Special Friends (Kureti Swathi)

Special Friends (Swathi Kureti)

Founder & CEO of Special Friends

Early Life and Family Background

Mrs. Kureti Swathi was born on 3 August 1986 in Ramagundam Village, Peddapalli District, Telangana. She is the daughter of the late Shri S. V. Prasad and the late Smt. Bala Nagamma.

Raised in a family that upheld the values of integrity, perseverance, and community service, she drew strong inspiration from her parents. These early influences shaped her character and nurtured a deep sense of responsibility towards social welfare and the betterment of society.

Academic Journey and Professional Qualifications

Mrs. Kureti Swathi completed her early education at Chinmaya Vidyalaya School, NTPC Ramagundam, where she obtained her Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in 2000. She later pursued her intermediate education at St. Pious Junior College, Ramnagar, Hyderabad, completing it in 2002.

In 2016, she graduated from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Hyderabad, marking another significant milestone in her academic journey. Her continued pursuit of education reflects her dedication to personal and professional development.

In 2026, Mrs. Kureti Swathi completed her postgraduate studies at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, further strengthening her academic credentials and commitment to lifelong learning.

About the Founder

Mrs. Kureti Swathi is the Founder and CEO of Special Friends, a registered non-profit organisation based in Hyderabad, Telangana. Established in 2013, the organisation is dedicated to providing education, therapy, vocational training, and comprehensive support to children with developmental disabilities.

With a background in psychology and a strong commitment to inclusion, she envisioned an environment where children with autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other developmental conditions can access appropriate learning, therapeutic support, skill development, and equal opportunities.

Under her leadership, Special Friends has developed into an institution serving children and families through its special school, therapy centre, and vocational training initiatives. Her contributions to social service and disability rehabilitation have been recognised through honours including the Women’s Excellence Award (2023) and the Seva Ratna National Award (2024).

Personal Journey:

Mrs. Swathi Kureti’s journey into social service began through personal experiences and her growing interaction with children with special needs. At an early age, she joined a multinational company as a contract employee to support her family financially. During this period, she met social activist and entrepreneur Ms. Ayesha Rubina, whose association introduced her to various programmes involving children with special needs.
er interactions with these children profoundly changed her perspective on life and inspired her to dedicate herself to their welfare. She subsequently left her corporate employment and worked with an NGO for three years, actively participating in social initiatives and awareness programmes across several districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
fter her marriage in 2012, she moved to ECIL, Hyderabad. With the encouragement of her husband and the support of her mother, she established Special Friends in 2013. She began visiting slum communities around ECIL, counselling parents and creating awareness about the importance of specialised education and care for children with developmental disabilities.
hat began with four children receiving free day-care services gradually developed into a broader initiative. With the support of friends, donors, teachers, volunteers, and well-wishers, Special Friends expanded its programmes to include education, therapy, arts and crafts, vocational training, and skill-development activities.

Special Friends Foundation

Special Friends Foundation is a Hyderabad-based non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the inclusion, development, and well-being of children with developmental disabilities. Established with a vision of creating equal opportunities, the foundation provides specialised education, therapeutic interventions, vocational training, and life-skills development.

Its programmes are designed to recognise individual abilities while fostering confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in society.
The foundation also works closely with families and communities to promote greater awareness, acceptance, and understanding of developmental disabilities.

Through a compassionate and child-centred approach, Special Friends Foundation strives to create an environment where every child can learn, grow, and realise their potential.
Its initiatives extend beyond education by encouraging practical skill development, social engagement, and pathways towards greater self-reliance.By combining professional support with community participation, the foundation continues to build an inclusive ecosystem for children and their families. Its work reflects a sustained commitment to dignity, empowerment, accessibility, and a more equitable future for individuals with special needs.

Vision

Mission

Mrs. Swathi Kureti envisions building an inclusive society where children with special needs are respected, supported, and provided with equal opportunities to learn, develop, and lead fulfilling lives.
Her long-term vision includes establishing an International Special School and Hostel equipped to provide comprehensive education, therapy, residential care, and skill-development opportunities for children with special needs.
She also aspires to create an amusement water park designed specifically for children with special needs, providing them with safe, accessible, and enjoyable recreational experiences.

