An inspiring initiative dedicated to education, empowerment, rehabilitation and lifelong care for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Everyone deserves an opportunity to learn, grow, work and live with dignity. Angels’ Village is a hope for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located in Ponkunnam, Kottayam district, Kerala, Angels’ Village is an initiative of We Care Centre, built around a compassionate vision: to create a society where differently abled individuals are accepted, supported, empowered and given the opportunity to lead meaningful lives.
Angels’ Village is not simply an educational institution or a care centre. It is an integrated community initiative that seeks to support individuals throughout their lives, from early childhood to adulthood and old age. Its philosophy is rooted in the belief that every person has unique abilities, talents and potential that deserve recognition and encouragement.
A Vision Beyond Care: From the Womb to the Tomb
The central philosophy of Angels’ Village is to provide comprehensive support to differently abled individuals throughout their lifetime. Rather than limiting its services to education or basic care, the initiative brings together special education, healthcare, therapies, rehabilitation, vocational training, residential facilities and opportunities for social inclusion.
The project aims to understand the individual needs of every person and create an environment where they feel loved, respected, capable and wanted. With approximately seven acres of land acquired for the project, Angels’ Village envisions an inclusive environment where education, skill development, independence and community participation come together. An important aspect of its approach is early identification and timely intervention, helping children receive appropriate educational and therapeutic support during their formative years.
Asha Nilayam: Education That Recognises Every Ability
Special School
One of the major initiatives of Angels’ Village is Asha Nilayam, a special school established in 1979 to provide education and developmental support to children with intellectual disabilities.
According to the organisation’s website, the school currently serves around 210 children with the support of 48 teaching and non-teaching staff members. Following the Kerala State syllabus, Asha Nilayam provides learning opportunities according to the age, abilities and individual skill levels of students. Education here extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. Children are encouraged to discover their interests and develop practical, creative and social skills.
The school offers several extracurricular and developmental activities, including:
- Information technology and physical training.
- Music, dance and band activities.
- Art, crafts and tailoring.
- Cooking and yoga.
- Speech therapy and occupational therapy.
- Physiotherapy and specialised training for children with autism.
- Daycare and playschool facilities.
The institution also brings together teachers, counsellors, therapists, doctors and other professionals to support the overall development and well-being of its students. Its accessible infrastructure, therapy rooms, sensory integration facilities, sensory garden and swimming pool further reflect its commitment to creating a supportive learning environment.
Asha Kiran: Providing a Safe and Caring Home
Residential Care for Boys
Education becomes more meaningful when children also have a safe and supportive place to live. Recognising this need, Angels’ Village provides residential care through Asha Kiran, a boarding facility for boys studying at Asha Nilayam. According to the website, the facility currently cares for 45 boys of different age groups. The children receive nutritious food, regular medical check-ups, medicines, physiotherapy and other developmental support.
Alongside their daily care, the boys are encouraged to participate in cultural programmes, sports and practical activities. Training in candle-making, paper bag production, envelope-making and other crafts helps them develop confidence and useful life skills. The objective is to ensure that every child experiences not only physical security but also affection, belonging and opportunities for personal growth.
Ashwas: Empowering Individuals Through Vocational Training
Vocational Training Centre
One of the most important challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities is the transition from childhood to adulthood. After completing school, many young people require continued guidance, training and support to become as independent as possible. Ashwas Vocational Training Centre addresses this important need. The centre provides practical training designed to help young adults develop occupational abilities, self-confidence and opportunities for productive engagement.
Its training programmes include:
- Candle-making and handicrafts.
- Paper bags and envelopes.
- Screen printing and spiral binding.
- Sculpture and clay modelling.
- Tailoring and cooking.
- Jewellery and ornament-making.
- Production of soaps, detergents and cleaning products.
- Agriculture and horticulture.
- Animal husbandry and farming.
The emphasis is on learning through practical experience. By engaging in meaningful activities, trainees can discover their abilities, develop a sense of responsibility and participate more actively in society. The centre also explores opportunities for students to produce and sell products, connecting skill development with economic participation.
We Farm School: Learning Through Nature
Angels’ Village also recognises the importance of agriculture as a valuable avenue for rehabilitation, learning and skill development. Through We Farm School, young adults above the age of 18 receive training in vegetable cultivation, horticulture and agricultural practices. Working with soil, plants and nature offers opportunities to develop patience, discipline, coordination and practical knowledge. It also introduces trainees to productive activities that can contribute to their independence and self-esteem.
Animal Husbandry: Building Practical Skills
Animal husbandry forms another important component of the organisation’s empowerment programmes.
Trainees receive exposure to activities such as:
- Goat rearing.
- Poultry farming.
- Rabbit rearing.
- General animal care and management.
These activities provide practical learning experiences while encouraging responsibility, routine and participation in productive work. The organisation also trains students in preparing food products such as curry powders, spices, pickles, rice powder and other value-added products. Such initiatives demonstrate how vocational education can extend beyond conventional classroom learning and create meaningful opportunities through agriculture, small-scale production and entrepreneurship.
Asha Nikethan: A Promise of Lifelong Care
One of the most sensitive and significant aspects of disability care is ensuring a secure future for individuals who may not have parental support. Asha Nikethan is envisioned as a long-term rehabilitation and residential care facility for children and individuals whose parents have passed away, are seriously ill or are unable to provide care. The facility is designed to accommodate approximately 50 residents in a homely and supportive environment.
Residents can benefit from the educational, therapeutic and vocational training facilities available within Angels’ Village. This initiative addresses a major concern for families: what happens to their children when they are no longer able to care for them? Asha Nikethan represents an effort to provide continuity of care, security and a sense of belonging.
Angels’ Home: Keeping Families Together
Another distinctive initiative is Angels’ Home, designed for parents who wish to continue living alongside their differently abled children. Many parents dedicate their entire lives to caring for their children. However, as they grow older, concerns about their children’s future become increasingly important.
Angels’ Home seeks to offer a residential alternative where parents can remain with their children and continue providing emotional and physical support. The initiative reflects an understanding that disability care is not only about institutions and professional services. It is also about family relationships, emotional connections and the importance of living together with dignity.
Building an Inclusive Society
The larger vision of Angels’ Village goes beyond providing facilities and services. It seeks to challenge social attitudes towards disability. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often excluded from educational, occupational and social opportunities. They may face discrimination, isolation and limited access to resources.
Angels’ Village works towards creating an environment where differences are understood and individual abilities are encouraged. Its integrated approach connects education with rehabilitation, vocational training with productive activities, and residential care with emotional support. By providing opportunities for individuals to learn, participate, create and contribute, the organisation seeks to promote a more inclusive society.
A Mission That Needs Collective Support
Creating and maintaining an integrated community for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities requires continuous commitment, resources and public support. Teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals, caregivers, volunteers, parents and supporters all have an important role to play in making this vision sustainable.
Individuals, families, institutions, businesses and well-wishers can contribute by supporting the organisation’s activities, sharing its mission, volunteering their time and helping create greater awareness about disability inclusion. Every contribution can help strengthen opportunities for education, rehabilitation, care and empowerment.
Every Life Deserves a Future Filled with Hope
Angels’ Village represents a meaningful vision of a society where people are valued not for their limitations but for their abilities, potential and individuality.
Through Asha Nilayam, Asha Kiran, Ashwas, We Farm School, Asha Nikethan and Angels’ Home, the organisation seeks to address the different stages and needs of life for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its message is simple yet powerful: every individual deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, experience love, develop skills and live with dignity.
