Help 120+ Special Children At Velugu Live A Life Of Happiness And Dignity

“Special children across the country live in unimaginable conditions. Some are abandoned by their parents at a very young age, some are forced to beg to survive; some struggle to save themselves from sexu@l ass@ult…and fail. And some are abused for being born that way. I have witnessed them suffering in silence not knowing where to go or what to do. Velugu was born to create a safe space for these special children and help them live happy, carefree lives, just like the other children.” - Leena Kumari, Principal, Velugu

Situated in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, Velugu Society is a residential special school for children with special needs. It all started when the founder, late Mrs. Padmaja, brought 15 differently-abled children to her home in 1997. She taught them, fed them, and cared for them like none before. Today, home to more than 120 children, Velugu continues to carry forth the legacy she left behind.

A safe space for the differently abled, Velugu is currently home to 120 children

At Velugu, differently-abled children from age 3 to 20 are provided with special education, vocational training and personal support that helps in their development. With specially trained residential staff always there to nurture them, Velugu encourages them to dream of a brighter future. For differently-abled adults aged 21+, Velugu’s Gharaunda Initiative offers skill training in tailoring, incense making, data entry, embroidery and chalk Making among others. 

“The goal is to make them independent. We don’t believe in a rigid set of skills. We analyse their strengths and help them master a skill that can benefit them in the long run. It’s Velugu’s way of ensuring they enjoy the freedom that comes with financial independence. There is no bigger happiness than seeing them achieve that freedom, get married, make a place for themselves in the society, or use their skills to help others like them to become independent, ” -  Leena Kumari, Principal, Velugu

From 1997 till today, Velugu has changed the lives of 18,000+ differently-abled children. 

Born de@f and mute, Padmanabha Reddy joined Velugu at 6 years in poor health. Today, a certified computer instructor and happily married,he is Velugu’s most beloved trainer. Nagendra Babu, born with cerebral palsy, joined Velugu at 7. Today, an expert in excel, typing, and data entry, he is pursuing grade 10 at Velugu. And these are just two of the 18,000 success stories Velugu takes pride in.

Today, Velugu needs your help to reach more special children and change their lives

At Velugu, every child is provided with accommodation, nutritious food, clothing, access to special education, vocational training, assistive devices, medical and healthcare facilities and whatever else it is that they need for free. In addition to this, the organization also incurs the cost of providing special training to the staff, providing them with residential facilities and paying them monthly salaries. Having done this for nearly 30 years now, their resources are stretched thin and they need your help.

“Our staff have dedicated their whole lives towards bettering the lives of these kids. The least we can do for them in turn, is to pay them salaries on time. With requirements increasing each day, the requirement for assistive devices, nutritional elements and the day-to-day expenses incurred per child is rising too. Currently Velugu is home to 120 children and 34 staff members. With a little help from you we can keep going…”  

About the NGO:   Velugu Society is a residential special school in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to children with special needs. It was founded in 1997 by the late Mrs. Padmaja, who started by caring for 15 differently-abled children in her own home. Today, Velugu is home to over 120 children, providing them with special education, vocational training, and personal care. With trained residential staff nurturing them every step of the way, Velugu helps these children build confidence, independence, and a brighter future.