Different exposure

By Namali Premawardhana

Five young Guides from the Differently Abled branch of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association attended the 24th International Agoonore Camp for the differently-abled at the Bomoon Youth Centre in Gyeongju, South Korea this week. When the Mirror Magazine met them just prior to their departure, their excitement at the prospect of going out of the country to meet other Girl Guides was evident from the light that shone through their eyes and their happy smiles.

The camp which is held annually focuses on giving its participants the chance to associate with people from around the world who have common interests and common challenges in life. The three-day camp, held from June 4 to 7 involved many activities such as walks, games and bonfire nights, all of which were meant to bring out the adventurous side of the participants.

At the bonfire night, Guides from the different participating countries perform for the rest of the group by the light of the campfire. The girls from Sri Lanka presented a harvest dance in redda hetta to the tune of a traditional song with a baila twist. The girls were accompanied by their teachers from the Chitra Lane School for the Differently Abled.

For their teachers too this was a unique experience which allowed them to come into contact with others who dealt with the same issues and had similar stories and experiences to share.