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Beyond Disability with MBCN

Beyond Disability with MBCN

Each year, the UN, along with the rest of the world, recognises World Disability Day, wherein specially-abled people are encouraged and empowered through skill-enabling activities, events and thought-provoking messages. The yearly theme provides an overarching focus on how the global communities can aim for greater inclusivity by removing technological, physical, and rigid points of view, that revolve around disability.

For World Disability Day 2017, the theme as advocated by the UN is ‘Transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society for all’. Going in sync with this idea, the MBCN faculty and staff have initiated a campaign called #BeyondDisability. True to its name and concept, the campaign is a sincere attempt at breaking stereotypes and taboos that come with disability.

This World Disability Day, the teachers and students at MBCN are on a mission to raise awareness about differently-abled kids, as they go about spreading their messages and thoughts across 100 schools in Noida. Besides sensitising the society, the MBCN teachers hope to build a greater understanding around disability, and to give way to open minds and positive attitudes.

Loving and caring gestures are not just pivotal in the school space, but are integral when it comes to building the child’s self-esteem and self-worth. Children with special abilities have a plethora of talents and skills to offer, which the society fails to take into consideration, due to self-made inhibitions and reservations.

With this ongoing campaign, MBCN teachers aim to reach 100,000 students, and instill the power of positivity in all. Going #BeyondDisability and accepting people for what and who they are is a thought that needs to find a permanent home in our minds. Unless we create a stir, we won’t witness ripples of change.

Here are some pictures that showcase the pride and resilience in the MBCN teachers and students, who are making a difference and breaking the shackles, that go #BeyondDisability.

The smiling faces say it all! Children’s Day celebrations at MBCN

The smiling faces say it all! Children’s Day celebrations at MBCN

November 14th of each year at MBCN has always been a wonderful reminder of how precious the innocence of our children is. If there is one thing that can conquer hearts the world over, it is the pure love exhibited by a child. Children today are the beacons of light and hope, and Children’s Day is an opportunity for us to help these little souls grow, learn and prosper.

2017 has been no different in spirit, yet it has been different when measured in how far we have come as an institution that strives to combat the social taboos around disability. We have grown immensely in inculcating our children with skills, that can help them live normal lives, along with their peers. We have also equipped our children with bundles of confidence, self love, and ambition, which will truly shape their lives for the better, in the years to come.

Children’s Day celebrations at MBCN not only celebrated the importance of these wonderful and highly talented children, but was also a way for us to celebrate the success we have had in our social endeavour.

From mime acting that showcased the importance of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, and exhilarating dance and song performances, to skits and games, the MBCN students, as well as the teachers participated in all the fun activities.

The mime performances truly stood out in how well they were executed. The students expressed the importance of clean classrooms, clean school surroundings, and also exhibited the importance of careful driving on the road. All this and more made the day extremely exciting and spirited for the parents and teachers, whose faces were full of pride.

Below are some pictures, that will provide a sneak peek into the day’s events and activities.

Our Children Light The Way To A Hopeful Tomorrow

Our Children Light The Way To A Hopeful Tomorrow

Children are our most valuable resources, and if there is any hope left for the world to truly become a better place, then it is with these little bundles of joy. They remind us of love, kindness, compassion and innocence every step of the way. Children’s Day in India is celebrated with a lot of mirth and joy, and is a chance for us to encourage the little ones to grow into wonderful human beings, who can contribute to the society at large.

MBCN has always seen the bigger picture for kids with special abilities. These children have every right to receive education, seek greater opportunities, get involved in shaping the society and participate in activities, much like their peers. However, we still live in a world that can’t seem to rid itself of the stigma that revolves around disabilities. It is disheartening to see a lot of these kids, who get marginalised due to their physical and mental drawbacks, and have a harder time coping with others due to the stereotypes and inhibitions.

The eminent and highly experienced faculty & staff at MBCN strive each day to make the learning process easier, and to equip these special children with a bounty of knowledge, skills and talents that can help them break the set notions around disability.

A recent campaign, which had resounding success across the city of Noida, was #ConnectingSigns. From teaching people the Indian national anthem in sign language, to expressing special needs, our MBCN kids caused ripples of change through the robust campaign, which we hope and pray would have an everlasting impact on our community in the years to come.