The mission of Special Friends is to empower children with developmental disabilities through personalised education, therapeutic intervention, vocational training, and life-skill development.
The organisation strives to create a supportive environment where every child can identify their strengths, develop greater confidence and independence, and participate meaningfully in society. It also works towards empowering parents and communities through awareness, counselling, and inclusive initiatives.

Special Friends Requirements for future endeavours :

School Transportation
Special Friends requires school buses with a capacity of approximately 30 children to provide safe and reliable transportation. This facility would improve accessibility for students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged communities.
Additional transportation support would also enable the organisation to reach and serve more children.

Sponsorship for Children
The organisation seeks sponsorship support for children from underprivileged communities who require specialised education and therapy. A contribution of ₹10,000 per child per month would cover schooling and individual therapies, including speech, occupational, sensory integration, and physiotherapy. Such support can provide children with consistent care and meaningful developmental opportunities.

Specialised Manpower
Special Friends requires qualified doctors, psychologists, therapists, special educators, and trainers to strengthen its support services. Regular professional assessments and specialised interventions are essential for monitoring each child’s development and progress. Art, craft, sports, and vocational trainers would further enrich the children’s learning and skill development.

Dedicated Campus
The organisation seeks suitable land to establish a permanent special school and expand its range of services and activities. A dedicated campus would reduce rental-related expenses and create space for vocational initiatives, including natural leaf-plate and bowl production, as well as a yoga studio. A permanent facility would enable Special Friends to accommodate more children and develop sustainable programmes.

Inclusive Amusement Park

Special Friends envisions creating an accessible amusement water park designed specifically for children with special needs. The facility would provide a safe and inclusive recreational environment where children can enjoy leisure activities without barriers. This pioneering initiative aims to promote happiness, social participation, confidence, and equal access to recreation.

NIOS Open School
Special Friends aims to establish an NIOS Open School facility to provide recognised academic, vocational, and life-enrichment opportunities. Approximately 5,000 sq. ft. of space is required to develop and operate the proposed open-school programme. The initiative would offer learners greater flexibility while supporting their educational progression and future independence.

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Flat No: 509, Sri Tirumala Pranamoksha Pride, Colony: Godapuri Colony , Village: Kapra, Mandal: ECIL, Hyderabad, State: Telangana, Pincode: 500062

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 8790103823, 9396245688

Recent Activities

Special Friends Therapy Center Inaugurated

The Special Friends School proudly announced the inauguration of the Special Friends Therapy Center by Mr. Ramesh Jampula, Vice President & Site Director, Dell Technologies Hyderabad, alongside renowned philanthropist Mrs. Latha. The inauguration was held in the presence of dedicated Dell Technologies Hyderabad volunteers, whose support made the occasion even more meaningful. Ms. Kureti Swathi expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support, encouragement, and trust in her mission to empower and support children with special needs.

Courtesy Meeting with Police Commissioner

Ms. Swathi Kureti, Founder of Special Friends School, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Malkajgiri Police Commissioner, Smt. B. Sumathi, IPS. The meeting provided Ms. Swathi with a valuable opportunity to interact with the Commissioner and spend meaningful time in her presence. Ms. Swathi expressed that Smt. B. Sumathi’s dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to public service are truly inspiring and deeply admirable.

Amazon Volunteers Support Special Friends

Special Friends was delighted to welcome Amazon volunteers, who engaged our children in meaningful activities such as making xylophones and creating bead crafts. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Goodera for providing this wonderful opportunity to connect with such enthusiastic and compassionate volunteers. At Special Friends, we empower neurodiverse children with care, structure, and dignity through education, therapy, and NIOS Open School learning.

World Autism Awareness Day

On World Autism Awareness Day, Special Friends warmly welcomed Dell Technologies Hyderabad volunteers, who shared their time, efforts, and support with our community. We sincerely appreciate Dell Technologies for their valuable contribution, including the solar panel system that helps reduce costs and strengthen vocational training. Their continued support reflects a meaningful commitment to inclusion and the empowerment of neurodiverse children. At Special Friends, we provide care, education, therapy, and NIOS Open School learning to help every child thrive with dignity and respect.

