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About Us

History

Individuals with disabilities have often been overlooked and neglected by the society. But by the grace of God the Mar Thoma Center for Rehabilitation and Development (MCRD) Navajyothi School, Thelliyoor, is an evidence of the Mar Thoma Church’s receptiveness to the call of God to care for and serve the needs of the children with mental challenges (disabilities).
This institution was founded on 15th October 1981 in honor of the Episcopal Silver Jubilee of Most. Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan, Most. Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan and Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasius Suffragan Metropolitan. Incidentally the year 1981 was also the International Year for the disabled. MCRD is located on a scenic campus of 35 acres at Thelliyoor near Charal mount. This special school offers dedicated care and focused training for Mentally challenged children.

Currently the MCRD Navajyothi School is blessed by the gifted leadership of the Most. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan as the Patron and Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa as the President. A governing board constituted by the Mar Thoma Sabha Council manages the day today affairs of the institution.

Objectives / Mission

With an intention of nurturing and building up the children we strive to achieve the following objectives:

To identify and convey God’s love to children who are mentally challenged through focused attention specialized care, and positive support.
To provide primary education, including language, manipulation and mathematics, with the aim to equip each child / student to live independently.
To develop and cultivate social skills.
To give training in vocational activities, which will help the children stand on their feet.
To provide education to the “mild” category so that they may be included in the normal school and main stream of our society.

Profile

The school is registered under the Department of Public Instructions (DPI) and under the Education department of Government of Kerala (Govt. Reg. No.238/2008/2015) and has 31 dedicated members on its staff. Some of them have been with the school since its inception and some have completed 30 years of dedicated service. Twelve specially trained teachers, a social worker, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist and a physical therapist and experienced care givers comprise our diligent staff. The school provides residential and day-care facilities for its children.

Our Children

Through the years 900 plus children have graced the campus. At present 112 special children are being cared for. Out of which 74 students are part of the residential programe. They come from all over the state of Kerala. The students belong predominantly to poor and BPL (below poverty line) families. We have children diagnosed with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Fragile X Syndrome who are grouped according to their IQ level and chronological age and trained separately.