A fundraiser Concert. has been organised on the 12th May at 7 pm at Kala
Academy open air auditorium. The proceeds will go towards Atmavishwas, A
Trust for the Mentally Challenged.
Richard Abel an internationally known Canadian pianist will perform. He will
be accompanied by Corneliu Montano (vocalist), Rhys Sebastian (saxophone),
Shirish Malhotra (flute). Donation passes of Rs. 500/- and Rs. 100/- will be
available at the venue on the day itself. Any further information please
contact Liane da Gama, the lady who runs Atmavishwas. Her mobile no. is
9890078704.
Atmavishwas – A Trust for the Mentally Challenged was created in the year
2000 in Mumbai. It is a registered Trust with the Charitable Commissioner of
Mumbai and the Social Welfare Department, Goa. Atmavishwas, which means
Self Confidence aims to inculcate this in every student that passes
through its doors.
Atmavishwas aims at providing Vocational Skill Training and Life Skills so
as to make our young people with Intellectual Disabilities as independent as
possible. Atmavishwas, The Vocational Center, Mumbai, teaches skills like
Paper Work and Embroidery along with Functional Academics. Music plays a
vital role in the daily functioning of this center. The center takes pride
in its Percussion Band that has performed at many venues around the city. It
has performed at the famed college festival, Malhar of St.Xaviers College,
Mumbai, as well as the Celebrate Bandra Festival, where their performance
was part of the closing ceremony. Through music, the trainees at this center
show their ability and not their disability.
Atmavishwas moved to Goa in the year 2005. It has been a slow growth, but a
great need and potential is seen in Goa. The Goa center is looked after by
Ms. Liane da Gama, a trained Special Educator, who has also studied in the
US. There are 8 students who are beneficiaries of the various programs
offered. The center at Verna, offers Training in different skill areas, like
Jewellery making, Paper Works, Candle Making, Cooking, Baking and Gardening.
Training in Activities of Daily Living and Functional Academics is provided
as and when required. There is no fixed curriculum, but Individualized
Education Programs are created based on the needs of the students.
A wholesome education is provided, whereby the Body, Soul and Spirit of the
child is nourished and nurtured. The ability rather than the disability is
brought to the forefront. It is not a single sided approach. Often the body
might be weak but the spirit strong, or the body strong and the spirit weak.
We, at Atmavishwas, attempt to balance all these weaknesses or shortcomings
by introducing rhythms and routines. The day starts with a prayer and a
song. A time table is created for each quarter, thereby offering a dynamic
routine. Music is incorporated into the schedule to the best of our ability.
We try to make the place beautiful, and this contributes to a wholesome and
peaceful education.
Ana Maria de Souza-Goswami