Sree Seva Samithi Inauguration

Ms. Kureti Swathi, Founder of Special Friends, launched the “Sree Seva Samithi,” dedicated to promoting service, empowerment, and the advancement of women in society. With a vision rooted in service and women’s empowerment, Stree Seva Samithi marks another significant step towards building a stronger and more inclusive society. Special Friends takes pride in this meaningful initiative and its continued journey towards creating lasting social impact.

Republic Day celebrations

Republic Day celebrations were held grandly at Special Friends, featuring the hoisting of the national flag.

World Disability Day

On the occasion of World Disability Day, Special Friends children and staff were invited to spend a special day at the President’s House/Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad. It was an honour to receive this opportunity, and the visit turned into a beautiful learning experience for everyone. The kids had a wonderful time exploring the historic grounds, walking through the serene pathways, and discovering the significance of this iconic residence. Every moment was filled with curiosity, joy, and shared memories captured along the way.

A New Chapter for Special Friends

Ms. Kureti Swathi, Founder of Special Friends, inaugurated the organisation’s new branch in Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, marking an important milestone in its journey. The inauguration was graced by Dr. Prashanth Uttage and Dr. Aparna Uttage, along with the Special Friends team and its wonderful children. The presence of the dedicated staff and well-wishers added warmth and significance to this memorable occasion. The new branch reflects Special Friends’ continued commitment to creating inclusive spaces and empowering children through care, education, and support.

Students Shine at State-Level Sports

Students of Special Friends School enthusiastically participated in the state-level sports and games organised for persons with disabilities at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad. Their participation showcased their determination, sporting spirit, and commitment to excellence. Ms. Kureti Swathi, Founder of Special Friends, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the students for representing the school at the prestigious event. She encouraged them to continue pursuing their aspirations with confidence, perseverance, and a positive spirit.

New Milestone in Student Transportation

After 11 years of dedicated efforts, Special Friends has acquired a new Maruti Suzuki Eeco van to support the transportation needs of its students. With an eight-seat capacity, the vehicle has been dedicated exclusively to providing safe and convenient travel for the school community. Founder Ms. Kureti Swathi expressed her happiness at making this essential service available to the students. She further shared plans to introduce additional vehicles soon to extend transportation services across more routes.

Empowering Skills, Inspiring Futures

The vocational programme at Special Friends School provides students with meaningful avenues to develop practical skills, confidence, and independence. Through engaging activities and hands-on learning, students explore their abilities and discover new avenues for personal growth. Their dedication and progress demonstrate the remarkable potential and diverse talents nurtured through the programme.

Nurturing Creativity Through Art

Special Friends School regularly conducts creative activities that encourage students to express their ideas and abilities through art. Through drawing and colouring exercises, students explore a vibrant world of imagination, shapes, and colours. These engaging activities help enhance their creativity, focus, self-expression, and confidence. The programme provides a welcoming space for students to discover their artistic interests and enjoy meaningful learning experiences.

Saturday's at Special Friends School

Ms. Kureti Swathi, Founder of Special Friends, shared that Saturdays are among the most eagerly anticipated days at the school. The day features engaging and enjoyable activities that bring excitement to the students and teachers alike. These experiences provide a refreshing setting for interaction, creativity, and joyful participation beyond regular classroom routines. Through such initiatives, Special Friends continues to make learning engaging, enriching, and memorable for its students.

Structured Activities

The management of Special Friends School organised a range of thoughtfully designed activities to provide students with meaningful and well-structured learning experiences. These initiatives encouraged active participation while supporting the children’s individual abilities and interests. The programmes were planned to create a positive environment that promotes confidence, engagement, and personal development. Through such initiatives, the school continues to foster purposeful learning and enriching experiences for its students.

