Teacher who understands special kids

Aakanksha N Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 4

He understands them more than anyone else. He is an Inclusive Educator Associate Teacher, who teaches children with special needs.

Rakesh Kumar (36), from Government Primary School, Bhangala, has been teaching special students since 2009.

“I must say that these kids have become an integral part of my life. I have learnt a lot from them. Despite several problems, they smile, work hard, laugh and what not,” he said.

Kumar got permanent in the Education Department in 2023. His class has students suffering from intellectual disability and some have hearing, speech and visual impairments, too.

“They just need love. There have struggles too. Some children are so hyper-active. But, then everything gets under control with experience,” he said.

Last year, Kumar also won a State Award on Teachers’ Day for his services in the field. Several times, Kumar also took the students to various sports competitions and also won medals.

“They just want to learn. I have noticed many qualities in them and they have the potential to shine in their lives and this is what my aim in life is, to ignite hope among them,” he said.

Kumar also organises camps for students who suffer from cerebral palsy. He goes to their homes and interacts with them.