Overview

The Hermann Sailer and Erica Schwob Cleft School Project is a unique initiative taken by CCI and HCS to rehabilitate children with cleft lip and palate. Such children are being provided free education in a residential setup with access to all basic amenities. This project’s main aim is to effectively rehabilitate children with cleft lip and palate defects. Besides providing free surgical treatment, speech therapy, orthodontic care, we want to provide free education in a residential setup. Our vision is to make these children leaders in the society.

Genesis

• Idea originated in July 2008, from Dr. h.c. Erica Schwob.
• The idea was discussed with the members of Hyderabad Cleft Society (HCS).
• HCS made a project proposal in detail, consisting of the infrastructure, manpower and the budget required.
• Jan 2009- Proposal was sanctioned and first installment of the budget released.
• Jan 4th, 2009 – Official Launching of the ‘Hermann Sailer and Erica Schwob Cleft School Project’.

Vision

To educate children with cleft lip and palate/craniofacial anomalies and make them potential candidates for employment so as to make them independent and aid to enhance their quality of life.

Our vision is to provide underprivileged children with cleft defects access to free education at primary school, high school and universities and make them doctors, cleft surgeons, speech language pathologists, so that they can manage the cleft children of the future.

Objectives

• To provide quality education to children with cleft lip and palate in a residential setup.
• To provide employment opportunities for adults with cleft lip and palate/craniofacial anomalies within the setup.
• To assist in career guidance and vocational counseling for adults with cleft lip and palate/craniofacial anomalies.
• To conduct relevant short term vocational training programmes ( computer education/ secretarial work/ stitching/ cooking ) for adults with cleft lip and palate/craniofacial anomalies.
• To explore available opportunities and find suitable placements for clients with cleft lip and palate/craniofacial anomalies.

Criteria for intake of children into the Project

• Cleft lip and palate
• Age range – 8 to 12 yrs
• Rural area
• Low economic background
• Preference for girls
• Studying / attending school
• Orphans
• Abandoned children

The children enrolled into this project are basically from low socio-economic background, from rural areas, and who have been studying in government run schools. Also, most of them are undernourished due to lack of nutritious food at home.

Infrastructure

A well furnished dormitory is available separately for girls and boys, with bunker cots and cupboards. Also, the children are provided with a room used for reading and playing indoor games. There is a dining area and a kitchen too. There are separate restrooms for girls and boys.

Staff

The project is being run efficiently by experienced staff consisting of a Project Director, Project Coordinator, two hostel wardens cum tutors, administrator, three cooks, three maidservants, and a security guard.

School

Facilities

All the facilities like education, hostel, food, entertainment, other basic amenities are being provided free of cost.

Benefits for children enrolled in the project

• Proper nutrition based on a balanced diet
• Quality education with set standards
• Regular speech therapy
• Orthodontic Treatment
• Change in the lifestyle
• Motivating environment
• Health insurance

Future
We wish to expand the project by constructing our own building which will accommodate about 500 children in another 5 years span.

Building a strong foundation today, to fulfill their dreams tomorrow!