Building Financial Awareness

Special Friends School introduced an engaging and interactive programme to help children understand basic money concepts in a practical manner. The sessions focused on developing financial literacy and introducing students to the value and purpose of money. Through age-appropriate activities, children learned how to recognise, handle, and use money responsibly in everyday situations. The initiative aimed to strengthen their confidence, independence, and essential life skills through experiential learning.

Creativity

The talented students of Special Friends School created an engaging walking pathway in the shape of the number eight, demonstrating remarkable creativity and perseverance. Each step they took reflected their dedication, coordination, and willingness to explore new experiences. Their enthusiasm and abilities brought a sense of pride and joy to the entire Special Friends community. The initiative beautifully showcased the students’ potential to transform simple activities into meaningful expressions of talent and determination.

Learning Through Sensory Activities

Special Friends School incorporated an engaging squeezing activity as part of its sensory-based learning programme. The hands-on exercise encouraged students to explore textures while developing essential sensory and motor skills. Interactive play created an enjoyable environment that supported concentration, coordination, and active participation. Such experiential activities contribute to the children’s overall learning, development, and growing independence.

Fruit Salad Making

Special Friends School organised a delightful fruit salad-making activity, providing students with an enjoyable and meaningful hands-on experience. The children enthusiastically prepared colourful fruit salads, showcasing their creativity, coordination, and growing independence. The activity encouraged social interaction while creating a joyful environment centred on inclusion and participation. Such initiatives celebrate the students’ abilities and provide valuable opportunities to develop practical skills with confidence.

Handcrafted Kurtas by Students

Special Friends School proudly presents a distinctive collection of handcrafted kurtas created by its talented students. Each garment reflects their artistic expression, patience, and dedication to developing practical vocational skills. The initiative provides students with a platform to showcase their abilities while building confidence and greater independence. Every purchase contributes to their journey towards self-reliance, meaningful participation, and a more empowered future.

Celebrating Festivals at Special Friends

Celebrating Sree Ramanavami Festival

The students of Special Friends School brought tradition to life through graceful attire, heartfelt rituals, and a devotional celebration honouring the sacred union of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Their participation beautifully reflected the values of culture, devotion, togetherness, and unity. At Special Friends, we nurture neurodiverse children with care, structure, and dignity through education, therapy, and NIOS Open School learning. Through such meaningful experiences, we encourage children to celebrate cultural traditions while fostering confidence, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.

Celebrating Ugadi with Joy

Special Friends School celebrated the spirit of Ugadi with joy, vibrant colours, and a strong sense of togetherness, creating cherished moments with our children. The celebration marked new beginnings, shared smiles, and meaningful experiences filled with hope and positivity. The occasion reflected our commitment to fostering growth, inclusion, and enriching learning opportunities for every child. At Special Friends, we support neurodiverse children with care, structure, and respect through education, therapy, and NIOS Open School learning.

Bathukamma Celebrations

Special Friends School celebrated the vibrant festival of Bathukamma with joy, enthusiasm, and cultural pride. The celebration provided students with an opportunity to embrace and appreciate Telangana’s rich cultural heritage. The event reflected Special Friends School’s commitment to inclusive learning, cultural awareness, and holistic development.

Bonalu festival

Special Friends Founder Ms. Kureti Swathi joined the students in celebrating the Bonalu festival. The occasion provided an opportunity for the children to experience and appreciate the rich cultural traditions of Telangana. Her participation added warmth and enthusiasm to the festive gathering, creating cherished memories for the students. The celebration reflected Special Friends’ commitment to fostering cultural awareness, inclusion, and community spirit.

Ram Navami Celebrations

Students of Special Friends School, along with Founder Ms. Kureti Swathi, participated in the Ram Navami celebrations with devotion. The spiritual occasion offered the children a meaningful opportunity to experience and appreciate the significance of the festival. The celebration fostered a sense of unity, cultural awareness, and shared joy among the students and the school community. It reflected Special Friends’ efforts to create enriching experiences that support the children’s holistic development.

