udhavi: Sarah Nazeem leaves

Sarah has been a longstanding volunteer and a member on the committee, with immense contributions in both capacities - a part and parcel of Udhavi. She would extend a hand wherever there was the need, with teaching the children, physiotherapy, helping with craft, brainstorming on the committee meetings, "wholeheartedly" coming up with solutions to the intermittent problems at the centre and so much more... We are going to miss Sarah very much - her cheerful and smiling face and her equally pleasant manner of dealing with children, staff and fellow-volunteers.
We wish her and her family the very best of everything in life and in their stay back at Himachal Pradesh and we will eagerly look forward to seeing Sarah back in Coonoor and Udhavi as often as she can visit.- Mala Ramaswami, President

Once in a while it just happens that a very special person walks into your life and occupies a part of your heart - Sarah is one! A friend of a lifetime. A person who accepts children with special needs without any reservation whatsoever.

It has been a delight to watch her work so effortlessly with the children at Udhavi. Sarah will be missed by all... - Lathika Rao, Secretary & Special Educator

In the short time that we have known each other, we [Sarah & I] have struck a chord which will last a lifetime. Sarah, you have been an elder sister - whether guiding me or pulling a joke, you have always shown that you cared. Your smile is bright enough to light a million lives, so keep smiling! Thank you for the energy that you spread among all of us... We'll miss you! Wish you happiness always...

Sonal Chordia, Volunteer

Mrs Sarah Nazeem, wife of an IAS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre who was here on special deputation, spent a considerable amount of her time, actively involved in the day to day workings of Udhavi.

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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Sarah Nazeem leaves