Help visually impaired students in writing exams.

Sarwodaya is a registered NGO in Nepal initiated as a project by visually impaired students to help other visually impaired students ensure their basic right to education. The visually impaired students, unlike other children of their peer groups, have to face many hurdles to enjoy their basic right to education, these problems range from lack of reading material in braille form or audiobook to writing examinations which is the only way of evaluation and progress in our education system. Through Sarwodaya we aim to assist visually impaired students in their educational journey, especially by supporting them to write exams through the help of volunteers/scribes. We would also further support them with soft skills and technical training (computer skills training).

Our main objective is to promote inclusive and equitable education systems for all by supporting the access and convenience of visually impaired students regarding both conventional and skilled-based education.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

1. Policy Advocacy in collaboration with National Examination Board – NEB

2. Assisted 47 Visually Impaired students to write their board examination (Till Now)

3. Two months of Computer Training for Visually Impaired Students (12 students)

4. Financial Literacy Program for Visually Impaired people (50 people)

5. Capital Market Training (50 people)

6. Personality Development and soft skills training

(15 students)

Our Working Areas

1. Audio Library

An audio library is a concept of creating audio books for making the medium more accessible to maximum audiences in this digitally guided world, especially for visually impaired people. Audiobooks are considered a highly preferable medium to provide books to people with blindness, unlike braille books which can go up to several volumes per book. In project Sarwodaya, we have incorporated the idea of creating an audio library for visually impaired people.

2. Writer’s/Scriber’s Club

Writers Club will be the group of volunteers formed by Sarwodaya. The primary function of the group would be to assist visually impaired students in their examinations of different levels. The visually impaired students usually face challenges while writing exam papers due to difficulty in finding a volunteer. The writers club will try to overcome the problem by bringing together interested volunteers who are willing to help visually impaired students and increase their access to education as well.

3. Training and Skills enhancement

Under this project, we have categorized and conducted a few training sessions for visually impaired students on public speaking, financial literacy, and computer training.

Through the career conclave, we are planning to assist visually impaired students in linkage and networking them to the available job market.

4. Current Focus areas

The current area of focus will be on managing scribers for visually impaired students and providing skill enhancement training. Later on, the phase will be carried out with detailed research on accessible educational systems for visually impaired and low-vision students of all levels. The suggested recommendation will be carried forward with strategic implementation and policy reconstruction if necessary. Side by side the concept of an Audio Library will also be jointly carried out.

Targeted Students

We are targeting to provide our service to at most 75 visually impaired Secondary Education Examination (SEE), High School, Bachelor’s, Masters and Teacher Service commission appearing students in upcoming examinations.

Stories

Debi Bahadur Fodung

As a visually impaired individual, it is exceptionally challenging to find someone to write the exam in a tight timeframe of one week. I am grateful that I connected with this tea, who helped me with a person to aid me in performing at my best. This effort and commitment to assist individuals with disabilities is truly admirable. I believe that it creates a positive influence in our lives and helps us grab opportunities. Your assistance has not only helped me overcome a significant obstacle but has also instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I will forever appreciate Sarwodaya and its unwavering dedication to inclusivity and societal progress.

Adesh Basyel

The COVID pandemic reminds me of two major obstacles that I had to face, one being the pandemic itself and the other being the complexity of my technical subjects. However, in my time of need, I was glad Sarwodaya offered a helping hand. Finding a scribe well-versed in technical subjects proved to be a daunting task, but Sarwodaya rose to the occasion. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and would like to express my deepest appreciation. They demonstrated a profound understanding of the intricate challenges I faced and displayed unwavering commitment to assisting students like myself. The impact of Sarwodaya's support on my academic journey cannot be overstated, and I genuinely treasure their invaluable aid during these trying times.

Bipin Wosti

I am deeply grateful for the remarkable support you provided me during my examination. Your assistance in finding a scribe was invaluable and truly touched my heart. When the initial scribe fell ill with Dengue during the examination, I was filled with worry and uncertainty. However, you quickly stepped in and managed to arrange another scribe for me. Your prompt response meant everything to me. Additionally, the efforts of your volunteer in handling all the necessary documentation with the TU examination board were truly outstanding. Thanks to their intervention, I was able to complete my exam without any further obstacles. You have made a profound impact on my academic journey, and I will forever be grateful.