Welcome to 'FRIENDS OF JOHN OF GOD', an alliance of supporters of the differently abled (mentally retarded) meant to provide support to the differently abled at ST. JOHN OF GOD SPECIAL SCHOOL. It is an initiative of the Society for the Empowerment of the Learning Disabled (SELD), a non-governmental, charitable organisation which manages the St. John of God Special School.

"You can derive peace and satisfaction by giving a portion of the riches God has given you to support the differently abled."

In India there are about 90 million people categorized as disabled of which 31.5 million are mentally challenged. In India people with disabilities often live in isolation and receive little support except those provided by parents and relatives who themselves struggle to make both ends meet.

St. John of God Special School is a residential and day-centre of special education, training and care for children and others who are mentally challenged. It is managed by the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, an international health care, social service and religious organisation of Brothers. In India the Brothers started their first special school and home with five orphaned mentally challenged children at Velloor (near Pampady, Kottayam, Kerala, South India) in 1998. In 2003 a well-equipped school and home started functioning. At present there are 215 students in the school of which 170 are residential and 45 are day scholars. Ten of the residents are orphans.

Residential Service

The 170 residents (children and adults) are accommodated, on the basis of their sex, age, and ability, in seven separate ‘homes’ – hostel buildings, where they are trained and cared for. One of these homes is for girls. There are only 16 girls now as we usually send the girls above 15 to their respective families.

Other Services & Facilities

• Social surveys and research works
• Community based rehabilitation
• Skill development programmes
• Parent & student counselling
• Integration programmes
• Vocational training
• Computer training
• Hydrotherapy
• Band Set
• Sports

YOU CAN BECOME 'A FRIEND OF JOHN OF GOD', BY:

• Sponsoring meals
• Introducing us to others
• Sponsoring an orphan child
• Remembering us in your daily prayers
• Paying the medical expenses of the children
• Spending part of your time with the students, &
• Giving financial help

Help in Indian Currency:

Help in Foreign Currency:

Our Address