Progetto India - Cittadinanza Onlus

The problem and the context

However, it is very likely that this figure dramatically underestimates reality, as many families take years before embarking on and completing the process to obtain a disability certificate. Malnutrition, problems during pregnancy and childbirth, inadequate medical care and risky environmental conditions favour the onset of neurological disorders from birth. Family members receive insufficient support and no training to cope with their children’s problems.

Having a child with a disability is often synonymous with big burden, in a context in which the resources to guarantee him/her adequate care are not sufficient and opportunities for integration are rare. In fact, integration into the community presents various problems and children and young people with disabilities are often marginalized or victims of violence and exploitation.

The response of Cittadinanza

We support the Best New Life Shelter (BNLS) day care centre which over the years has welcomed and offered rehabilitation and assistance to around 220 children and young adults. The centre is located in the rural area of Arcot, in the Ranipet district, in the south-eastern state of Tamil Nadu.

For many children, the Best New Life Shelter has represented in these 18 years the only opportunity for assistance and socialization, an outstretched hand in the midst of indifference. Here they found indiscriminate acceptance, beyond any caste or faith affiliation and opportunities for growth and development of autonomy. Besides the children attending the centre, many hundreds of others received assistance in the paperwork for obtaining the certificate of disability and government subsidy.

The centre was founded in 2003 by Catherine Inbarajan, mother of a boy suffering from severe spastic tetraparesis resulting from meningitis infection. The most common diagnoses are mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and other multiple disabilities. In 2019, after more than 15 years of supporting the centre’s activities, a new five-year phase of the collaboration between Cittadinanza and BNLS was approved. During these five years, Cittadinanza is committed to assisting BNLS towards independence.

The centre’s activities

FOOD PROGRAM
is designed to guarantee a complete and nutritious meal every day so that patients don’t to go hungry andgrow heal

INVALIDITY PAPERWORK ASSISTANCE
is an assistance service in the paperwork for obtaining the certificate of disability and government subsidy, the first steps to obtain a small recognition and support from the state.

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
are meant to monitor the health situation of each child. Those who have not yet registered at the centre can also accede to the visits.

PHYSIOTHERAPY AND MOTOR PROGRAM
is designed to offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy and yoga sessions to develop fine motor and manual skills. When the centre, just like the schools in Tamil Nadu, was closed to the public due to the pandemic, such assistance was provided at home, with twice-weekly visits.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
designs customized activities and objectives built on the abilities of every boy.

SCHOOL SUPPORT
is a service of follow-up of some BNLS children enrolled in school to help them in preparing for state exams.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
is meant for young adults to learn simple tasks and facilitate their access to work.

SUPPORT TO EVERYDAY AUTONOMOUS ACTIVITIES
is meant to increase independence in daily activities and the ability to live both in family and in the community.

Since 2003:

221 children and young adults

hosted and assisted by the centre