Shillong school to organise walk, run

From Staff Correspondent

Shillong, Oct 10: Jyoti Sroat School, Bethany Society will observe Include Vidya Campaign and the World White Cane Day on 14th October at the school premises, Lady Veronica Lane, Laitumkhrah. The objective of the day is to underline the imperative and need of the hour, which is to foster an “Inclusive Society: A Society for All” where no one is left behind.

Include Vidya is CBMs (Christoffel-Blindenmission) campaign to include children with disabilities in education in India. It aims to highlight the profound challenges faced by children with disabilities in realising their right to education. The campaign hopes to influence governments and policy makers to make greater commitments towards inclusive education. On the occasion, a 5-km ‘Run for Inclusion’ is being organized where all the diverse participants will come together to embrace differences and create a sense of belongingness and inclusion. The run will start from Don Bosco Square at 6:30 am that day.

The World White Cane Day is celebrated all over the world on the 15th of October. It is observed to create awareness and consideration among the public regarding the safety and rights of persons with visual impairment. It is intertiolly recognised as a symbol of achievement and independence of the persons with visual impairment. It is a mobility tool for persons with visual impairment, which contributes towards independence, security and self-confidence. It will be observed with a 3.5-km walk starting from Don Bosco Square at 6:30 am immediately after the Run for Inclusion and is partly supported by Amway India.

Moreover, this initiative is intended to inspire people to contribute towards building a barrier-free and congenial society where impairment is not viewed as a disability but a celebration of diversity, where everyone possesses fortitude, expresses gratitude and is able to contribute.

The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Civil Society, RAISE North East, Amway India, tiol Trust for Persons with Disability, Monfort Centre for Education, Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre, Society for the Welfare of the Disabled (Mary Rice Centre for Special Education) and local schools and colleges. It is supported by the District Sports Promotion Society Scheme (DSPSS), Directorate of Social Welfare, CBM (Christoffel-Blindenmission), Light for the World, Lilliane Fonds, BSF and Shillong, Red FM.

Besides, the day will also mark commencement of the silver jubilee celebrations of Jyoti Sroat School, a significant milestone in its journey and in its continual pursuit of total inclusion. The proramme will include events such as Café in the Dark, indigenous Food Fest, Talent Show, etc.