Sethu is a Charitable Trust based in Goa, India, to help all children get the best out of their lives, families, schools and communities to grow and develop. Sethu’s mission is to be a bridge between children and their families, schools and communities to foster their overall development through awareness, assessments, therapy, educational initiatives, training and capacity building in the community.
Children in Goa have a facility where they can be assured of the best quality of care for developmental and behavioral health. Established in 2005, the Sethu Trust runs the Sethu Centre for Child Development & Family Guidance, which has been providing services to the community for over 14 years, through a child development and family guidance program, early intervention for children with autism and other disabilities, innovative English education in Government primary schools, training programs for parents, teachers and other professionals, on-the-job training for students from various disciplines, networking with educational institutions, other organizations and the Government institutions and providing technical support through itinerant teaching to schools that practice inclusive education.

Appeal

Children are one third of our world and all of our future. Their health, development and emotional wellbeing are of prime concern. The World Health Organization estimates that 15-20% of children, worldwide, have disabilities; 85% of which are in developing countries. The long-term impact of these disabilities in childhood is well documented. Children with NDD often face barriers in access to health care due to lack of trained professionals, geographical distances and socio-economic disparities, leading to delayed interventions, so essential for developmental progress. Several studies conducted at community level in India have reported the prevalence of child and adolescent mental disorders to be around 12.5% to 16.5% in both rural and urban populations. Early detection of such problems with the timely institution of corrective measures can significantly improve the lives of these children.

Sethu through its interdisciplinary team carry out assessments, diagnosis and interventions for children with neurodevelopmental concerns through a family centered neurodiversity affirming approach. Collaborations with school staff, helping professionals, Govt and non Govt health and educational agencies are an essential feature of Sethu’s work. Sethu seeks financial help to achieve its vision of an inclusive world where all children are nurtured and celebrated.