Outreach Programme by Class XI B

Visit to Jyoti Seva Home for Blind Children
On August 2, the students of Class XI B embarked on a meaningful Outreach Programme with a visit to Jyoti Seva Sadan, a school for the visually impaired run by the Franciscan Sisters close to Tannery Road. The institution currently supports around 80 visually challenged students and provides them with free education, boarding, care, and encouragement to live with dignity and confidence. These children are mostly from villages in and around Bangalore.

The visit was both inspiring and humbling. The students of Jyoti Seva Sadan performed in our presence, showcasing a reservoir of talent that left us in awe. Their spirit and talent spoke volumes about the power of perseverance and the strength of the human will.

Students of Sophia also sang a medley of songs. The interaction between the two groups was warm, genuine, and one of mutual respect. A short session on the use of Braille was conducted by their teacher and left us with a deep understanding about the extra effort that these children have to put in to educate themselves. And they do it with a smile! The dedication of the Franciscan Sisters and their teachers touched our hearts. As one Sophia student shared, “It was an eye opening experience for us. We are taking back more than we gave.”

Outreach is about connecting hearts and broadening minds. It made us realise their deep sense of self respect and yearning to be treated as equal brethrens dwelling in this land which provides us equal opportunities. As their teacher very succinctly put it, they do not want our sympathy but our support and recognition to be independent.

We left with a quiet promise that we need to visit them again - the need is more ours than theirs!