Unmissable learning experience for mainstream school volunteers

Pupils keen on volunteering at Tender Hearts Arena must commit to a minimum of 45 hours and be prepared to give a final presentation about what they learnt.

“We are looking for seriousness in participation because being with our students also teaches them about compassion. It’s not enough to be sympathetic, they also need empathy,” said Arti Khazanchi, the recreational centre’s co-founder.

“They learn to deal with these children. This is important because in the future they may share work space with these children.

“The best time to teach them is in school, during the development and growing years,” said Ms Khazanchi.

“The whole objective is how do we get the world ready for these determined ones.”

The school has about 150 volunteers from schools who have been involved with the centre for a year and a half.

During the programme, the students receive hands-on training and are taught the challenges faced by people with different conditions.

“They go through an orientation so they understand what is special needs and know the difference between autism, Down syndrome and other conditions,” said co-founder Neena Raina.

“The students come here with the idea that they are going to help students with special needs and during their time they see so many positive things like children who are artists, chefs, pianists.

“They soon understand that our children are talented and brilliant, too.”

Spending time with their peers is an advantage because special needs students will absorb information and learn quicker.

The aim of the programme is to change people’s attitudes once and for all.

“Parents with special needs kids often say that when they take their children out some people raise their eyebrows and stare,” Ms Raina said.

“When we have more children who are trained, it will spread awareness because we will reach others too and such families will become more comfortable.

“We know it’s a huge challenge, but it’s not impossible.”

Tender Hearts Arena asks for a serious commitment from its volunteers and capacity for empathy