Whether it’s kindness or the beauty in curiosity, children with special abilities can teach us the importance of empathy and humanity. This Children’s Day, take a few minutes and spend it with a child who has special needs, and be sure to walk away with receiving more than you could have ever given!

MBCN spreads sparkles of love, hope & joy this Diwali

MBCN spreads sparkles of love, hope & joy this Diwali

Diwali is one of the most auspicious and long-awaited festivals in India. As October starts, one can’t help but feel the power of positivity and happiness in the air. People all over the country are filled to the brim with excitement, and eagerly wait to celebrate this special day with their loved ones. From sweets and fairy light decorations around the house to the colorful rangoli designs and gleaming diyas, Diwali is not just a festival, but also an occasion for us to reach out to each other and build connections that last a lifetime.

This year, Diwali meant a lot of colours, lights and love for the MBCN children with special needs. The faculty and kids initiated a special campaign called #DiwaliDilSe, which not only touched the hearts of the people present on campus, but also managed to influence the lives of those far beyond the premises, and across the world.

Beautiful Diwali decorations, created by the highly skilled and talented children, adorned the hallways in MBCN, along with the colourful rangoli patterns that truly looked spectacular. From unique-looking diyas with vibrant embellishments to heartfelt greeting cards, the kids at MBCN left no marker unturned or glitter unused to make this festival a meaningful and bright one! The best part about these decorations was that people across India and beyond could buy them online, and contribute to the overall MBCN vision.

The Diwali decorations were a sight to behold, and the kids had a gala time as they danced to the tunes of their favourite Bollywood songs, while indulging in some fun-filled festive activities.

Here is a video, which showcases the different smiling faces that lit up the MBCN campus on Diwali.

World Cerebral Palsy Day – One Step At A Time In The Right Direction

World Cerebral Palsy Day –  One Step At A Time In The Right Direction

In case you haven’t heard of the term before, cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development. Cerebral palsy, or what is commonly referred to as CP, affects body movement and muscle coordination. Treatment for cerebral palsy depends on the patient, and the degree to which it affects him or her. The earlier it gets detected, the better chances one has for improvement.

Each year, October 6th is recognised as World Cerebral Palsy Day. Apart from creating awareness, it is an opportunity for one to celebrate and express pride in the many milestones people with cerebral palsy have achieved, despite their limitations. In addition to this, it is an opportunity for communities across the world to create a strong voice for cerebral palsy patients, which in turn, motivates them to go out and change the world for the better.

As an initiative to create a support group, MBCN recently held a #CerebralPalsyDay interaction session with parents of those affected. It was an open forum where they shared their challenges and feelings. Busting certain myths around CP and addressing pivotal issues, was the crux of this session. The parents were extremely happy with this session, and requested for similar sessions in the future as well. Here are some pictures for you to see:

3 4 2 1

Cerebral palsy is a condition that needs to be treated with utmost care and concern. There are 17 million people across the world who live with cerebral palsy, and 35 million are closely connected with either a child or an adult who suffers from this condition. While apathy is necessary, educating the masses and creating a bridge of open communication is just as important.

MBCN Kids: Making Noise Through Sign Language

MBCN Kids: Making Noise Through Sign Language

Communication of all kinds is necessary, and needs to be addressed on all levels. Over the last few weeks, MBCN has turned the wave for the deaf community by spreading awareness about the significance of sign language across Noida and beyond, through their Connecting Signs campaign (hyperlink to previous blog). The resounding success of this powerful initiative has broken certain taboos and apprehensions that exist even today.

Needless to say, sign language helps us bridge the gap between those who have the ability to hear and those who don’t. By using different hand gestures and signs, the MBCN kids with special needs have imparted a rare gift of knowledge to the community at large. Here’s how!

Connecting Signs started off with a poignant video showcasing the Indian national anthem in sign language, performed by the MBCN kids. The beautiful expressions brought the song to life for all, and created ripples of heartfelt emotions on a large scale. Currently, the video has crossed two million views on Facebook. Haven’t seen it till now? Watch it here:

Besides the deeply felt video, the children at MBCN took the bull by the horns and visited several renowned institutions, schools and corporates all over Noida, where they taught sign language to eager audiences. The various people who were a witness to this ongoing campaign were enthralled to gain such keen insights into the lives of those who cannot hear or speak.

