The Navodaya Boys Residential School for Differently Abled Boys – Lewella,Kandy Sri Lanka was established in 1966 with the aim of providing quality education, vocational training and care to boys with various disabilities. This initiative was part of a broader movement in Sri Lanka to promote inclusive education and support for differently abled individuals, ensuring they had access to opportunities that would enable them to lead fulfilling lives.
Achievements and Impact
Over the decades, the Navodaya Boys Residential School has successfully transformed the lives of numerous boys, helping them gain confidence and independence. Many former students have gone on to pursue higher education, become employed, or start their own businesses—demonstrating the school’s impact on their socio-economic status.
The school has also become a model for other institutions catering to differently abled individuals, providing insights into best practices in special education. Collaborations with Government such as Social services Dept of Sri lanka have further enhanced its programs, expanding resources and outreach.
Facilities and Curriculum
Since its inception, the school has evolved significantly, incorporating a range of facilities tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students. The school’s infrastructure includes:
Accessible Classrooms – Designed to accommodate different types of mental disabilities, ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to learn.
Special Education Programs – Focused on personalized learning plans that cater to each student’s unique abilities and requirements.
The curriculum combines academic subjects with life skills training, including:
Vocational Training – Skills taught may include computer education, gardening, handicrafts, and other trades that help students become self-sufficient.
Sports and Physical Education – An emphasis on physical well-being through adapted sports ensures that students engage in physical activity suitable to their capabilities.
Awards
Navodaya School Kandy was adjudged as the Best school of this nature in the Province, a survey conducted by the provincial Social Services Dept. For the years 20177, 2018,and 2019.
However the survey was not conducted after the said period.
Challenges
Despite its achievements, the school has faced several challenges, including:
Funding – The availability of funds for maintenance and expansion can fluctuate, impacting the quality of education and services. Further making of salaries/wages to the staff has become severe burden due to restricted donations/donors.
Awareness and Stigma -Ongoing societal stigma surrounding disabilities often hinders the integration of differently abled individuals into mainstream society.
Staff Training – Continuous training and professional development for staff are necessary to keep up with evolving educational methodologies and therapeutic approaches.
Occupied Land – Making arrangements to get the outright ownership/ long lease of the presently occupied State owned / Crowne land.
Future Prospects
Looking forward, the Navodaya Boys Residential School Kandy aims to implement new initiatives such as:
- Enhanced Technology Integration: Utilizing assistive technologies to improve learning outcomes for students.
- Community Engagement Programs: Enhancing awareness and acceptance of differently abled individuals within the broader community.
- Partnerships with Corporates: Collaborating with businesses to create internship and employment opportunities for the inmates.
- Therapeutic Services: Access to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling is available to support the emotional and developmental needs of the students.
The Navodaya Boys Residential School Lewella, Kandy for Differently Abled Boys has played a crucial role in shaping the lives of many boys since its establishment in 1966. Through its commitment to inclusive education and vocational training, it stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right support and resources, individuals with disabilities can lead productive, empowered lives. The school continues to adapt and innovate, striving to overcome challenges and champion the cause of differently abled individuals in society.
Contact
109/01 Dharmashoka Mawatha, Lewella,
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Support
If you have a General enquiry, please drop us an email
Email: navolewella@gmail.com