310/9880080133.

Source : DNA , 14th May 2013