Panchkula launches School on Wheels for special needs children

In a heartwarming initiative, the "Kalam Express," a mobile school tailored for children with special needs, has been relaunched in Panchkula after a four-year hiatus due to financial constraints. This unique educational project, originally initiated in August 2017 under the District Red Cross Society, aims to provide specialized learning and support to children facing various disabilities.

Dhanwantari Ayurvedic College and Hospital in Sector 46, Chandigarh, has stepped forward to bear the annual cost of ₹15 lakh required to operate the buses. These buses, affectionately dubbed "Kalam Express," are specially equipped to facilitate learning and therapy for children with special needs. Inside, you'll find amenities like televisions, a laptop library, sports equipment, and teaching and physiotherapy kits. Ramps have been installed for easy boarding, ensuring accessibility for all.

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A lifeline for special needs children

The "Kalam Express" buses will serve children with visual, hearing, speech, and intellectual disabilities. They will operate six days a week, staffed with dedicated teachers, physiotherapists, and, when necessary, speech therapists. These mobile schools will reach slum areas, colonies, and villages, extending education to children who cannot attend traditional schools.

The project was inaugurated by former Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki on Independence Day in 2017, with its roots tracing back to Jind in 2015 before expanding to Chandigarh in June 2016 and finally arriving in Panchkula.

Panchkula's Deputy Commissioner, Sushil Sarwan, emphasized the importance of nurturing the future generation, symbolized by the "Kalam Express." He expressed the community's commitment to transform this educational effort into a thriving initiative for children with special needs.

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In addition to education, the Hero Group will provide ten ambulances to cater to the healthcare needs of disabled children. There are also ten integrated education centers in the district with specially appointed teachers to support disabled children in their learning journey. 

The relaunch of the "Kalam Express" marks a significant stride towards inclusivity and empowerment, ensuring that every child has access to quality education and support, regardless of their abilities.