A father’s dream for a children’s haven
Dipthandu Dip Roy Bablu's family was thrown into uncertainty when his young son was diagnosed with autism. Bablu was at his wit's end to figure out how he would get treatment for the young Debabrata Roy in Kusumbagh area of Moulvibazar sadar upazila.
At the time of his diagnosis in 2005, Debabrata had both neurological and physical limitations. He could not walk without the help of others.
His parents visited many doctors, but could not ensure the consistent treatment required for neuro-divergent children.
Bablu then decided to take matters into his own hands for the sake of his child. He traveled to multiple cities in India including Kolkata, Delhi and Bangalore over 92 days to receive training on teaching autistic children in 2006.
Upon his return, he began implementing his lessons to help his son. Soon enough, the child's neurological responses became more active, and he was able to communicate with his parents.
Noticing the benefit Debabrata was getting from the lessons, Bablu decided to set up a school -- Blooming Roses Buddhi Protibondhi O Autistic Bidyalaya -- with the aim to improve the lives of children with disabilities.
"I was taking care of my son with my skills that I learned from the training in India. But I thought that I could provide similar care to other children with disabilities. Being driven from that spirit, I set up the school," said Bablu.
"I started the school inside a room in my house with just four autistic children. They began showing signs of improvement within a few days," he said.
"As the news spread, many other parents of autistic children came to me for advice. The number of students at the school grew fast. It became difficult to handle additional numbers of children in my small school," he added.
Later in 2012, the school was shifted to a building near Moulvibazar Sadar Upazila Parishad office with the help of local administration.
After that, government agencies, acquaintances, friends, well-wishers and people from different walks of life came forward to cooperate with money, toys, furniture, electric fans and whatever else they could manage, he said.
Some volunteers expressed interest to work as teachers in the school. The landlord of the building where the school is situated offered a discount on the rent. "The financial and logistical supports from friends and well-wishers keep us motivated to continue," said Bablu.
Now, there are 115 children studying at Blooming Roses school.
Everyday, from 10am to 1pm, the children go to school for yoga, instrumental exercise, speech therapy, and pre-primary education. No guardian has to pay for these services. In addition to that, financial aid is provided for poor children. The teachers get a nominal fee.
"This school teaches autistic children various life skills. We teach them how to better communicate their needs and wants and overcome limitations in their motor functions," explained Bablu.
"After receiving those lessons here, some children are able to enter the mainstream schooling system. Six of our students including Debabrata (now 17) are now in the sixth grade, while one student is studying in the ninth grade at a local school," Bablu added.
"The school offers physical exercises alongside typical learning activities. Speech therapy is a necessity for autistic children. We are very happy for their initiative," said Husna Begum, whose son is a student of Bablu.
Mother of another student, Reshana Begum, said, "My son could not move without a wheelchair before. But now he can walk alone."
Debosmitha Deb Roy, a dance and music teacher of the school, said, "I have been teaching autistic children for nine years without payment. I love the work I do here."
Contacted, the district's deputy commissioner (DC) Mir Nahid Ahsan praised the initiative and said the school needs more support from the government for expanding its reach.
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