It was camp time once more! The Sarvodaya Centre, Batticaloa, was a hub of activity as the Differently- AblednGirl Guides from the Western Province joined their counterparts from Galle and the Eastern Province for yet another Differently- Abled Guides’ Camp.

The camp held from August 4 to 7 saw the participation of around 150 campers and proved to be an enriching learning experience with many activities, a campfire, concert and fun galore! “We held the camp in Batticaloa this year to create awareness among the people there,” explained the Director of the Differently-Abled Branch of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides’ Association (SLGGA), Saumya Jayasekera.

This camp which was a follow-up to the one held in Colombo in August 2011, was taken outstation to increase the number of participants from the Eastern Province as many could not make it to Colombo last year.It was also enlightening and helpful to parents, Guiders, care-givers and interested non-governmental organizations, as two workshops on ‘Behavioural and Educational Therapy’ attended by about 35, were conducted by Malathi Kahandaliyanage. The workshops dealt with how to handle and motivate differently-abled children.

The Guiders need to know how to identify the capabilities of the Guides and enhance them, explains Malathi, adding that the badges that the Guides then receive in recognition of those capabilities, would make prospective employers aware of the skills they have. “Guiding also teaches these children to work in groups, be independent and recognize each other’s abilities and disabilities.”

The concert staged by the differently-abled children during the camp was an eye-opener for all those present on the talents and potential of these children. Commending Sarvodaya and all those who supported the camp, former Director of the Differently- Abled Branch, Marlyn Dissanayaka said they could not have done it without them, pointing out that 95% of the sponsorships including transport, food and financial support were given by the people of Batticaloa. Many in Colombo also lent a helping hand.
“There were so many willing to sponsor meals that we even had to refuse some,” added Saumya.

Many lasting friendships were forged and fond memories made as some of the persons undergoing rehabilitation after the war joined the Guides at the camp. The Guides also went on a fun-filled excursion to Pasikuda bay.

The SLGGA is hoping to conduct a leaders’ training programme at the Sarvodaya Centre shortly, while next year it hopes to focus on ways in which the Guides could be made more economically independent as most of the institutions caring for the differently-abled do not keep children over the age of 18. The employment rate of the differently-abled is also far below the 3% stipulated by the state.

“Many parents are anxious about the future of their children,” explained Marlyn, emphasizing that while employing the differently-abled and providing them with a secure future are important, their safety at workplaces too is of paramount importance.

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