Children with cancer have a Right to Education. CanKids ensure there are no gaps in learning, through three unique services:
- CanShala, a formal school for children undergoing treatment, including CanShala Online launched during the lockdown.
- School rooms in care centres and learning activity clinics at OPD of our partnering hospitals.
- Financial assistance to children through general and merit scholarships and awards.
CanShala
CanShala, the first of its kind in India, was launched in November, 2012, at the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. Based on the ‘School in the Hospital’ concept, it combines the school service in a cancer hospital and local schooling adapted to the child’s cancer treatment.
A public-private partnership between the state government and CanKids, CanShala also operates in Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, and other cancer centers in Mumbai. CanKids also has a school bus service for children staying in various hospitals and dharamshalas.
In October, 2020, we launched CanShala Online to help children continue their education, remotely, during the lockdown. We have provided tablet computers to help children study, stay connected with their teachers, and also reach out for medical, food, or transport assistance.
A public-private partnership between the state government and CanKids, CanShala also operates in Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, and other cancer centers in Mumbai. CanKids also has a school bus service for children staying in various hospitals and dharamshalas.
In October, 2020, we launched CanShala Online to help children continue their education, remotely, during the lockdown. We have provided tablet computers to help children study, stay connected with their teachers, and also reach out for medical, food, or transport assistance.
Learning Activity Clinics
Delivering both formal and non formal education, CanKids operates Learning Activity Clinics in wards and OPDs of partnering hospitals across India, as well as our Home-Away-from-Home units.
We provide a 'topic-based' syllabus to children aged 3 to 14, covering the 3 “R”s, WASH-C, theatre, speech and vocabulary, and general knowledge. Our Learning Activity Clinics also provide DIY arts and crafts kits, conduct prayers, and organise outings and celebrations to make sure childhood is never on hold.
We provide a 'topic-based' syllabus to children aged 3 to 14, covering the 3 “R”s, WASH-C, theatre, speech and vocabulary, and general knowledge. Our Learning Activity Clinics also provide DIY arts and crafts kits, conduct prayers, and organise outings and celebrations to make sure childhood is never on hold.
Awards & Scholarships
The National Childhood Cancer Excellence Award
Each year, we recognise and honour the indomitable courage of cancer survivors or those still undergoing treatment. Children are awarded cash prizes and trophies for their exceptional will and determination to succeed and excel, despite their battle with cancer.
CanKids Education Scholarship Program
For cancer survivors or those undergoing treatment, CanKids awards a scholarship to cover expenses for school or college admissions, exam fees, private tuition, school uniform, school books, transport, vocational courses, trainings, and career counselling.
Each year, we recognise and honour the indomitable courage of cancer survivors or those still undergoing treatment. Children are awarded cash prizes and trophies for their exceptional will and determination to succeed and excel, despite their battle with cancer.
CanKids Education Scholarship Program
For cancer survivors or those undergoing treatment, CanKids awards a scholarship to cover expenses for school or college admissions, exam fees, private tuition, school uniform, school books, transport, vocational courses, trainings, and career counselling.
Effects of Cancer Treatment on Learning
When children or teenagers undergo treatment for cancer, it can impact their education in various ways. Prolonged absences or decreased energy levels due to treatment can disrupt their academic progress. Furthermore, certain types of cancer may necessitate therapy to manage or prevent the spread of the disease to the brain or spinal cord, potentially affecting cognitive abilities. It's important for parents and teachers to recognise the potential educational challenges associated with cancer treatment. By staying vigilant, they can closely monitor at-risk children and adolescents, providing additional support as necessary.
The human brain is a marvellously intricate organ, undergoing continuous growth and development during childhood and adolescence. However, some issues stemming from cancer therapy might only surface years after the treatment has concluded. Among the common areas of concern are:
If a student encounters difficulties, there are ways to ensure they still reach their full potential in learning. Typically, the first step involves arranging a meeting with the school to devise adjustments to the student's educational plan. This can be an informal discussion or a more structured process, particularly for students in public schools. The formal approach obligates public schools to implement the plan, with legal recourse available if it's not followed. While private schools aren't bound by the same regulations, they often cooperate willingly to accommodate students' needs.
Here are some strategies commonly beneficial for students facing educational challenges due to cancer treatment:
CanKids' CanShala, a Special School for Children with Cancer, provides formal education in partnership with state education department. Teachers at CanShala prepare Personalised Education Plans for each child. These plans are developed according to the child’s treatment and current educational level. This helps the child to learn at their pace and style of learning. During the reintegration process this plan is shared with the child’s school so that the school teachers can teach accordingly.
The human brain is a marvellously intricate organ, undergoing continuous growth and development during childhood and adolescence. However, some issues stemming from cancer therapy might only surface years after the treatment has concluded. Among the common areas of concern are:
- Attention span
- Concentration
- Memory
- Processing speed
- Navigating social situations, particularly with peers who may not be aware of a child's cancer history
- Writing Speed
- Hand eye motor coordination
If a student encounters difficulties, there are ways to ensure they still reach their full potential in learning. Typically, the first step involves arranging a meeting with the school to devise adjustments to the student's educational plan. This can be an informal discussion or a more structured process, particularly for students in public schools. The formal approach obligates public schools to implement the plan, with legal recourse available if it's not followed. While private schools aren't bound by the same regulations, they often cooperate willingly to accommodate students' needs.
Here are some strategies commonly beneficial for students facing educational challenges due to cancer treatment:
- Sitting closer to the front of the classroom
- Reducing written assignments
- Using recorded textbooks and lectures
- Employing a computer for typing instead of handwriting
- Utilising calculators for maths
- Adjusting test requirements (like extra time or oral exams)
- Having a classroom assistant
- Receiving additional support in maths, spelling, reading, and organisational skills
- Providing a duplicate set of textbooks for home use (a good practice for any child undergoing cancer treatment)
CanKids' CanShala, a Special School for Children with Cancer, provides formal education in partnership with state education department. Teachers at CanShala prepare Personalised Education Plans for each child. These plans are developed according to the child’s treatment and current educational level. This helps the child to learn at their pace and style of learning. During the reintegration process this plan is shared with the child’s school so that the school teachers can teach accordingly.