A Beacon of Hope: Empowering Visually Challenged Students through Digital Learning
On September 19, 2024, a transformative initiative was launched at the Louis Braille School for the Blind in Bharatpur, Bhubaneswar. A novel digital learning program, made possible by the generous support of Mr. Kirtan Behera, was unveiled, bringing fresh hope and opportunity to visually challenged students. This initiative is a collaboration with Promise a Future, co-founded by Arundhati Dash and Prasanta Behera, as a pioneering step toward inclusive education in Odisha. Their effort is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment to enable students who are visually challenged to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.
Aveti Learning, established in 2017, has always been at the forefront of delivering quality education content to underserved and rural communities. This partnership with Promise a Future with kind support of Behera Family Charity is based on a shared belief that every student, regardless of their financial background or disability, deserves an equal opportunity to learn and achieve their potential.
The Visionary Philanthropist: Mr. Kirtan Behera’s Journey
Mr. Kirtan Behera, a native of Kendujhar, Odisha, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in the United States in the early 1960s. Today, after years of hard work and success, he formed the Behera Family Charity for the Blind to give back to society in a meaningful way. His desire to support education for the visually impaired is not just a philanthropic gesture but a deeply personal mission to create lasting change.
In 2023, Mr. Behera sponsored a pilot project at Manoj Manjari Sishu Bhawan School, Kendujhar, where four tablets loaded with Aveti Learning’s digital content were provided to students. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from teachers and students inspired him to extend this initiative. The Louis Braille School is the next step in his vision, where 10 tablets, customized with accessibility features like the talk-back function, have been distributed. These tablets, equipped with digital content specifically tailored for the visually impaired, promise to be a game-changer in the students’ learning experience.
“I am glad that this program is finally taking shape and helping students learn better and aim to achieve their dreams,” said Mr. Behera, joining the inaugural event via Zoom. His passion and commitment were evident as he expressed hopes of expanding this program to 10 more schools in the next six months.
The Power of Digital Learning: A Path-Breaking Initiative
The program’s launch was met with excitement and hope. Each tablet is configured with Aveti Learning digital content, offering lessons, practice exercises, and real-time progress tracking. The talk-back feature enables visually impaired students to navigate the digital content with ease, providing them access to a world of knowledge and opportunity.
Pranati Pradhan, a 9th standard student, shared her enthusiasm: “In this short span of time, I could learn how to use the tablet and understand the lessons. This project by Aveti is very helpful and will enable us to listen to the concepts and practice the questions. I am very excited and thankful.”
The principal of the Louis Braille School, Mrs. Swadhin Bala Satapathy, urged her students to seize the opportunity. “Take this chance with both hands,” she said. “Learn new concepts and tools through the digital devices and prove yourselves. This is your time to shine.”
The program is not only revolutionary in terms of content delivery but also serves as a testament to the power of collaboration. Utkal Handicapped Welfare Organisation, the parent body of Louis Braille School, founded by visionary Shri Prafulla Nanda in 1983, has been a pioneer in empowering the differently-abled, and this partnership adds another layer to their efforts.
The Road Ahead: A Call for Support
The success of this initiative at Louis Braille School is just the beginning. With the goal of expanding to 10 more schools within six months, Aveti Learning and Promise a Future are calling upon partners, philanthropists, and well-wishers to join them in this transformative journey.
By providing digital content that is accessible to visually impaired students, this program is set to become a changemaker in education. For students like Pranati, it opens doors to a future where learning is not limited by sight, but empowered by technology.
As the program grows, so does the potential to inspire other organizations and individuals to contribute. Every tablet, every piece of digital content, and every donation can help another student realize their dream.
Together, we can make the vision of inclusive education a reality for thousands of visually impaired students across Odisha. Let us all be part of this groundbreaking initiative, supporting these young minds as they embark on their journey of learning, independence, and success.
