Kripalaya Special School, managed by the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, is celebrating 25 years of providing education and life skills to children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities from impoverished families. In 2010, the Kerala state government honoured the school at Pulpally, a town in Wayanad district of Kerala, as the best “special school.”
According to Sister Memadthil, the school headmistress, the school that started with just five students, has cared for 360 children, including 139 currently enrolled. The school cares for children as young as 3, but also assists several adults as old as 50 without family support. Sister Memadathil said that this is one of the leading “special schools” in Kerala. The school was started in 2001 by Sr. Josilia Kizhakkechalil, provincial at that time. There are 27 staff members, including 21 teaching staff and six non-teaching staff. Among them, 16 are members of Mary Matha province, based in Mananthavady. For parents, the school has been a blessing. Many of them could not leave their children alone at home and were unable to work. Now, they feel secure leaving their children with us, even beyond school hours if necessary. This has given them peace of mind and the freedom to earn a livelihood. The local community also supports us in many ways. Neighbours sponsor meals, donate furniture and celebrate festivals with our students. Kripalaya has become a household name in this area, and people are proud to be associated with it.
