In 1958, Fathema Ismail founded the Society for the Education of the Challenged (SEC). Her goal was to create better opportunities not only for her daughter, who had polio, but also for other children facing similar difficulties. She started the organisation in a small room at Azad Maidan, driven by the belief that every child deserves equal access to education.
Today, SEC operates three day schools located in Agripada, Wadala, and Khar. It also runs a residential school in Naigaon (Kamshet).
Yasmin Dhunjisha, the president of SEC, explains, “We aim to help children with physical disabilities get an education, learn skills, and become independent. Along with regular classes, we teach them vocational skills like tailoring and block printing. This way, they have options to earn a living after leaving school.”
SEC supports children with many types of disabilities. These include Achondroplasia, Apert Syndrome, Arthrogryposis, C.T.E.V., Cerebral Palsy, Congenital Anomalies, Hemiplegia, Muscular Dystrophy, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Poliomyelitis, Spina Bifida, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy, among others.
The school offers classes from first to seventh standard. It follows the Maharashtra State Board curriculum. Teaching is done in both Hindi and Marathi. A team of specially trained teachers works hard to make lessons easier to understand and more engaging. They focus on giving individual attention to each student based on their needs.
Yasmin adds, “We provide free transportation to students because many would not be able to come to school otherwise. Even so, it can be tough for parents. Some children live in narrow lanes where the buses cannot enter. So, parents often have to carry children in wheelchairs to the bus stop.”
SEC also offers therapies to support the children’s overall development. These include physiotherapy, speech therapy, hydrotherapy, dance therapy, and music therapy. The school provides milk and biscuits for breakfast and a nutritious mid-day meal to ensure the children stay healthy and focused throughout the day.
Over the past 67 years, SEC has helped more than 5,000 children build confidence and develop a positive outlook. Many former students now earn a living through painting, mobile phone repair, and teaching.
Raëll Padamsee, Managing Trustee of the CREATE Foundation and CEO of ACE Productions Pvt Ltd, praises SEC’s work. She says, “Yasmin always finds creative ways to keep the students engaged. Whether through academics, hydrotherapy, sports, music, dance, or drama, these activities do more than teach skills. They build confidence and help students grow into independent adults who can take their place in society with pride.”
She adds, “This work breaks down barriers and proves that every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves a chance to shine. At the CREATE Foundation, we fully support the belief in ‘Equal Opportunity for All.’ Our partnership with SEC helps us stand by that vision and support these amazing children as they thrive.”
