The Centre for Special Education, Indian School Muscat held its annual concert at the ISM auditorium on 24 February 2008 .  Masooma Hamed Al Saleh, Director, Association of Early Intervention for children with Special Education was the chief guest.  The theme for the concert was “Hope Floats”.   

The play “ Hope Floats “ made one realize how the basic core values of life unfold and culminate in the realization that no matter how much material wealth one has, one has to be blessed with love, hope and friendship to be truly happy. The beauty of the whole thing is that we do not have to look far to seek them – they are all around us.

The concert was well attended by the School Managing Committee headed by Mr. Deepak Bradoo. Dr. P.C. Alexander, Chairman CSE Sub-Committee, Principal, Vice Principals of the Indian School Muscat, parents and friends of CSE also attended the event.

The concert started with a report on the activities of the Centre read out Mrs.Lakshmi Neelakantan, In-charge, Centre for Special Education, Vice Principal, Pre-Primary Section, Indian School Muscat.  A welcome song “Hello There” by the children followed the report.  The play included many songs and dances, “The Dancing Shoes”, “I am the Music Man” and “Mr. Sun”. 

The sibling and buddies of the children from the Centre also participated in the play.  There was a group song by the children and solo songs “Panchchi Banoo” by Fatima Sidhilk and “Yeh zameen gaa rahi hain” by Jack Zacharias.  The volunteers rendered a group song “Aashayein”

Mr. K. Kurian, convener felicitated volunteers who completed one year of voluntary service at the Centre.  Ms. Masoma Hamed Al Saleh presented a memento to each one of them.  An audiovisual presentation on the centre was well appreciated.  Ms. Usha Nayar delivered the vote of thanks. A artwork by Ayasha Khatoon, CSE, was presented to the chief guest in appreciation of her presence at the function. 

In the world today, we often look for a ray of hope to brighten our day.   Little do we realize, that we can be instrumental in bringing that ray of hope to those around us

The CSE, set up in 1992, provides structured, specialised educational instructions to suit the individual needs of children with varying disabilities such as autism, mental retardation, slow learning and cerebral palsy in ages ranging from 4 to 18 years. The CSE caters to the special needs of the children providing services of a psychologist, speech therapist, special educators and a band of dedicated volunteers.