At Riya we have 2 trained staff (Sibin , Shivraj). They have completed their course in B.Ed-MR & one of them is currently pursuing Masters in Clinical Psychology. They stay full time at Riya and are with the in-mates helping them in every step of theirs. They also ensure that our in-mates are exercised in the morning and assisted with their bath and wearing their uniform, to having breakfast and then dropped to an integrated school.
Children below the age group of 18 are ensured they attend compulsory schooling as it helps them to interact with new faces and helps them in their learning too. The ones above 18 are trained at various vocational training centers as it helps them get an exposure. The teaching is continued with our in-house staff once they are back home. They are also trained in daily living skills helping them to become as independent as possible. Basic skill training like understanding the use of currency, reading the clock, understanding traffic signals, toilet training etc. are taught.
We also have appointed two full time cooks to ensure that the staff and students enjoy a healthy home meal keeping their diet in mind.
Vegetarian and non- vegetarian cuisine is prepared based on preferences. The inmates are also ensured that the best is given to them. A glass of milk is provided along with a healthy breakfast ensuring they are charged up for the day. Once back from school ready snacks with a beverage of their choice.
After dinner we ensure they end their day with a glass of milk. We try making the kids comfortable as if they are in their own house. The inmates are also ensured that they are taken to a restaurant during an occasion, could be a birthday or just any other day. This helps them to think beyond the four walls.
Our whole model was planned keeping the parent in mind. We wanted to facilitate a platform where the parent gets what makes them comfortable. If a parent has to attend a family emergency and wants to leave the child for a few hours, we are ready to help. Or if the parent wants to leave the child from a Monday to Friday, we can cater to that too.
We are an institution with no boundaries. The only thing we insure is that the child is not banished from the family. We are also willing to take care for life. We ensure the person is trained in simple tasks ensuring he or she can earn a living. We working on tie-ups with corporate where simple tasks like photocopying or working at restaurants or coffee shops or pantry can be provided.
Our dream is to start a coffee shop run by the disabled, where in one gets to showcase their talent in painting, music, art etc. We are looking at ways on how we can make their life bigger and better.
Currently with 7 people on board our monthly expenses are as mentioned below.
Salaries: 20000
Groceries: 10000
Meat and vegetables & milk: 2500
Light, water & phone bills: 5000
Miscellaneous: 5000 (Clothes, medicines, school fee’s etc.)
Total: 42,500
