As part of the academic practical curriculum, the Post Graduate Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, organized an exposure to Saanidhya Residential School and Training Centre, Shakthinagar, Mangaluru for the second year students of MSc Criminology and Forensic Science (CFS), Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice specialization on 28th March 2025 at 10:30 AM. The main objective of the visit was to provide a deeper understanding of special education, vocational training, and rehabilitation programs for individuals with special needs.
Saanidhya Residential School and Training Centre was established on 2 May 2009 with the primary aim of providing education, training, and rehabilitation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the years, it has grown into a well-structured institution catering to the diverse needs of its students. The institution is part of the Saanidhya Group of Institutions, which includes Saanidhya School and Centre for Mentally Challenged, Saanidhya Sashwath, Saanidhya Autism Centre, and Saanidhya Skill Training for Endosulfan Victims, along with Arjun Shetty Residential School. Currently, Saanidhya has 200 students and a dedicated team of 68 staff members, including 22 special educators.
The session began with a briefing by Dr. Vasanth Kumar Shetty, Administrator and one of the founders of the institution. He provided an in-depth overview of the history of Saanidhya, explaining the motive and vision behind its establishment. Dr. Shetty shared his personal journey, experiences in the field of special education, and the various challenges faced in setting up and running the institution. He also discussed the sources of funding and the importance of financial and community support in ensuring the smooth functioning of the school. His insights into the holistic approach to special education and skill development were inspiring and provided students with a broader perspective on working with individuals with special needs.
Following the orientation, a documentary video was presented, offering a visual insight into the daily activities, curriculum, and programs at Saanidhya. This was followed by a guided tour of the institution led by Ms. Juliana Sophia D’Souza, a special educator. She took the students through various classrooms and specialized training areas, explaining the structure and function of each section in detail.
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The institution has a well-organized educational setup, including pre-primary, primary, and secondary classes designed to cater to students with varying levels of cognitive abilities. One of the highlights of the visit was the Saanidhya General Store, where students are trained to understand the concept of money and basic financial transactions. The school also houses a Montessori section, a smart classroom, a sensory play area, a gross motor skill area, and an eye-hand coordination area, all of which are designed to enhance the learning experience of children with disabilities.
A key aspect of Saanidhya’s training program is its pre-vocational and vocational training initiatives, which focus on helping individuals above the age of 25 develop essential life and employment skills. The vocational training unit teaches students how to prepare products such as phenyl, rangoli powder, holi powder, paper bags, handbags, accessories, caps, trophies, artificial bouquets, drawings, agarbatti, dhoop, and envelope covers. These activities not only provide the students with occupational skills but also help in fostering independence and self-reliance.
One of the most remarkable facilities at Saanidhya is its swimming pool, where aquatic therapy is provided for individuals suffering from cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome. This therapy plays a crucial role in improving motor skills, muscle strength, and overall physical well-being of the students. The use of water-based exercises and therapy sessions is an innovative and effective approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by children with special needs.
The exposure to Saanidhya Residential School and Training Centre was an enlightening and transformative experience. The visit highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in rehabilitation and skill development and reinforced the need for compassion and inclusivity in working with differently-abled individuals. A total (13) of eight students, an intern, a faculty and three staffs from Saanidhya School were part of this insightful academic visit. Ms. Fathima Farasath, student, second year MSc CFS (FPCJ) compiled the report.
