July 17, 2007 - Bhubaneswar, India

"We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children."
~ Native American Proverb

Most schools in India are created for top performers. However, a few government schools have been created, called Open Schools, for Special Education students.

The students at these schools are from higher castes. Special Education children from the “untouchables” or poor are usually sold into slavery at a young age to beg on the streets or forced into other acts. Some special needs children may go their entire lives never seeing daylight, because the sight of them is considered bad luck, so their families keep them hidden inside.

Sometimes we have no choice, but to take a deep breath and live in that exact moment, because life is so extraordinary.

At the Open School, I met Boboo, a 12 year old boy who had polio as a child. He now has no core strength or balance, and is working on his find motor skills. He will never speak or walk, but has the most inspiring spirit and determination.