Neha, the Computer Didi’s classes are a big hit!

Neha Vardan, who lives in Ludhiana, Punjab, is better known as ‘Computer Didi’ to the children who come to her for training in basic computer skills.

Neha was forced to drop out of school as her walking aid was regarded as too noisy

This 18-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, teaches data entry, Paint and Excel programs to students at a centre run by the NGO Ashirwad for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. She teaches 25 students at the centre.

“Since I started teaching them, my sense of self-confidence has grown and I feel very capable and independent”, says Neha. She always wanted to study but was forced to drop out of school when she was in Class 5.

“The school I had been going to from childhood suddenly told me to leave because they said that the rolator or walker I use for assistance was too noisy and disturbing to teachers and other students”

The experience shattered her confidence and left her demoralized.

“When she came to the Ashirwad centre four years ago, she had low self esteem and tended to be rather negative in her thinking”, says Reshma, a counsellor. At the centre, she resumed her education and completed class 8. She is currently in her last two years of schooling and hopes to join college and study computers. This young girl is aiming high and has lots of plans for the future!

“I want to start a centre where I will teach computer skills to children with disabilities, as well as an NGO where I can give them support with education and skills training for jobs”

Neha loves to paint, especially on fabrics. She also loves music and does not need much convincing to show her skills on stage!

Read about the other children featured in our Children Who Inspire series:

S Akash

Deep

Deepika

Shehzeen

Afsara

Chitrabhanu

Aamir

Samyuktha

Hannah

Watch in Sign Language