MONA REMEDIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTRE

On 13th June 1983 Mona Remedial Educational Centre started functioning with 3 students. The strength of the children gradually rose to 30 and 3 teachers in 1984. The journey was long and tedious as the school faced financial constraints at every point. The students and teachers managed with minimal comforts. They made do with cane mats and wooden planks for writing support. The first donors the Rotary Club sponsored few benches and chairs. Keeping in mind the need for all round development of the students, Annual sports were held in a BMC garden from the first year of the school’s inception.

In 1989 tabla class was introduced and in the academic year 1989-90 Mrs Rajalakshmi and Ms Lena D’silva prepared the first batch for NIOS (National Open School) a big leap forward for the school.

Various trials and tribulations were borne by the school. Our founder Late Fr. Frank Noronha and the principal Ms Lena D’silva toiled to obtain the 80 G registration. The school had its first fund raising programme in 1996. The first Diwali exhibition cum sale was organized. Various articles were made and exhibited by the students and staff. In 2000-01 MREC had its second fund raising programme a Classical Dance ballet at YM Chavan Hall. The children and staff worked tirelessly to put up this ballet. They travelled to a rented hall for practice daily. Their efforts bore fruit and a superb performance was put up. It was well appreciated by one and all.

Mona Remedial kept growing and the capacity of the students increased to 70.Bursting at its seams there was a dire need for more space to continue running the school. Various proposals for plots were looked at but none suited the needs of our Special children. In 2002 -03 as if an answer to our prayers the BMC granted an area of 2000 sq ft. on lease. Ms Lena D’silva worked towards fulfilling all the formalities for a period of 3 months without any office assistant.

In 2004 January MREC shifted to its current location. Various sales and exhibitions are held annually to cover costs. In 2007 another fund raising programme was oraganized where Mr Johnny Lever and his group performed. In 2010 as well the school celebrated its Annual day at Yashwant Natya Mandir. Various enthusiastic dance performances were presented by the students, ex-students and parents as well.

MREC’s staff comprises of Special Educators, Psychologists, Occupational Therapist, Music Therapist, Physical Education teacher, Tabla Teacher, Computer teacher, Dance teacher, Art and Craft teacher and Singing teacher.

However, the financial burdens continue to apprehend us. It is through the generous contributions of donors and philanthropists that the school has tided over crunching times. Perseverance, dedication and a firm belief in God has been Ms Lena D’silva’s constant support.