Baul’s story

Because Every Child Deserves a Chance

“We never imagined our son could achieve so much,” his mother says. “Thanks to Sightsavers India, Baul is not only learning—he is thriving. They’ve given us a reason to believe again.”

The key to unlocking a dream lies in opportunity, and this story is a testament to that.

Baul, a 15-year-old boy from a remote village in West Bengal’s Bankura district, came into the world without sight—but not without vision. From a young age, he was curious, eager to learn, and always full of questions about the world around him.

School was no easier—without Braille books or audio materials, Baul relied heavily on peers and struggled to keep pace. Yet, his hunger to learn never wavered.

Everything changed in early 2023 when Sightsavers India identified Baul during a functional assessment under its Inclusive Education Programme. What others saw as limitations, the team saw as potential. That moment marked the beginning of a powerful transformation.

With support from Sightsavers India, Baul was introduced to assistive devices like a smartphone with Google TalkBack in Bengali. He learned to navigate educational content independently. Training in the abacus, Taylor frame, Braille, and daily living skills followed, giving him the confidence to move through the world on his own terms.

Today, Baul is a confident Class 7 student, actively participating in class and performing exceptionally. He dreams of becoming a teacher and inspiring other children like him. His parents, once filled with worry, now beam with pride.

Baul’s journey is proof of the life-changing power of inclusive education. For him and many others, it’s not just about learning—it’s about hope, dignity, and a future filled with possibilities.