CBM India’s Inclusive Learning Centre transforms lives: Zara’s journey of hope and progress
At six, Zara’s story reflects the power of inclusive education and early intervention for children with disabilities in low-income communities.
National Education Day 2025
Bengaluru, Nov 11: For six-year-old Zara, every morning begins with uncontainable excitement. The word “ICLC” — short for the Inclusive Community Learning Centre run by CBM India in Jigani, South Bengaluru – has become a symbol of joy, growth, and belonging in her young life.
Just a year ago, her parents, Aayesha and Baba Faqruddin, faced uncertainty and fear. Zara, who has an intellectual disability and experiences seizures since infancy, had never been away from them. “Those first days were challenging,” recalls Baba. “We used to stay at the centre until her classes were over, worried that a seizure might begin suddenly.”
Today, those anxious moments have turned into heartwarming milestones. Zara not only participates eagerly in her classes but also shows steady progress in communication and independence. “She has started saying words like ‘Akka’, ‘Papa’, and ‘Abba’—something we never thought possible before,” says Aayesha with pride. “She even helps me with small tools when I tailor at home. Seeing her happy means everything to us.”
Building Foundations for an Inclusive Future
CBM India’s Inclusive Community Learning Centres (ICLCs) are more than classrooms—they are catalysts for transformation. Designed to support children with disabilities, particularly from low-income and marginalized families, the centres provide a safe and nurturing environment for early learning, therapy, and skill development.
Each ICLC is staffed with qualified educators and therapists who work closely with families to prepare children for mainstream education and everyday independence. The focus on early intervention ensures that developmental milestones are achieved in time, giving children the foundation to thrive alongside their peers.
Beyond direct learning, these centres also serve as community hubs, challenging stereotypes and building awareness about disability inclusion. Parents and caregivers are trained to better understand and support their children, fostering both confidence and social acceptance.
A Network of Impact Across India
For families like Zara’s, ICLCs represent more than education—they are a source of hope, empowerment, and connection.
“CBM India’s support has changed our lives,” says Aayesha. “They didn’t just teach Zara; they taught us how to believe in her.”
CBM India Trust, a leading not-for-profit development organization, works across India to remove barriers for persons with disabilities through initiatives in health, education, and livelihood. In 2023–24 alone, CBM India reached over 32.9 lakh people across 26 states and union territories, building an inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to reach their potential.
About CBM India Trust
CBM India Trust is dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities and other marginalized communities. It partners with local organizations, institutions, and governments to create environments where inclusion is a reality, not an aspiration.
To learn more, visit www.cbmindia.org.
