As we approach the culmination of the two-year EMET program, generously funded by Guru Krupa Foundation (GKF), we express our deepest gratitude for their unwavering support in empowering visually impaired students from seven colleges between 2022 and 2024. We would like to share some remarkable success stories of our beneficiaries, showcasing the profound impact of GKF’s contributions on their lives and the transformative journeys they have undertaken.
The EMET program, aimed at empowering visually impaired students in undergraduate and postgraduate studies, has seen a total of 25 beneficiaries. While 7 students struggled and exited the program, the remaining 18 have achieved considerable success. Notably, 15 students have consistently attended regular batches, and 3 have received tailored support as slow or special learners, ensuring their unique needs are met.
Success Stories:
Ramesh’s Journey:
Ramesh has made remarkable strides by completing his Ph.D. and is currently pursuing accessibility testing course. He utilized the support provided to transition from relying on scribes to using laptops for his project work and assignments, with a current typing speed of 25 to 30 words per minute. Ramesh’s journey is inspiring. He was born blind, he faced significant challenges until he joined EMET. He learned time management, money management, interview skills, and developed confidence. Raised by a single mother, Ramesh aspires to work in information technology.
Kavilakshmi’s Progress:
Kavilakshmi, a low-vision candidate at Kundhavai College, has learned to use InstaReader and improved her spelling significantly. She now navigates the internet on her laptop using shortcut keys, browses efficiently, and extracts useful information. Diagnosed with RP linked to diabetes, she is taking treatment to tackle other health issues. She plans to seek employment post-treatment. Currently, she attends all sessions online and is actively enhancing her skills.
Prashant’s Advancement:
Prashant, from Sarfoji College became blind after his plus-two exams and stayed home for three years before seeking help. At school he was a sportsman and was into athletics. His family was shattered when he became blind overnight. Taking the help of scribes, he managed to give his higher secondary exam. After that he joined undergrad programme at Sarfoji College when he heard about EMET programme. With limited prior knowledge he joined the programme but quickly adapted.
Now typing at 20 to 25 words per minute, Prashant aims to further his computer skills by learning advanced Excel and online Python courses. His journey from isolation to empowerment showcases the program’s impact.
Bharanidharan’s Story
Bharanidharan previously lacked confidence in his grammar, but through the EMET employability module, he learned about private sector opportunities for visually impaired individuals and developed strong interview skills. With a deep passion for history, his ultimate goal is to become a historian. EMET training prepared him for competitive exams, and he has already taken the Group 4 exams. The computer literacy and other skills acquired at EMET have given him a significant edge. He highly recommends the EMET course to all juniors, as it has been instrumental in his personal and professional development.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our funder Guru Krupa Foundation for their invaluable and significant contribution. They are based out of the state of New York, USA, and have been doing yeoman service in areas related to the acquisition and preservation of knowledge and heritage. They have been instrumental in transforming the lives of our beneficiaries. The stories of Ramesh, Kavilakshmi, Prashant and Bharanidharan highlight the program’s success in empowering visually impaired students to achieve their goals and build confident futures
We wish our beneficiaries continued success and look forward to seeing them achieve their aspirations. Our thanks once again to the philanthropist “Guru Krupa Foundation” and all stakeholders for making this transformative journey possible.