As part of its ongoing extension and community outreach initiatives, the staff and students of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus conducted a one-month skills enhancement programme for visually challenged students residing at the “Meenakshamma Inclusive Development Centre” a privately-run hostel in Anantapur.
This initiative was catalysed by Ms. Rama Devi, a visually-challenged alumna and a long-time resident of the Sri Sathya Sai Women’s Hostel, who brought to light the pressing need for skill development among this group. The Meenakshamma Inclusive Development Centre, managed by Smt. & Sri Venkata Narayana, a devout couple, provides accommodation and support to approximately 40 underprivileged girls—most of whom are fully visually challenged and currently pursuing intermediate or undergraduate studies.
The objectives were
- to provide basic computer literacy using assistive technology (talkback-supported systems)
- to develop spoken English and communication skills
- to create awareness among SSSIHL volunteers of the challenges faced by visually impaired students and to foster a spirit of selfless service
Planning and Preparation
A preliminary visit by the Director and a faculty team in April 2025 confirmed the feasibility and need for such a programme. Following this, a call for volunteers was made. Seventeen faculty members and research scholars came forward to offer daily training sessions, each lasting 90–120 minutes over four weeks. The programme was coordinated by Ms. K. Hemalatha, Asst. Director, Physical Education, with four rotating teams conducting sessions from 1st May to 30th May 2025.
Implementation
The programme was divided into two core modules:
- Computer Basics (using talkback): turning on a PC, navigating applications, typing in MS Word, creating resumes, and making PowerPoint presentations.
- Conversational English: confidence-building exercises, basic grammar and sentence structures, interactive speaking tasks.
The students were grouped into two batches that alternated between modules every three days to ensure focused attention and learning continuity.
Outcomes
- Students successfully gained the ability to operate a talkback-enabled desktop system, create documents and presentations.
- They showed marked improvement in spoken English; one student confidently delivered a vote of thanks in English on the concluding day.
- The programme significantly impacted both beneficiaries and volunteers.
- The experience deepened the volunteers’ appreciation for their own privileges and strengthened their resolve to serve society.
Future Directions
The visually challenged students and the management at the Centre have requested continued support. The campus aims to design a sustainable follow-up training module as part of its regular outreach activities, with the continued grace and inspiration of our Founder Chancellor Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
