Dileep:

Dileep is in 7^th grade, loves lemon rice, and enjoys playing chess and carom. Born with visual impairment, Dileep is enrolled in one of RDT’s Inclusive Primary Schools. He learned to read braille when he was nine years old. Thanks to the support of his sponsor, he and his family have access to important services like education, healthcare, and housing.

Dileep lives with his mother, father, elder sister, and younger brother, Sai Krishna. His mother works as a casual laborer and his father has a grocery shop.

“Dileep is a very shy and silent boy. He is very sincere towards his studies,” explains Radha, Dileep’s elder sister. She is in 12^th grade and will be continuing her studies after high school.

Before starting his education, Dileep liked to play with his village friends and spent most of his time outside of the house. Due to his visual impairment, he had trouble with daily activities like going to the toilet, bathing, and dressing himself.

“Earlier he could not do his daily chores, but now he is fully capable of doing everything on his own,” recalls Purushotham, Dileep’s father. “I believe it is because of RDT that he has become so independent.”

The lockdown changed everyone’s life, and Dileep is no different. Fortunately, he has been able to keep in touch with his friends and keep up with his classes remotely thanks to the tablet supplied by RDT.

“During the lockdown I spoke to my friends through email. We clarified and discussed doubts. I am very happy with the tablet that my school gave me. Now I can continue my education seamlessly. Earlier it was very difficult because of poor network and no phone,” says Dileep with a smile.

“I want to become a teacher when I grow up and share my knowledge,” says Dileep

Sai Krishna:

Sai Krishna is a budding environmentalist. He enjoys learning about environmental studies and his favorite food is egg rice.

“I love watching nick channel. I thoroughly enjoy playing football. When I grow up I want to become a scientist. That is my dream,” says Sai Krishna.

Sai Krishna was born with a visual impairment and started learning braille when he was in third grade. He is currently studying at one of RDT’s Inclusive Primary School.

Unfortunately, Sai Krishna’s school was forced to shut down during the lockdown, but he has continued his studies through an educational TV channel, RDT’s online classes, and home visits from his tutor.

“Lockdown gave us a lot of time to spend with our children,” explains Sradhamma, Sai Krishna’s mother. “I was scared that there might be a break in my children’s education. But thankfully RDT started online classes and home classes. I am relieved now. With home classes Sai has been able to revise his old learnings.”

“I didn’t really enjoy classes in Sapthagiri TV channel,” confesses Sai Krishna. “I hope the school opens soon.”