Kopele V Tepa, founder of Bumblebee Inclusive School Kohima speaking during the Annual Day on September 13. (Photo by Jabu Krocha)
Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | September 13
In a state where many children with disabilities are still kept hidden at home because of stigma, Bumbleebee Inclusive School Kohima has created a ground-breaking environment for children with and without disabilities to learn, play and grow together.
What started with a humble beginning of 15 children in the year 2013, has now grown into an enrolment of 120 students including 25 children with disabilities. Throughout the journey of the school, Bumbleebee has impacted the lives of hundreds of children with disability by allowing them to be part of a shared system of education.
When Kopele V. Tepa first founded the school, there were people in the locality who said, “if you take out children with disability out of your school, we will get more enrolment for the school.” “It just ripped my heart apart because I am also an aunt to a niece with disability,” Tepa recalled.
She related to The Morung Express that the policy of inclusion in the School Education Department is also not very transparent while highlighting that the parameters and guidelines that need to be followed defeat their very purpose of wanting an inclusive school.
Stating that there is a lot of limitation, while citing that the class ratio of 20:1, she asserted that, “when we are thinking of inclusion we need to cater to a lesser number of students with more teachers.” Further pointing out that there are challenges in terms of the terrain and accessibility to school, she remarked that for children with disability to come out of their homes to go to school, they need public transportation that are accessible.
Besides this, the state also has limited professionals and psychologists in this respect. So then, where do these children go? she questioned. Emphasizing that children are so innocent and come without biases, she also pointed out that, “when they are playing together, they hardly realise unless there is a physical impairment.” “They have friends who are regular and feel they are like any of the other children coming in,” she added.
She said that the biggest challenge they are faced with at the moment is “attitudinal barrier” and further underscored the need to create more space for the community to become sensitive to the needs of children with disability. Sometimes, she also noted, “it is beyond academic” while highlighting the need to formulate policies that include people with disabilities.
Bumblebee Inclusive School Kohima Observes Annual Day
Bumblebee Inclusive School Kohima observed its Annual Day with Principal Secretary, Geology & Mining and Science & Technology, Himato Zhimomi as the special guest at the Nagaland Olympic Association Cafeteria on September 13.
Addressing the annual day, Himato Zhimomi, whose children are also enrolled in the school, said that the way Bumblebee functions has changed his own perception of schooling. Recalling his own school days, he said that he grew up in a boarding school with rigid rules and regulations and as a disciplinarian.
As Bumblebee Inclusive School Kohima only has classes up to 6, he also exuded hope that it would be upgraded in the years to come even while expressing that it is difficult to take them out of the school once they are enrolled since they are enjoying the learning environment. He stated his wish that the school would soon have a proper compound, and a larger school with a proper compound.
He also stated confidence that those children leaving the school after class 6 would only leave after pure enjoyment. He especially commended the school for teaching the children the value of kindness. “As you grow, I only pray and wish the very best for you,” he added and further thanked the school, the teachers and the parents, while highlighting that their children have fantastic friends. “The school has bound us together. We are united wherever we are in whatever circumstances,” he said.
Founder of Bumblebee Inclusive School Kohima, Kopele V. Tepa proposed the vote of thanks. She particularly thanked the teachers and parents for the role they have played throughout and for having such a big heart to allow them to make inclusion a reality. “Without your support and big heart, it won't be possible. I hope we are able to impact each other's lives,” she said.
Highlights of the Annual Day included several special performances by the students while family of Luke Munuzo Sasü of Class B called “A Family Ordinaire” comprising of Ruth Nukhu Sasü, Jewel and Zaseto Sasü presented a special number. Dzieseneinuo Sophie chaired the programme.
