Kids of special schools gear up for Xmas

KOCHI: “Oh what fun, it is to laugh and sing...” The students of the special schools in Ernakulam district are eagerly waiting to celebrate Xmas, a day when they dance and sing carols, put up plays and relish yummy food. The students of Asha Kendram had the time of their lives interacting with Santa Claus and  receiving gifts, as a batch of students of St Teresa’s College organised Xmas programmes at the school on Friday. The actual Xmas celebrations will be held on December 22. A play will be staged followed by dance and songs and a delicious feast, said principal Susheela.Xmas celebrations are being organised in different schools on different days. Around 2,000 students,  from 40-odd special schools for mentally challenged, hearing impaired, locomotor disorder and visually impaired,  enjoy themselves immensely during the celebrations, said J Oommen, chairman, Kerala Special Schools Association.“We are celebrating Xmas on Saturday. Children are busy decorating the school and gearing up for the day. A special session is being held for parents where tips on health aspects will be given along with the Xmas message,” said Sr Jitha, principal, Chavara Special School, Koonamavu. This will be followed by a band conducted by the students and other cultural programmes. The local leaders will offer felicitations, she said. A stall will be put where candles, carry bags, envelopes, jewellery and patens made by the students will be displayed, she said. They have also made stunning Xmas and New Year cards, she said. Students are busy practising for the X’mas play to be staged on December 21, said principal Sr Sheeba of Snehanilayam. A firm in Infopark has invited us to exhibit the products made by the children. They have made Xmas decorations and greeting cards. Students of the Government Model Engineering College said they would celebrate Xmas with us, she said.“Card-making is going on in full swing, at Vimukth, for the contests being held De Paul Institute, Angamaly. Last year, we bagged third prize in card-making and this year we are aiming for the first prize,” said principal Omana Varghese. Reena Memorial School and Vimukthi  are the only schools with vocational units and students get to earn for their products are done on contract-basis, she said. Xmas celebrations hold many surprises in the rest of the special schools in the district.