Bonalu festival

Ugadi festival

Students of Special Friends School, along with Founder Ms. Kureti Swathi, joyfully observed Ugadi with traditional fervour. The festivities introduced the children to the heritage, customs, and significance of the Telugu New Year. Colourful activities and heartfelt participation fostered a lively atmosphere filled with positivity and togetherness. The gathering encouraged cultural appreciation while providing the students with memorable experiences beyond the classroom.

Eid Celebrations at Special Friends School

Special Friends School marked Eid with a warm and joyful gathering, bringing students and the school community together in a spirit of harmony. The occasion offered children an opportunity to learn about the cultural significance and values associated with the festival. Festive activities created a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged friendship, mutual respect, and shared happiness. The celebration highlighted Special Friends’ commitment to nurturing inclusive values and enriching the overall learning experience of its students.

New Year Celebrations

Special Friends School welcomed the New Year with a cheerful celebration filled with enthusiasm, positivity, and joyful moments. The occasion brought students and the school community together to share happiness and create lasting memories. The celebration reflected a spirit of hope, friendship, and optimism for the year ahead. At Special Friends, we remain committed to fostering inclusive growth, meaningful learning, and brighter opportunities for every child.

New Year Celebrations

Special Friends School welcomed the New Year 2025 with a vibrant celebration, bringing students and the school community together in an atmosphere of happiness and enthusiasm. Ms. Kureti Swathi, Founder of Special Friends, actively joined the students in celebrating this memorable occasion. The celebration created joyful moments of connection, encouragement, and shared experiences among the children and staff. The event marked the beginning of 2025 with positivity, togetherness, and renewed hope for a brighter year ahead.

Christmas Celebrations at Special Friends School

Special Friends School hosted a joyful Christmas celebration, bringing the children together in a warm and festive atmosphere. Ms. Kureti Swathi, Founder of Special Friends, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful Pastor and enthusiastic youth team for visiting the school. Their presence and thoughtful participation added warmth and joy to the celebrations, making the occasion truly memorable for the children. She conveyed her sincere gratitude for their valuable time, kindness, and efforts in making the celebration a meaningful experience.

World Disability Day

Special Friends commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a meaningful celebration focused on inclusion, dignity, and empowerment. The event was honoured by the presence of Uppal MLA Shri Bandi Lakshma Reddy as the Chief Guest, along with Dr. Prashanth Uttage and other distinguished guests. Their presence and participation added great significance to the occasion and encouraged the children and the Special Friends community. The celebration reflected Special Friends’ continued commitment to fostering equal opportunities and supporting the holistic development of children with special needs.

Good Friday Observance

On the occasion of Good Friday, Special Friends School organised a reflective programme centred on the Fourteen Stations of the Cross. The students participated in the observance with reverence and sincerity, engaging with the spiritual significance of the day. The programme provided a meaningful setting for reflection, faith, and shared participation among the school community. Through such experiences, the students are encouraged to understand the values of compassion, devotion, and humanity.

Holi Celebration at Special Friends

Special Friends School embraced the festive spirit of Holi through a colourful gathering filled with warmth, enthusiasm, and cheerful interactions. The festivities celebrated diversity, acceptance, and the beauty of bringing people together. Students enjoyed vibrant activities that encouraged self-expression, friendship, and shared happiness. The celebration created cherished memories while promoting a culture of inclusion and mutual respect.

Shivaratri Celebrations

Special Friends School marked Shivaratri with a vibrant cultural programme, where students dressed as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and participated with great enthusiasm. The festivities provided an engaging way for the children to experience the cultural significance of the occasion. Students, teachers, and Founder Ms. Kureti Swathi came together to make the programme a joyful and memorable experience. The event encouraged cultural expression, participation, and a sense of community among the Special Friends family.

Guru Pournami Celebrations

Special Friends School observed Guru Pournami with reverence, gratitude, and a strong appreciation for the value of guidance and learning. The programme encouraged students to recognise the importance of teachers and mentors in shaping their growth and aspirations. The gathering fostered an atmosphere of respect, reflection, and meaningful participation among the school community. Through such initiatives, students are encouraged to embrace knowledge, gratitude, and lifelong learning.