Ferrando Rehabilitation Centre

Site Overview

Ferrando Rehabilitation Centre (FRC), operated by the Ferrando Rehabilitation Society for Disabled, is a comprehensive rehabilitation and educational center serving children, youth, and adults with disabilities across all eight districts of Tripura in northeastern India. Established in 2003 in Agartala, the center provides holistic services focused on rehabilitation, inclusive education, therapy, vocational formation, and community-based outreach.

Rooted in the Salesian mission of accompanying the poor and marginalized, FRC works to empower persons with disabilities through compassionate care, education, skill development, and advocacy. The center’s mission is “to rehabilitate, educate and empower persons with disabilities for an independent living in an inclusive society.”

FRC has developed into one of the leading disability support and rehabilitation centers in the region, providing services in speech and hearing therapy, physiotherapy, low vision care, orthotic and prosthetic support, inclusive education, vocational training, and community-based rehabilitation. The work combines professional services with deeply personal accompaniment, creating an environment where children and adults with disabilities are treated with dignity, joy, and hope.

Available Ministries

  • Occupational Therapist
  • Speech Therapist
  • Education
  • Teacher (Primary)
  • Healthcare
  • Maternal & Child Care
  • Social Work
  • Youth Centre

Location

Agartala, Tripura

Time Commitment

1 year

Opportunities

Female, Male

Language

ENG

Ministry Background

Ferrando Rehabilitation Society for Disabled was founded in 2003 to respond to the growing needs of persons with disabilities in Tripura. Over the past two decades, the organization has expanded from a small initiative into a comprehensive rehabilitation center serving individuals across the state through direct services, inclusive education programs, outreach camps, and vocational initiatives.

The organization emphasizes early detection and intervention, rehabilitation, inclusive education, vocational development, and awareness-building in collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and partner organizations.

Purpose & Objectives

The purpose of this placement is to support the educational, therapeutic, and social development programs of Ferrando Rehabilitation Centre through accompaniment, educational assistance, recreational activities, outreach, and daily presence among children and adults with disabilities.

Programs, Activities, & Other Projects

  • Assistance in physiotherapy and recreational therapy programs
  • Inclusive education initiatives in local schools
  • Sign language learning and support programs
  • Community awareness campaigns and outreach camps
  • Vocational workshops (candle making, crafts, soft toy making, bamboo products, etc.)
  • Support for hostel students with hearing impairment
  • Participation in celebrations, camps, and cultural activities

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assist children and youth with disabilities in educational and recreational activities
  • Support speech therapy, hearing programs, and classroom activities
  • Accompany students in the Ferrando School for Speech and Hearing
  • Assist with vocational training activities and creative workshops
  • Help organize games, camps, awareness programs, and celebrations
  • Participate in outreach activities and rehabilitation camps
  • Offer encouragement, friendship, and accompaniment to children and families
  • Support staff and religious in the daily operation of the center

Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed

  • Patience and compassion when working with persons with disabilities
  • Flexibility and willingness to serve in varied roles
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Emotional maturity and resilience
  • Openness to learning and accompaniment

Useful Academic Preparation

Background in education, special education, psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, healthcare, social work, or related fields is helpful but not required.

Useful Experience

  • Experience working with children or persons with disabilities
  • Volunteer or mission experience
  • Experience in healthcare, therapy, education, or youth ministry
  • Skills in art, music, sports, crafts, or recreational activities

Area Information

Agartala, Tripura, India — located in northeastern India near the Bangladesh border. The area is tropical, culturally diverse, and includes both urban ministry and outreach to rural villages across Tripura.

Involvement with the religous community

Volunteers share in the daily rhythm of the Salesian community through prayer, meals, celebrations, and ministry. Community life is centered on service, simplicity, accompaniment, and joyful presence among the young and vulnerable.

Area Information

Agartala, Tripura, India — located in northeastern India near the Bangladesh border. The area is tropical, culturally diverse, and includes both urban ministry and outreach to rural villages across Tripura.

Involvement with the greater community

FRC works extensively throughout Tripura through outreach camps, awareness programs, school partnerships, and rehabilitation initiatives in villages and underserved communities. Volunteers may participate in community events, medical camps, inclusive education initiatives, and awareness activities promoting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

Special Challenges & Conditions

Volunteers should be prepared for a tropical climate, limited infrastructure compared to Western standards, and emotionally demanding work among vulnerable populations. The ministry often involves close accompaniment of children and families facing poverty, disability, and social exclusion.

Patience, flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to live simply are essential. The work can be deeply rewarding, but also requires emotional maturity and a long-term perspective on growth and impact.

Housing & Community

Live with Religious

Yes

Room

Private

Daily Eucharist

Yes

Bathroom

Private

Launder

Laundry facilities available within the community

Access to ATM

Yes

Local Diet

Meals are simple and reflect local Indian cuisine, often including rice, vegetables, lentils, and regional dishes. Volunteers should be open to adapting to local food customs and tropical conditions.

Local Medical Facilities

Medical services are available through local clinics and hospitals in Agartala. The center itself is deeply connected to rehabilitation and healthcare services for persons with disabilities.