by Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On October 19, The Stellar Don Bosco Academy in Nerul held its inaugural meeting of a Support Community for parents of children with special needs. This initiative was spearheaded by Ms Wenonah Castellino, Advisor at The Stellar Don Bosco Academy, and Fr Barnabe D’Souza, Director of the Academy. The organizing team included Dr Ramani Kumar, alongside her team of psychologists and counsellors from Don Bosco Prafulta. Members of the Rotary Club of Smart City, Vashi, Mr Milind Chandak - President and Mr Kishore also graced the occasion.

Parenting comes with its unique set of challenges, and every child has distinct needs to which parents must adapt. There is no manual for parenting, and for those with children with special needs, the journey can be even more demanding. These parents often face significant emotional, physical, and mental challenges, which can sometimes lead to feelings of exhaustion or defeat. Caregivers are required to dedicate extra time, resources, and mental strength to meet their child’s daily needs.

The Support Community aims to be a place where parents of children with special needs can gather, share their experiences, and find rejuvenation. It offers a space where they can feel empowered and uplifted. The program will include various activities such as games, laughter yoga, mindful art therapy, dance, singing, talent shows for parents and children, self-care stations, and more.

During the first meeting, Ms Castellino introduced participants to the group’s vision and objectives, explaining that the Support Community would be an interactive and informative space where parents and children could connect. The community plans to provide parents with discussions on topics of their choosing, expert advice from therapists, and guidance on educational opportunities. Future sessions will also cover long-term financial planning for children and discuss the legal rights and protections available to caregivers and their children.

The meeting featured creative introductions, where each participant shared their unique “superpower,” with others offering encouragement. Parents also shared their challenges and joys, with their stories offering inspiration and upliftment to the group. The parents felt comfortable in this first meeting itself and opened up about their experiences with their child, expressing both pride and concern for their child's future.

The feedback from the meeting was overwhelmingly positive, with parents expressing their happiness at being part of the group. With plans for regular monthly meetings and a hopeful outlook, the session concluded on an optimistic note and some snacks.