Andhreyes’ story

The thought of entering a school, let alone enjoying technology-based learning would have never crossed 15-year-old Andhreyes’ mind.

The teenager, who studies in Jharkhand and lives in Dumka district, is blind since birth. Son of a migrant labourer, the family of six could only think of making ends meet on a daily basis.

Education was never a priority for Andhreyes parents. More than priority, they couldn’t fathom that their blind son could study. It was in 2011 that Andhreyes was brought under the wings of Sightsavers Inclusive Education programme. A school resource person from Sightsavers implementing partner, Chetna Vikas paid his family a visit, counselling and convincing them to send Andhreyes to school. The thought of their son being able to study let alone perform basic tasks was difficult for the both the family and the villagers to accept. After much coaxing, his parents gave in and let Andhreyes take admission in class VI.

The journey Andhreyes took from thereon was not an easy one. “Initially, I faced many problems in going to school and in the school activities. But my teachers were all trained under the inclusive education programme to support me academically. They are constantly encouraging me to take part in sports and pursue my dreams,” says Andhreyes. In pursuance of making Andhreyes self-reliant, he received support to get his disability certificate, pension, Adhar card and the requisite learning material and books. Skilled in operating computer and using ICT devices, he received Tabs from Sightsavers on World Disability Day. Technology-based learning is an integral part of Andhreyes academic growth, who wants to become a teacher and help many children tread on the path of learning in his village.