From well-known banks such as ICICI, Yes Bank and HDFC, to Domino’s Pizza, Jaypee Hospital, Wave corporate office & mall, Oracle, Genesis Global School, police station and fire station – the MBCN kids left no stone unturned in educating the masses on emergency signs, medical help and self introduction in sign language. You can catch the different videos here:

How would you get to know if a deaf person needs a glass of water? Or if he/she needs medical help? Connecting Signs has not just showcased sign language as a necessary skill for all, but has also raised the awareness bar to a completely different level. It has not just opened our eyes to a whole new world, but has also made us realise that the deaf and dumb need to be included in every way, as they too have immense talent and capabilities, that can make an immense difference to the small world we live in.

Connecting Signs has been a success for MBCN in every way possible, and has gone to great lengths to ensure quality life for people with hearing and speech impairment. But more than being a successful campaign, it has been a step in the right direction for our society as a whole. Connecting Signs has facilitated a wider channel of communication, which creates better understanding and acceptance of those who need our help and care.

MBCN Children Spread The Word On Sign Language

MBCN Children Spread The Word On Sign Language

Connecting Signs has been going places and quite literally so! From well-established and popular malls and multiplexes, to schools and well-known eateries in the city, the MBCN children with special needs have been spreading the importance of sign language far and wide.

Here is a sneak peak into how the MBCN kids taught sign language to the employees of Oracle in Noida.

oracle
oracle
oracle
oracle

Everyone has the right to have their voice heard, regardless of the circumstances or obstacles. No child should be left in the dark, as they have so much light within them. Light that has the ability to brighten up the world. Those who suffer from hearing or vision impairment should not be avoided or disregarded, but should instead be included in every way possible.

In the pictures below, you can see how the MBCN kids have taken this thought and amplified it by imparting knowledge on sign language at WAVE Mall, Noida.

mall
mall
mall
mall

When we speak of hearing impairment, sign language is a two-way street. Those who can’t hear and suffer in silence, need to know it and be aware, while the rest of the community needs to be in sync with the language, and equipped enough to use it while assisting those who need help. People with a hearing impairment need to live in an environment where they feel that we can hear them and understand what they are trying to say at all times.

With that being said, it is pivotal for the fire and police department to understand sign language, in order to help, when the need arises. Here, the children are sharing their knowledge on sign language with our day-to-day heroes.

police
police
police

How would you know a speech and hearing impaired person is hungry or needs a meal? Our kids did a fantastic job, telling the employees of Domino’s in Noida about sign language.

domino
domino
domino

Sign language is an everlasting skill that can, without a doubt, make people well-rounded. Learning the skill of sign language also includes the deaf community at large, and assures them of the fact that they are not being forgotten, and have the same ingress to communication and knowledge with the rest of the world as anyone else.

MBCN kids creating their own paths to success

MBCN kids creating their own paths to success

Isn’t it a great feeling when you bring home a few seeds, plant them, water them, and tend to them day and night? What is even more amazing is how rapidly they grow, and the way the little buds blossom into flowers with vibrant colours that you couldn’t have even imagined! Such is the experience of these amazing children at MBCN, who have gone from little or no confidence to a matchless zeal that empowers them to conquer the world.

At MBCN, the end result of all that we do, is happiness and success of our little ones, who go on to shine in their own little ways. Today, we would like to share some of those success stories, which will not only bring a smile to your face, but will also make you realize that children from all walks of life have a lot to offer to the world. It is our sole duty as human beings to nurture that inherent talent and fuel it in a way that leads to a greater tomorrow for them as well as for all of humanity.

Radha –
Profoundly deaf, yet fierce and determined. Radha has overcome her obstacles at age 12, and has been a gleaming light of hope and inspiration for kids at MBCN and beyond. Cheerful, bright and loving, Radha is currently in the 7th grade, and is an excellent dancer. She has showcased her talent on various occasions at MBCN, and has been lauded for her amazing skills in dancing. Radha recently got a Cochlear implant in her ears, and that has improved her hearing and speech ability tremendously.

Watch her amazing story unfold here:
https://www.facebook.com/ThePontyChadhaFoundation/videos/

Anuj Kumar –
Anuj
Anuj is currently in the 9th grade at MBCN, and is a sports champion in the making. Anuj has won several sports medals on national level, and is an avid badminton, netball, table tennis and basketball player. Needless to say, he is unstoppable and has the strength and ability to overcome any obstacle that may come his way.

