Brighter tomorrow for the differently baled

‘...you’ll find that there’s no need to cry...’:

By Harshini PERERA

[email protected]

Multicoloured and various shaped wall hangers were hung on the eve of the 40th anniversary of their Home, which fell on November, 8. Thirty seven girls are resident in the Girl’s Home for the Differently-Abled, Katukurunda and their ages range from 11 to 61. The bitter truth is that 19 of them are orphans. Away from their homes, in Katukurunda, Moratuwa. Mrs. Ruby De Mel, H.E.P. De Mel and a few other philanthropists from Moratuwa area had founded this special home for the differently abled people in 1968. Affiliated to the National Council for Child and Youth Welfare and registered with the Department of Social Services, the National Council for Child and Youth Welfare pays the approved nominal subsistence for the sustenance of the children.

Every human is special and their abilities should be recognized and appreciated for what they are. I would say, that the visit to the Home, was a kind of journey back to humanity, which the man has forgotten. People who are differently abled too belong our society, but unfortunately are sometimes discriminated as a group of useless individuals.

Former honorary warden, Ranjanie Mendis, recalling the past, mentioned how it all began for her when she started rehabilitating children from the adjoining old building.” It had been a laborious task to train them which we have achieved to a great extent. An Irish lady - Ms. Katherine Willies - enlightened me, she pointed out that these children could be trained with love and care, which led us to build a new rehabilitation centre. Their art and creations depict the great transformation they had undergone at the rehabilitation centre.”

The creative wall hangers, woollen mats, various patterned coir mats and ropes they have done are exquisite. The children were able to receive gold, silver and bronze medals at international art exhibitions for the differently abled, held in Taiwan, 1998 which was a milestone of their achievements. Their abilities were exhibited not only through art work, but also in cooking, maintenance of toilets, cleaning dormitories, etc. The girls were divided into high and low grades where the lower graders were guided by three teachers and given basic training as in different ways to understand colours, numbers and shapes.

When the Sunday Observer spoke to Udaya Ranatunga, Senior Administrative Officer of National Council for Child and Youth Welfare (NCCYW), their concern for the differently abled became evident. There are seven homes for child and youth welfare, three homes for the differently abled - two for boys in Madiwela and Lewella, and other in Katukurunda, for girls. Four more orphanages in Wennappuwa, Pamunugama, Wattegama and Godakawela are also run by the National Council for Child and Youth Welfare.

The program for the differently abled and orphans was started in the hope of inculcating the belief that children suffering from disability have their rights for the due share of love, care and protection. This was founded away back in 1954 by late Albert Peiris, Lady Evelyn Soyza, Dr. L.O. Abeyaratne, Dr. Mary Ratnam, Sita Seneviratna, as a government approved charity.

Protection of children, instilling in them the confidence, ability to work on their own and education were their main objectives. While giving them a good education, some orphanages have vocational training programmes as well, under which they conduct courses in computer studies, weaving and the differently abled children handicraft, coir making etc. The Council attempts to improve the children’s lives, through a sound education and thereby produce good citizens. For this purpose have been provided with good lecturers. Some visit the homes regularly and some, twice a week.

Malkanthi Perera, as a child grew up in a girl’s home for the differently abled in Katukurunda. She was a high grader and despite her handicap, was able to get employment at a marshmellow factory. Music plays a crucial role in their lives.

They respond to light and music and also engage in dancing. Girls who cannot contribute to other activities show a particular talent in music. Much to their physical well being sportsmeets, concerts and camps have been organized. On the day of their exhibition and sale, much prominence will be given to their creativity and is hoped that their hard work will create awareness among people, of their amazing abilities. These women yearn to be loved and cared.

A stroke of the head with love and kindness would count a lot to them. Much for my admiration they are not a disabled group of people, but differently abled in the true sense of the word. They are also human beings, who feel as we do and enjoy life as they can.