An Irish teacher for the visually impaired in Kullu

Kullu, March 31 : An Irish lady is teaching English to the visually impaired children at a local school run by National Association for Blind in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district.

Meadhbh, who has come all the way from Ireland, says teaching English to the visually impaired kids has been an enriching experience for her. She intends teaching here six months.

She wishes to develop creativity among her students and help them give it an expression. She also prefers singing songs to motivate involvement and interest.

Though unfamiliarity with the Hindi language makes it tough for her to communicate with the students, she somehow manages using various personally developed techniques.

"Their (students) response is slow because I don't speak in Hindi. But still communication always happens. One student picks up and understands and then explains it to other students by repeating it for many times," says Meadhbh.

Students have learnt to manage with their Irish teacher. Everyone here likes the innovative methods used by Meadhbh to impart lessons. All of them admire Meadhbh's efforts.

Learning through repetitions, actions pictures, miming and by feeling of alphabets has interested children to learn and understand from her.

"She makes us play games and teaches us songs as well. She sings songso us also. She explains to us whatever we don't understand in English," said Khem Chand, one student.

The executive head of the National Association for Blind, believes Meadbh's efforts will go a long way in empowering the visually impaired students.

"She has brought a lot of exposure to the children, as she is exposed to the international culture and language. The children are very excited about her and are learning a lot from her. It also gives a moral boost to our organization," said Shalini, the Executive Head of National Association for Blind in Kullu. By Rajiv Kimta

ANI