Broadening horizons of visually impaired

Begumpet: Ellie Reilly and Joanna Lowfalla travelled from Europe to Hyderabad, not to visit the tourist heritage structures and to taste the exquisite Biryani, but to interact with little kids who are not lucky enough to see the world. Devnar School for the Blind at Begumpet invites two foreign students every year, said Padmashri awardee Dr Saibaba Goud, president, Devnar Foundation. Joanna (18) and Ellie (19), who arrived from Scotland and England respectively, are yet to complete their graduation.

Both the foreign students have been staying with 550 blind students for the past four months and are helping them to know the vocal accents, traditions and cultures of other countries. Their communication with blind students helps in learning foreign English accents and pronunciation. The foreign students also assist the visually impaired students to understand and experience the culture, religion and some nuance technologies to efficiently address the challenges in the real world. While Speaking to Hans India, Ellie said that “I am here in India to help the blind kids in learning English as foreign language and make them understand about the people from other parts of the world. 

I teach the lower classes which are the most difficult ones and form an important part of their learning. It is the foundation of a child’s life so we have to be extremely cautious. Pronunciation and accent are very difficult to teach because we can’t show them the lip movement. Many sounds are new to them, which makes it hard to remember, so we need to repeat it multiple times without showing any sort of impatience.”  

Ellie told that a mental connection has been formed with the students as she is with them from dawn to dusk. Questions about India made her more vocal. “I found this country most interesting and colourful than any other. The posh areas on one side and the crowded streets on other, the well mannered and English speaking along with Telugu, Hindi and numerous other regional language speaking people, the hi-tech Metro rail and the people stacked in share autos running in parallel, the geographical richness from towering mountains, long plateaus to the low-lying silver sandy beaches. India is the blend of everything like its exquisite spicy Biryani” says Ellie. “Our life is too short. If we could help and make someone happy during that short period then that would be the best memento you could collect in your life”. Ellie added.

“Happiness is something which can’t be purchased, inherited or stolen from anybody. It has to be created by ourselves. When I am around with these kids I have that feeling. It can’t be explained. I feel satisfied, proud and happy” Joanna said. “Education is the cornerstone of life. For any individual particularly the visually challenged, education renders strength, confidence and necessary skills to lead a successful life. It creates that unique perception of positivity and perseverance,” said Joanna, smiling with confidence.