When 9-year-old Janu joined Swapnisthan Foundation, she barely spoke. A hearing-impaired girl, she avoided eye contact, had no friends, and often left sessions midway. Her classmates whispered, laughed, and excluded her.
Her silence wasn’t just about hearing loss—it was about not feeling like she belonged.
1. Creating a Culture of Empathy
Instead of pushing Janu to speak, we focused on helping her classmates understand her world.
One day, we introduced a role-play exercise. Children took turns experiencing what it was like to be blind, deaf, or physically disabled. They had to communicate without speaking, navigate without sight, and rely on others for support.
At first, they laughed. But soon, frustration turned into realization.
For the first time, Janu was not the only one struggling to communicate. Her classmates, who had once ignored her, felt what it was like to be unheard. That moment changed everything.
2. A Small Chocolate, A Big Lesson
Another day, I brought a single chocolate and gave the children a challenge:
One child was hungry.
Another had money to buy chocolates anytime.
The third had never tasted chocolate—it was his dream.
“Who should get it?” I asked.
The discussion was intense. Some argued for the hungry child, others for the one who had never had chocolate. Slowly, they started thinking beyond themselves—about fairness, privilege, and the feelings of others.
3. From Silence to Friendship
A few weeks later, something incredible happened—Janu stayed for a full session. She started smiling, interacting, and even making friends.
Her classmates stopped teasing her and started supporting her. When she couldn’t hear instructions, they would repeat them loudly.
4. The Last Hurdle: Speaking Up
Now, Janu is engaged. She participates, plays, and learns with her friends. But one challenge remains—she hesitates to speak in front of the class.
And that’s okay. This transformation happened only in one month of intervention.
Confidence isn’t built in a day. Every child grows at their own pace, and Janu’s journey is proof that transformation is not about speed—it’s about progress.
At Swapnisthan Foundation, we believe education is not just about literacy and numbers. It’s about creating spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Janu’s journey reminds us that inclusion is not about changing the child—it’s about changing the environment.
We are not just teaching. We are building a world where every child—regardless of their challenges—finds their voice.
Dr. Prakash Chandra Dangi
Founder, Swapnisthan Foundation