By Sister Concepcion Madduma ICM

Over two decades ago, Sr Ching Madduma got a scholarship to the University of the Philippines to pioneer studies for people with mental disabilities. Little did she realize that she was entering the world of people who lived in shadows. And that became her mission.

The great country of India accepted me twenty five years ago to serve the people who live ‘in a world of shadows.’ I see my mission as bringing light, love and knowledge to them so that they can live their lives fully and walk with faith and dignity.

In order to mold each individual we need special education. The Lord gave me the talent to present this special education to persons with intellectual disabilities in some 45 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the South Pacific.

As a member of the Special Education Team I present the programs with Fr Adam B Gudalefsky, a Maryknoll Missioner in Hong Kong, to people. Our programs are non-institutional and non-professional. They are centered on home schooling and parents are the primary educators. The educational approach is holistic.

We have managed to educate over 12, 000 people in our more than 300 presentations. These people have helped us spread our mission in their own special way. We have published several books on our special educational approach. With the help of a dedicated artist, Brother Sebastian Schwarz MM in Hong Kong, we have published a number of comic books that communicate social awareness related to Special Education. We, the Special Education Team, continue to go into the whole world to bring the Good News, to encourage the whole community to live in peace and harmony. Walk with us and pray for us!