From struggles to strength: Children growing up with SEC

One mother’s vision to provide a better life not just for her daughter, who had polio, but also for other children facing similar challenges, led to the founding of an organisation that has since benefited thousands. Fathema Ismail started the Society for the Education of the Challenged (SEC) in 1958, in a small room at Azad Maidan, with the belief that every child deserves equal educational opportunities. Today, the organisation runs three day schools in Agripada, Wadala, and Khar, along with one residential school in Naigaon (Kamshet).

“SEC aims to provide children with physical disabilities the opportunity to receive an education, learn a vocation, and become independent. Apart from education, we teach them tailoring, block printing, etc., so that when they leave the school, they have livelihood options,” shares Yasmin Dhunjisha, president of the organisation.

Currently, SEC serves students with a wide range of disabilities, including Achondroplasia, Apert Syndrome, Arthrogryposis, C.T.E.V., Cerebral Palsy, Congenital Anomalies, Hemiplegia, Muscular Dystrophy, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Poliomyelitis, Spina Bifida, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, among others.

The school offers classes from standard one to standard seven, following the curriculum set by the Maharashtra State Board. The teaching is done in both Hindi and Marathi and a team of specially trained teachers is dedicated to making subject content more accessible and engaging for students, with a strong emphasis on individual attention to support each child's learning needs. 

"We even provide our children with free transport because otherwise they wouldn’t be able to come to school. Even with this free transport, it’s still challenging for parents—some students live in narrow lanes where the buses can't reach, so the parents have to bring the children who use wheelchairs to the bus,” she explains. 

To provide holistic care, SEC also offers physiotherapy, speech therapy, hydrotherapy, dance therapy, and music therapy. Recognising the importance of nutrition in a child’s development, the school provides milk and biscuits for breakfast, along with a wholesome mid-day meal to ensure students receive the nourishment they need to stay healthy and focused.

The 67-year-old organisation’s work has helped more than 5,000 children become more confident and adopt a positive outlook. Several former students now earn their livelihoods through painting, mobile repair, and teaching.

Raëll Padamsee, Managing Trustee, Create Foundation and Managing Director & CEO, ACE Productions Pvt Ltd, shares, “Yasmin has been constantly coming up with creative ways to keep the students engaged—whether it’s through academics, hydrotherapy, sports, music, dance, or drama. These activities don’t just teach skills—they build confidence and help the students grow into independent individuals who can take their place in the world with pride.” She adds that her work really helps break down barriers and shows that every child, no matter their abilities, deserves a chance to shine. At the CREATE Foundation, we completely relate to this belief in ‘Equal Opportunity for All.’ Our partnership with SEC is all about standing by that vision and doing what we can to help these incredible kids thrive.

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