Special Education
Individual, needs-based teaching for children with intellectual disabilities, delivered by trained special educators.
Learn moreabout Special EducationNarmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh · Since 2002
Creating opportunities to learn, work and live with dignity.
Dr. Annie Besant Special School supports children and young people with intellectual disabilities through special education, residential care, rehabilitation and real vocational skills — the kind that lead to work, income and a place in community life.
Our handloom project turns discarded cloth into bedsheets, mats and covers that people buy — training that becomes earning.
Who we are
A registered institution, not a campaign.
A registered, non-profit voluntary organisation in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, working for the education, rehabilitation and skill development of children and young people with intellectual disabilities.
The organisation's roots go back to 1985. In 2002 it began a new journey for children with intellectual disabilities, and in 2003 was registered with the Department of Social Justice, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
Since 2001 the team has carried out door-to-door surveys in interior villages every year, because many families were never told that education was an option. The special school and the residential facility are partially funded by the state government; the rest is met by donors.
Read our full story2002
Special school established
75
Sanctioned learner intake (50 day + 25 residential)
25
Residential places at Samarth Vihar
2001
Village surveys running every year since
What we do
Six areas of work, one direction.
Education, care and skills that move a young person from learning towards independence.
Residential Facility — Samarth (Vikalp) Vihar
A residential and day-boarding facility with round-the-clock care, the only one of its kind in the district.
Learn moreabout Residential Facility — Samarth (Vikalp) Vihar
Rehabilitation, Health & Awareness
Door-to-door surveys, awareness camps and regular health and psychiatric evaluation for learners and families.
Learn moreabout Rehabilitation, Health & AwarenessVocational & Work Skills
Real, marketable work: handloom weaving from waste cloth, incense sticks, holi colours, candles, paper bags and festive products.
Learn moreabout Vocational & Work Skills
Dr. Annie Besant Sangeet Academy
Music training in classical singing, tabla, guitar and harmonium — open to learners with and without disabilities.
Learn moreabout Dr. Annie Besant Sangeet Academy
Educator Development
A foundation course in special education, run since 2005 in affiliation with Bhoj (Open) University.
Learn moreabout Educator DevelopmentWho we support
Supporting every individual's potential.
Children and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, primarily from lower-income families and weaker sections of society in and around Narmadapuram.
- A sanctioned intake of 75 learners — 50 day scholars and 25 residential places.
- Most day scholars travel from nearby villages in a modified van run by the school.
- Families are involved throughout: health evaluation, awareness camps and Niramaya insurance support.
- Learners with and without disabilities study together at the Sangeet Academy.
Every individual is different. Our approach begins with understanding each person's abilities, needs and potential.
Our approach
From identification to independence.
A sequence the organisation has followed for more than two decades — not a slogan.
- 01
Identify
Door-to-door surveys in interior villages find children who are not yet receiving any support.
- 02
Understand
Health and psychiatric evaluation, and conversations with the family, come first.
- 03
Teach
Special educators work on communication, functional learning and self-care.
- 04
Practise
Skills are practised daily — in the classroom, the workshop and the residence.
- 05
Develop skills
Vocational training on the handloom, in incense making, crafts and music.
- 06
Build confidence
Performances, exhibitions and stalls put learners in front of the community.
- 07
Encourage independence
Work that earns, routines that hold, and a place in community life.
Stories
Impact is more than a number.
Accounts drawn from the organisation's own record of its work.
The four families who changed what was possible
In 2002 the special school opened with four learners. Their parents refused to let disability keep their children out of education.
Read the story: The four families who changed what was possibleA handloom, a pile of old saris, and a first pay packet
The 2015 handloom project turns discarded clothing into bedsheets, mats and table covers — and turns training into earning.
Read the story: A handloom, a pile of old saris, and a first pay packet
Temple flowers that never reach the river
A partnership with Trash for Cash Society turns temple offerings into incense sticks and holi colours — work, income and a cleaner Narmada.
Read the story: Temple flowers that never reach the riverCurrent campaign
Keep the vocational workshop running
Raw material, tools and upkeep for the handloom, incense and craft projects — the work that turns training into earning.
This is the part of the programme where skill becomes income. When the workshop pauses, learners lose both the routine and the earning.
active
Keep the vocational workshop running
Raw material, tools and upkeep for the handloom, incense and craft projects — the work that turns training into earning.
A funding target has not been published for this campaign yet.
Get involved
There are many ways to make a difference.
Choose the one that fits how you want to contribute.
Partner
Explore a CSR or institutional partnership with measurable, reported outcomes.
Partner with usTransparency
Give with confidence.
We publish what we can verify, and say plainly when something has not been published yet.
80G Registration
Donations are eligible for 50% tax rebate under Section 80G, as stated by the organisation.
State registration
Registered with the Department of Social Justice, Government of Madhya Pradesh, in 2003.
News
Latest from the organisation
Admissions
New enrolments for 2026–27 open from 1 February 2026
Families can apply for the 2026–27 year from 1 February 2026. Here are the documents to keep ready, and who to call for help.
Read more: New enrolments for 2026–27 open from 1 February 2026Transparency
List of registered beneficiaries published
The organisation has published its list of registered beneficiaries at the school office as part of its record-keeping.
Read more: List of registered beneficiaries publishedProjects
Handloom project inaugurated by the Commissioner of Hoshangabad
A handloom machine was installed to create usable articles from waste cloth, opening a new vocational training route.
Read more: Handloom project inaugurated by the Commissioner of HoshangabadThere is ability here. Support helps create the conditions in which it grows.
Your contribution goes towards teaching, care, vocational materials and the transport that gets learners through the gate each morning.