It’s Learn & Earn For Differently-Abled Students This Diwali

Bhubaneswar: Adding a unique sparkle to Diwali, differently-abled students of of Open Learning System are busy making colourful diyas and chocolates for the festival of lights on Sunday.

“Our aim is to train these students to make various things so that they can learn and earn. Around 50 differently-abled students are engaged in this work. Our staff and some other people are helping them by buying their products,” said Rath,” said Prakash Rath, CEO of Open Learning System.

Rath informed, “We have a capacity for 50 students to stay at our centre. Now 42 students are staying here. Some other students come on a regular basis from their homes. We have special educators to teach them.”

“We are giving vocational training to 60 students. They are engaged in diya making, chocolate making, cookery, bakery, etc. as per their interest and capabilities,” said  Sagarika Sahu, principal of the cerebral palsy wing at Open Learning System.

“The diyas and chocolates made by the differently-abled students are exhibited for sale at many stalls in the city. Their parents are also buying these products,” said Sahu.

“Our students are making around 100 diyas and four kg of chocolates per day. They craft the diyas and paint them in different colours. The materials that we use to make these items are all eco-friendly,” she added.