Subodh –
Subodh
Subodh is from Samvaad I at MBCN, and is a skillful artist, who is also an agile sportsperson. With just a little encouragement from the MBCN teachers, Subodh has managed to push the boundaries in so many distinct ways. From participating in art and sports related competitions to fueling his talent on a day to day basis, Subodh is definitely one of the shining stars at MBCN.

Ankit Shukla –
Ankit’s hearing and speech impairment has never kept him from chasing the stars! He is a confident young boy who aspires to make it big in life. Generous, kind and expressive in his own unique ways, Ankit Shukla’s success story is what resonates with the MBCN vision.

Kartik Verma –
Kartik
The youngest Kung-Fu instructor in India, Kartik Verma is a champion in karate, taekwondo, dancing and sports. He has turned his weaknesses into his strengths, and has surpassed our expectations in a brilliant way. Kartik is determined and strong, and we are extremely proud of him.

Connecting Signs: A Language We All Must Learn

Connecting Signs: A Language We All Must Learn

When you’re thirsty, you ask for a glass of water. What about those who can’t speak?

When you’re lost, you ask for directions. What about those who can’t make themselves heard?

When you’re worried, you call a friend and talk for hours at end. What about those who don’t have that option?

When you hear music, you can’t keep your feet from tapping. What about those who can’t hear?

Clearly, we need to bridge the gap and connect with the unconnected! And Connecting Signs does just that.

What is Connecting Signs all about?

It is about connecting those missing dots.
It is about making those unheard voices heard.
It is about breaking down those walls that keep us from communicating.

Connecting Signs is a way for us to reach out to those who need us the most, and in a way that has never been done before!

In our day to day hustle, we don’t realize that life is not as easy for those who can’t hear or speak. Even if we do take out the time to reach out, we do so with an air of sympathy or commiseration. The important realization, which we often forget, is that those with a speech or hearing impairment are truly gifted in ways that go beyond the ordinary. All they need is a little touch of magic from those of us who can encourage and help them.

International Week of the Deaf 2017: September 18 – September 24, and Connecting Signs is an endeavour, which will raise greater awareness around those who can’t speak or hear. The campaign will strive to signal the many challenges these people face, besides the many hardships they bear due to societal negligence and lack of effort.

The various activities and events will be a sincere attempt at bridging all gaps, and opening doors to effortless forms of communication. Besides educating the masses about sign language and its importance, Connecting Signs will also embrace the differences, give life to new friendships, and negate all forms of misconceptions and taboos associated with such impairments.

The power to change lives lies in our hands! Are you giving a thumbs up to this one?

MBCN HI Students Connect All With Indian National Anthem In Sign Language

MBCN HI Students Connect All With Indian National Anthem In Sign Language

How many of you truly know the meaning of the Indian national anthem? We may sing it, hear it, or hum it, but do we know the real essence of the words? Sometimes, a lot is lost in translation, and a lot more goes missing for those who can’t hear or speak.

The children from MBCN recently showcased Jan Gan Man (the Indian national anthem) in sign language, and taught us a great deal about the beautiful song. The different meanings of the words were brought to life, and the zeal and pride on their faces made it a delightful experience for one and all. More importantly, it made us understand that knowing sign language is crucial when it comes to understanding the needs of those who can’t hear or speak.

Connecting Signs is reaching out to all types of people who come from different walks of life. It is an endeavor to reverse the norm and encourage inclusiveness on all levels, and of all types of people. As a society, we love learning new languages and exploring different cultures. It is however pivotal that we understand sign language and understand the culture of humanity in order to help those who need us the most.

With International Week of the Deaf just around the corner, let us all come together and celebrate the language that can connect us all and unite us for Love, Harmony and Humanity.

Positive Parenting: A Powerful Tool For Growing Healthy Kids

Positive Parenting: A Powerful Tool For Growing Healthy Kids

What is positive parenting? And why is it important? That fact that its message is reaching far and wide, makes it absolute imperative for parents to understand how to improve the quality of parenting. And hence, this blog!

