Help to build a hostel for college-going visually impaired girls

In our country, girls are usually not the preferred child. To this date, there continues to be discrimination between a male and a female child, for a variety of reasons deeply embedded in the nature of our social construct. The case is much worse for a girl child who is deprived of the gift of vision.

It is often said that a visually challenged girl child bears the double burden of being a woman and being blind. She is seen as a burden on society and a drain on the family’s honor. Visually challenged girls who are born into poor families often face a very challenging life, which can drive them towards hopelessness. They do not have access to the same quality of life, education, employment or personal well-being when compared to someone without a visual impairment.

Educational and employment opportunities available for blind persons are much fewer than those available for other people. Social and cultural barriers further prevent visually impaired women from taking up jobs that are distant or remote - there are few alternatives for sheltered employment or jobs that are conducive to visually impaired individuals.

BWS does not perpetuate the discrimination faced by visually challenged girls in their homes and society. The girl children who are assisted by our organization come from various states of India such as Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Odisha as well as Delhi to reside at the hostel. BWS does not discriminate among visually challenged girls and works with the same vigor irrespective of their caste, color, creed, religion, class or family background.

The visually challenged girls' hostel at Swaroop Nagar, Delhi, stands as a shining example of compassion and empowerment. By providing free boarding and lodging facilities, coupled with a clean, hygienic, and professionally managed environment, the hostel offers a sanctuary for 40 girls from some of the most marginalized and economically disadvantaged families from various states of the country.

The thoughtful design of the hostel infrastructure reflects a commitment to providing a comfortable and homely environment tailored to the needs of residents with visual impairment. From personal beds to well-ventilated rooms and clean toilets, every aspect has been carefully considered to ensure the well-being and dignity of the girls under its care.

Beyond providing shelter and amenities, the hostel fosters a sense of community and support among its residents, offering a network of companionship and encouragement as they navigate their educational journey. In a world that often overlooks the needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, initiatives like this hostel are essential in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Through its dedication to empowering visually impaired girls and breaking down barriers to education, the hostel at Swaroop Nagar embodies the spirit of compassion and resilience, uplifting the lives of those it serves and inspiring others to strive for a more inclusive world.