@ Vikas Sharma | Sr Journalist
December: Sightsavers India has received the third edition of Grant Thornton Sabera 2020 Award in the “Shiksha” category for its effort in the field of education amidst the ongoing pandemic.
SABERA awards were instituted by the Simply Suparnaa Media Network in the year 2018 with a view to recognize the exceptional work done in India in the development sector. The event focuses on contribution towards Sustainable Developments Goals by Individuals, Corporations in private and public sector domains, Foundations, Non Government Organisations, Trusts, Societies, Non-profits, Social enterprises and more. The awardees were recognised in a virtual jury meet which was held on 10th December 2020.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Sightsavers in Bihar introduced a Tele-education Model for Children with Visual Impairment under its Inclusive Education programme for assisting them in their regular learning process using available resources. An online pedagogy approach was adopted which focused on teaching Children with Visual Impairment through one-on-one telephonic calls or group con-calls. This approach was adapted in two Districts of Bihar, Bhagalpur and Jehanabad, as a pilot project during mid of April 2020. Sightsavers was recognised for its initiative, SANKALP – (Special approach for need-based knowledge and learning programme. This initiative of Sightsavers), is now being implemented across all 38 districts of Bihar.
Mr RN Mohanty, CEO at Sightsavers India expressed his views on receiving the award, “This is an extremely proud moment for us at Sightsavers. The news of this recognition comes as a breath of fresh air in these challenging times. Awards reaffirm and gratify the consistent hard work of the team and refinement of the process. We hope to continue working dedicatedly and standing by our motto.”