Raj Khooblall
Last month, the world celebrated the World Health Day, an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of global health challenges and promote well-being for all. And this month, we unite to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month – a time dedicated to breaking the silence, fostering understanding, and promoting emotional well-being for all. As communities everywhere reflect on the importance of health and wellbeing, initiatives that nurture the mind and appease the soul are being brought to life. In this spirit of healing and inclusion, the Special Education Needs Resource and Development Centre (SENRDC) of Ferney proudly inaugurated its new sensory garden, a sanctuary designed to awaken the senses and offer a space of peace, connection, and therapeutic beauty.
When I visited Ferney a few days ago, I drove along a quiet road – one of those rare, peaceful lanes where traffic seems to hold its breath. The way was calm, unhurried, framed by trees along the road and the distant majesty of green mountains rising against the sky. It felt like a gentle introduction to something special. As I turned into the calm lane leading to the sensory garden I felt an immediate lightness, a sense of arrival—not just in space, but in spirit. The moment I stepped into the yard, I was embraced by the soft sound of chill melodies, the gentle clinking of a windchime dancing with the breeze, and the whisper of water cascading from a small fountain installed nearby. It was as if the garden had been waiting for me with a purpose that spoke not in words but in feeling. It was, without question, the perfect place: accessible, enchanting, and filled with quiet sensory wonders that seemed to hold you, utterly captivated.
The Ferney Sensory Garden with the slogan “A sanctuary of nature, designed to awaken the senses and inspire the soul” was officially inaugurated this year by Rotary District 9220 Governor Marie Françoise Randriamanga, in the presence of President Chintu Sarrop of the Rotary Club of Rose Belle. This initiative reflects Rotary’s ongoing commitment to community service and environmental sustainability, with the garden designed to stimulate the senses through a variety of plants, textures, sounds, and scents. More than just a garden, this space serves as a place for relaxation, reflection, and healing, particularly for children with disabilities and dealing with stress, anxiety, or cognitive impairments. The sensory garden will support children with physical disabilities, autism, or mental health conditions, providing a natural and calming environment that enhances emotional and psychological well-being.
As the world continues to deal with growing health challenges, including rising mental health concerns and the impact of environmental degradation, projects like the Ferney Sensory Garden serve as a model for integrating health, sustainability, and community engagement. The garden is not just an initiative for today but a long-term commitment to enhancing well-being for generations to come.
“As a father to a child with special needs, this project touches me deeply,” said President Nominee (PN) Vishal, his voice slightly trembling. “I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the world can be for a child with disabilities—how loud noises, crowded places, even bright lights can create fear and discomfort. There are very few spaces where they really enjoy to be – this garden is one of those rare places. It offers not just beauty, but calm. This garden is a quiet blessing for children with disabilities, and for many others who just need a moment of peace.”
It took nearly a year of dedication, fundraising, and community involvement to bring the sensory garden to life. The project was made possible through a generous Rotary District Grant awarded last year, which was thoughtfully complemented by contributions from Rotary Club members. Beyond the financial support, what truly breathed life into the garden was the spirit of volunteerism. It was a collective effort that reflects the true essence of Service above Self.
In a world often dominated by haste and noise, the Ferney Sensory Garden stands as a gentle invitation to slow down and reconnect with nature, with others, and with ourselves. It reminds us that healing doesn’t always require grand gestures; sometimes, it begins with the scent of jasmine, the flutter of butterfly wings, or the soft brush of grass underfoot. Here, in the heart of Ferney, scents do more than tell a story—they write new ones, every day, for those who step inside.
