Spread a little cheer
View(s):
Chandima and his mother at a recent EASE event
We’re celebrating what this festive season is really about this week on Take 3. Below are three organisations that educate and support children with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Spread a little cheer this month among the most vulnerable in our communities with a donation of your time, talents or money. Here’s what you need to know:
Association of Individual Development Education School (I.D.E. School) 1/2 Sapumal Place, off Dharmapala Place, Welikada, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka
Email: ideschool@sltnet.lk Tel: 2868134 Website: www.ideschool.org . The I.D.E. School is a centre for children and adolescents with various disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder and other mild to moderate learning difficulties. Established in 1994 under the Canon Christopher Ratnayake Trust, the school says they are totally committed to ensuring children with intellectual disabilities can access their right to an education. ‘The aim is to allow our students to learn to take care of themselves, communicate more effectively, improve their social skills and become more independent in today’s society.’
The school has many projects planned but being a small organisation, is in need of funding. None of the parents who send their children here can afford to pay the full cost of their child’s education and such specialised education is not available through the mainstream system.
In particular the school is looking for a financial contributions or donations of teaching materials. Bank details are provided on the site. Contact them for more information.
EASE Foundation
523/16, Lake Road, Talangama South, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
Email: easefoundation@gmail.com. Tel: 0773409148 Website:
www.easesrilanka.org
Chandima Rajapatirana is autistic, and so he knows very well what some of the kids who come to EASE are going through. The organisation he and his family set up in 2007 is dedicated to enabling people with disabilities to live productive and stimulating lives.
Working closely with both disabled children and their families, EASE’s teachers presume competence. Where children are mute or unable to speak, they teach alternative forms of communication. Chandima himself uses the technique known as Facilitated Communication, and urges that we recognise communication as a human right. EASE embraces a different view of disability and celebrates diversity – children learn, are empowered and find acceptance through the school’s joyful and innovative approach.
You can volunteer your time, talents or make donations. Bank account details are provided on the website.
National Council for Children and Youth
# 385/5,Kotte Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka
Email: nccyw@sltnet.lk Tel: 2863823/2863869 Website:
http://nccyw.org
In 1954, the founders of the National Council for Children and Youth set up the organisation with the premise that children irrespective of circumstances, ability or disability had a claim to love, care and protection. Today, the Council’s eight homes provide shelter, care and education to about 400 boys and girls. Many come from difficult family backgrounds and have experienced abandonment. Some struggle with learning difficulties or disabilities. In the council’s homes, the children are taught how to look after themselves and given vocational training. When old enough and where appropriate, children are sent back to their families and communities to reclaim their lives.
Currently, the organisation runs on a small annual grant from the government, membership dues, and the contributions of generous donors. Every donation counts. You can also sponsor an individual child in any of the homes. Bank account details are provided on the website.