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Briton starts school for Indian children
A retired British teacher has set up a school in India to help impoverished children suffering from cerebral palsy.
A retired teacher from Derby in the Midlands has set up a school in India to help impoverished children suffering from cerebral palsy.
In 2003, June Green, who retired as deputy head teacher at St Andrew's Special School, visited Bhavnagar in Gujarat and founded the Shri Apang Parivar centre. It is home to 15 children with cerebral palsy from slums in the area whose parents struggle to pay school fees.
After the first visit, Green and husband Gil returned to Britain to raise money to help the centre and set up a proper system of education there.
After frantic fund-raising over the past few months, she now plans to return in early February with 3,000 pounds to pay for wheelchairs, benches and play equipment.
Green said: "When I visited in February, the accommodation was very poor. There was no equipment or furniture. A volunteer ran the group and had no training to work with children with special needs.
"So we promised to go back in February next year and I'll be advising and helping to set up a basic assessment and educational structure. Gil is going to do some renovations and decorating.
"I've taught children with severe learning difficulties at St Andrew's. They're so lucky with their staffing and facilities compared to these children in India."
The Rotary Club of Derby Daybreak, of which the Greens are both members, has donated 500 pounds for the project. A further 1,000 pounds has come from a Rotary District grant and Rotary members have raised 500 pounds hosting Indian evenings at their homes.
Green, who received donations instead of birthday presents this year, is particularly delighted that a cheque for 331.89 pounds has been given to her by former pupils at St Andrew's.
Head teacher Mike Dawes said: "We've had collections during the autumn assembly and the Christmas service this term.
"The students and staff in the further education department performed a pantomime, which helped to raise the money".
