Times News Network
Mangalore Mar 7: Thousands of miles away from her hometown, Milou Willemsen is serving the special children in Saanidhya Residential School and Training Centre for the Mentally Challenged, at Kandettu. Milou, who hails from The Netherlands, was at Saanidhya for about five weeks as a volunteer at the school.
She is in Saanidhya since February 4 and is enjoying the days with the special children. Children, too, listen to her instructions and understand her. "I feel like I am with the family," she says, appreciating the school for the service it provides to the special children.
"Children are taught various activities, including yoga and computers, which is very interesting," she says.
Milou, who plans to pursue Masters of Science-Communications in The Netherlands, says her interest in serving needy people resulted in her coming to the city. Initially, Milou had come to Udupi to help special people. However, during her stay in Udupi, she came to know about Saanidhya.
During her stay, Milou has also learnt a bit of Kannada so that she can communicate with the residents of Saanidhya. "I have learnt patience and how to handle special children. It is a very beautiful place. I have got a lot of love and peace after coming here," says Milou, adding that she came to Saanidhya as a volunteer and not as part of the educational programme.
"One thing I appreciate about the people here is the hospitality," she says, making a special mention about the food here. Milou, who will be leaving on Friday, says she would like to visit again.
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