Visiting Vellore - Anbu Illam

Anbu Illam is a great place. It was one of our early visits the first time I came to Vellore and I was so pleased when I discovered that it was going to be the same this time.

Anbu Illam is the school run by the diocese for children affected by cerebral palsy. The children are aged from 5 to 18 and they currently look after 39. We joined them for Assembly at which we were each presented with a garland. After assembly they went off to their various places and it was extremely moving to see them crawling or using rather less sophisticated mobility aids than would be available in the UK. We then had light refreshments - cake, biscuits, coffee - before going to see round the school. There are three sections - physical, occupational and education and they spend time in each. First, we went to the gym where several children were engaged in exercise. Equipment is relatively basic but usable and used. The staff are very good at encouraging them to push themselves.  We then went to the occupational room, where a number were involved in a variety of activities and we saw some of the things that they have made. Some were colouring, while others were making paper flowers, necklaces and envelopes. It was great to see how they are encouraged to use the abilities that they have and to adapt them to do a variety of things.  We then went and looked at some classrooms, including one where lessons were in progress. They are able to teach the children in very small groups which helps their progress. Abu Illam was a very moving experience as we saw how limited resources are stretched and the way in which dedicated teachers help those with serious handicaps to achieve something worthwhile.