Our Education Model: Learn for Life

DRRA's Learn for Life model is a low-cost, systemic approach designed to accelerate disability-inclusive education. This model focuses on preparing children, families, schools, and communities by providing the tools and support necessary to create inclusive classrooms. Through Learn for Life, we aim to empower children, teachers, and educational authorities, ensuring that all children—whether with disabilities or not—can succeed in the same learning environment.

Early Childhood Development

Early Childhood Development (ECD) 3-5 years unit - The ECD unit is the essential foundation of our education program for children with early intervention and those with special needs. In cooperation with government primary schools and DRRA’s special schools, the ECD unit readies children for primary school with a curriculum that involves rehabilitation support, ADL (activities of daily living) training, communication skills and life skills training.’ It also gives parents an opportunity to co-teach the program with the school, encouraging a collaborative environment.

Inclusive Education for All

DRRA collaborates with school authorities, PTAs and communities to remove obstacles to education. Based on our research, we have developed and designed teacher training modules to equip special need teachers and rehabilitation service providers to help teachers in devising Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for the students who need them. This guarantees that all the individual needs of a child are catered to in the classroom. Moreover, DRRA is organizing inclusive sports and games for the children to participate. Our mission is simple: One classroom for all children.

Children who left school or never entered the school system have found hope in the PROVAT school. It offers a two-year course in accordance with the government’s primary school syllabus, plus a year of pre-primary education. To achieve this, PROVAT adopts an inclusive approach, making sure that at least 25% of the children in each of its classrooms have disabilities so they can interact with non-disabled peers during learning. Besides lessons, PROVAT also provides therapy and life skill trainings, because no student should ever be left behind.

Special Education

AMARJOTI special school under DRRA provide special education to children with disabilities. This school serves as a bridge between the mainstream and special needs school; each child has a adaptive learning plan. Special education experts work closely with regular teachers to ensure that children with disabilities receive the appropriate support and care in their educational journey. DRRA has developed specialized curriculum, textbooks, and teaching materials in collaboration with international experts to ensure the highest standard of education for all learners.

Vocational and Lifelong Learning

Our dedication to education goes beyond primary and secondary schooling. For example, MY WAY TO WORK is a vocational training program specifically for children with autism and other intellectual disabilities run by DRRA. These courses include practical training for students in trades like carpenter, agriculturalists, livestock farmers, food processors, and caregivers, and prepare them to become self-employed or get paid jobs. In addition to our vocational programs, we provide rehabilitation support, trenching, and market attachment to ensure that graduates succeed in the workforce.

Education in Emergencies and Disasters

When natural disasters strike, schools become shelters, and children with disabilities become most vulnerable in that scenario. DRRA promotes all-inclusive disaster management programs including inclusive drill, emergency preparedness, first aid and rescue kits. Our work means that children with disability continue to be educated even within crisis.

TEACH: A Platform for Knowledge and Training

To further enhance accessibility, DRRA has developed TEACH, a digital platform designed to provide education and training for parents, teachers, and community-based workers. This platform offers resources on topics such as safeguarding, human rights, early childhood education, and more, ensuring that the community is equipped with the knowledge needed to support children with disabilities.

Your Support Makes a Difference

DRRA’s inclusive education initiatives are changing the lives of thousands of children, but we need help to do it. We count on your support to be able to continue our work, providing the same opportunities to children with disabilities as their peers receive. Together, we can take our programs to the next level, touch more kids, and create a more inclusive, accessible world for everyone!