Apsara Foundation, Apollo Hospitals organise event to support inclusive education

The Apsara Foundation, in association with Apollo Hospitals, organised an awareness programme on inclusive education for children with mental health challenges and transgender individuals in Chennai on Thursday.

The event was led by journalist and social activist Apsara Reddy. Industrialist Deepa Dodla of Dodla Dairy Farms attended as chief guest, along with members of the Good Deeds Club.

The programme focused on creating educational and vocational opportunities for children with autism and Down syndrome, as well as members of the transgender community. Sumithra Prasad, founder of Dorai Foundation, Swetha Sudhakar, founder and director of Born2Win, along with members of the respective organisations also participated.

As part of the initiative, the Apsara Foundation contributed ₹50,000 to Born2Win towards transgender education and laptops, besides distributing Deepavali gifts to children. The Apsara Foundation also plans to donate an ambulance to the Dorai Foundation to support its efforts to reach and assist child survivors of sexual abuse.

Ms. Reddy said the initiative aimed to move beyond one-time assistance and create meaningful opportunities through education and skills training.

This is being done in addition to initiatives related to child rights, including supporting children facing abuse and neglect, renovating orphanages and helping children who have dropped out of school return to education, she said.