Inauguration of Swabodhini School and Vocational Centre for Special Children supported by Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited

Empowering Future through Specialized Education, Chennai Port Authority, Kamarajar Port Limited & Swabodhini Charitable Trust

Chennai Port & Dock Educational Trust Higher Secondary School functions at Tondaiarpet Housing Colony of Chennai Port Authority.  In addition, a special centre for autistic children by name Swabodhini School and Vocational Centre for Special Children was commenced in 2023 in the School Premises.

This centre initially was started with 24 students in 2023 and has grown to a strength of 44 students in 2024. The special school is dedicated to providing tailored education, therapy, and support to meet the unique needs of Special Children and it mainly caters to the underpriviledged class of North Chennai.

In order to accommodate the  increased strength, a new facility at the Chennai Port & Dock Educational Trust Kindergarten and Primary School(Annexe), in the same colony has been created and was inaugurated on 30^th August 2024 by Shri. Sunil Paliwal IAS, Chairperson Chennai Port Authority and Chairman Kamarajar Port Limited.

The inauguration function was graced by the august presence of Shri .S. Viswanathan IAS, Deputy Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority, Smt.J.P. Irene Cynthia IAS, Managing Director, Kamarajar Port Limited, Smt. Radha Ganesan, Founder, Swabodhini and Members of the Trust. Officers and Employees of Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Ltd were also present during the inaugural function.

The newly inaugurated centre will function exclusively for the special children and will be supported by Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Limited. Operational expenditure will be shared by Chennai Port and Kamarajar Port in the ratio of 25% and 75% from their respective CSR funds.

Stage performance by special children and students of Chennai Port & Dock Educational Trust Higher Secondary School was presented with great enthusiasm.

Shri. Sunil Paliwal IAS, Chairperson Chennai Port Authority and Chairman Kamarajar Port Limited, in his Inaugural Address, appreciated the contribution made by the employees of Chennai Port Authority, Kamarajar Port Limited and Swabodhini NGO, who had made illustrious efforts   to make this noble idea into a reality. The Chairperson added that creation of the present infrastructure is only the beginning of our mission and urged the Swabodhini Team to make this institution a Model Vocational Centre for Special Children of Chennai in the years to come. He appreciated the synergy between the two schools so far and expected this integration to continue in future.

This special school plays a vital role in supporting the unique needs of children with autism, by providing a safe and nurturing environment and are trained on workplace functionalities to be job-ready for placement in different organisations. By fostering acceptance, understanding and empowerment, the school is making a positive impact on the lives of its students and the broader community.

The support provided by Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Limited stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when compassion, dedication, and education come together. This also highlights the dedication of Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Limited in achieving higher operational efficiency as well as creating positive  impact on  the community at large.