udhavi: Horse riding at Highfield

Wednesday, March 14, 2012: OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

'Children develop a special bond with animals, especially dogs and horses,' says longstanding volunteer, Sonal Chordia, who alongwith parents of Udhavi's students, took the enthusiastic youngsters on an outing to the Highfield horse riding training centre, near Coonoor. Children, under the guidance of expert Nitin (in pic, second right) experienced a short ride on the horse and had a first hand experience at feeding it too. 'Most children are extremely hesitant to get this close to horse's face, leave alone feed it; it took me a long time to do what these little ones have done today,' says a visibly delighted Nitin.

Horse riding forms an integral part of the outdoor training activities organised by Udhavi for children with special needs.

About Udhavi

Udhavi is a registered Trust, started in 1991 to cater to the needs of children with special needs in and around Coonoor town in the Nilgiris district of South India. Initially started in association with FPAI (Family Planning Assn. of India) Udhavi - the centre for children with special needs became an independent entity in 1997; it moved into its present premises at Darlington Bridge, Upper Coonoor in 2002. Presently, 24 young students attend the day care centre which offers a variety of learning programs, conducted by a team of special educators and local volunteers.

Learning program at Udhavi

At Udhavi, the environment is such that a child learns and plays with no pressure and is not subject to comparisons – a very conducive atmosphere. Udhavi's special educators and volunteers work with children with developmental delay, cerebral palsy, autism, Down’s syndrome and Rhett’s syndrome.

Children are grouped into four sections: Early intervention group, for the very young. Functional literacy, for those children who require basic literacy skills and environmental
awareness. Academic section, for those who can cope with the State syllabus. Pre-vocational training is given for older children. Programs at Udhavi also include physiotherapy, music, games, dance art & craft. There are, at present, 21 students attending the day program with 3 children on ‘home management’. Food is provided at this day learning centre and includes a glass of milk in the morning, a wholesome afternoon lunch prepared in-house, and tea with biscuits in the evening. Medicines are provided, where required. Udhavi’s children are also taken to Coimbatore for regular medical check-ups to the Kovai Medical centre and to the Aravind Eye hospital.

All services at Udhavi are provided at no cost, to the parents and children. Contributions from members of local society and donations from corporate entities help meet the centre's expenses. To know more about how you can also donate to Udhavi pls email udhavi.cnr@gmail.com

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Horse riding at Highfield