More and more parents have, over the years, begun realising that a change must be made in their child-rearing practices. That no bookish knowledge can ever instil the right parenting skills in them. In the light of it, here’s a lowdown on the good, the bad and the ugly of positive parenting. First and foremost, what we, as parents, must understand is that every child is unique. How they behave, cannot be boxed under the categories of ‘Right’ or ‘Wrong’.

Children soak up behavioural patterns like a sponge, and therefore, what we do as individuals is of utmost importance when it comes to parenting. What our children observe is what they end up doing in their day to day lives. Whether you lie to someone, make fun of a friend or use harsh words – your child will inculcate it all.

That being said, there are no rules or formulas, but certain aspects you can use to guide yourself throughout this never-ending journey.

Narrow down the one area you wish to work on the most: One of the key problems most parents face is not knowing where to start. But this is actually quite simple. All you have to think about is that one thing that puts your child at a greater risk. Is your child hurting someone physically or mentally? Do they break things at home due to bad temper? Start here, and start small. Smaller steps create bigger ripples.

Pinpoint what you wish to change: If your child has a bad mouth and tends to use a lot of swear words, try and understand the root of the problem, and give them an alternative. For example, you could tell your child that the next time they get angry and wish to curse, they need to go inside their room for a few minutes till they feel better. Reprimanding them for the same will only worsen the situation. Whereas, your job is to smoothen the road for them.

Give them the reason to change: Telling your child to change something about themselves without explaining will only leave him/her confused. Even if they do alter something for your sake, the results will most likely be short-lived. If you wish for your child to change something for good, then always give them the reason in a nice, logical way. Shouting and yelling won’t work here.

Chalk out goals for you and your kid: Working together as a team always gets better results. Parenting is never one-sided; it is about you and your child. Tell your child that you hate punishing them for something as trivial, and that you wish to come up with a way where you both can be happy. This will make your child look at things in a more practical way, and kids love to be problem-solvers. With this adult-like approach, you fix the problem, while putting them in charge.

Encourage their special talents & skills: Your child’s hard-earned 50% is as good as a hard-earned 100%. With the amount of competition in our society, putting additional pressure on kids only makes them crumble. Whether it’s painting, dancing, cooking or fixing gadgets – your kid has a special talent, and it is your job to encourage that.

In a nutshell, positive parenting only requires a change in mindset. As a parent, you must be committed to approaching your kids with affection, empathy and patience.

Gift Your Sibling A Bliss In A Box This Rakhi

Gift Your Sibling A Bliss In A Box This Rakhi

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
― Mother Teresa

One is outgoing, the other shy. One is talkative, the other reserved. One is dominating, the other submissive. But they accept each other despite these differences, and share the warmest equation. Truly, there’s nothing quite like a sibling bond.

Rakshabandhan celebrates that unbreakable promise of togetherness. And a rakhi is that thread of love that binds brothers and sisters for life. What’s more? Family get togethers, sweets, gifts, happiness and celebrations – all of it and more weave magical moments that we cherish as memories for a lifetime.

Gifts, being an integral part of any celebration, need to be special and thoughtful. Special occasions like Rakshabandhan call for exclusive gifts and unique packing. At MBCN, children with special needs have made that effort for you, out of pure love and affection. One look at these, and you’ll realise they have poured their hearts out while crafting extraordinary gift boxes for your siblings.

Sneak a peek at what our kids with special needs have made for you with love:

Royal box for your royal brother. Planning to gift him a wrist watch? Nothing could be better than this unique blue box, embellished with stones and beads to carry your love for him.

MBCN Raksha Bandhan

Rakhi is synonymous with giving cash to your sister. Here’s a beautiful red-golden case for her to collect money for your birthday gift.

MBCN Raksha Bandhan

Making chocolates for your brother? Gift him a lot of them in all his favourite flavours, in this special box.

MBCN Raksha Bandhan

This one’s for your sister’s love for bangles. A box as exquisite as this would just make her day.

MBCN Raksha Bandhan

A busy schedule might make it a little difficult for you to add an emotional touch to the gifts for your loved ones. Our kids at MBCN fill that gap for you, and happily so! These are not just gift boxes, but love-coated expressions that must be acknowledged and appreciated. And by investing in these, you’re contributing to the happiness of these children.

Want to check out all that these kids with special needs have made for you? Take a look here: https://www.mbcnschool.org/shop-online