Counseling at WDC

Counseling is a mean through which a person could find solutions to his/her own problems with the help of a specially trained personal (referred as counselor) or find a way to get rid of their own emotional difficulties, psychological issues, etc. A counselor helps his/her client to identify the problem, to understand it and then helps to get rid of it by finding the possible solutions available to that particular problem. A counselor usually guides the client to choose the solutions to a particular problem by him/herself and encourage decision making process. In addition, a counselor can also identify psychological issues such as depression of the client and then direct him/her to proper medication.

We at Women’s Development Centre offer counseling services to victims of violence and people who are in helpless situations. It is not only limited for women but also open for men, children and youth who suffer from similar types of issues. Most of the cases that come to WDC Counseling service include marital, family, educational, abandonment and psychological issues and the clients who get the service from us are walking out from our Centre happily.

However, most of the people in Sri Lanka do not have a proper understanding and awareness about counseling. In fact, many think that counseling is for psychologically ill people and therefore it could be a shame to walk into a counselor even though the person may be undergoing a stressful situation in life at that particular moment. Here, it is essential for people to get rid of wrong perceptions as mentioned above. As a matter of fact, counseling is open for any person who thinks that some sort of emotional support or guidance is needed for them to overcome any issue they cannot deal by themselves.

If you go to a proper counselor, he/she will guide you to make the necessary decisions in your lives and thereby to get rid of your problems. Especially, if you have felt that you are a victim of violence or you have faced some stressful situations in your life, we can help you to get rid of it. If counseling itself is not enough, we also have a talented legal service team to guide you in any law-related issue. 

So, now the time has ended for you to bear problems on your own and to suffer alone. If you visit us, we will guide you through the hardest time in your life and show you how to succeed!

By Dharshani Chandrasekara

WDC

VALUES THAT GO BEYOND RUPEES AND CENTS

As a financial officer there are many things to attend to including quarterly statements, monitoring of the project funds, disbursements of requisitions and control of cash flow. With such a busy schedule it doesn’t permit the accounts branch to interact with those who come to the organization for various reasons. What I know however is that everyday someone is helped through some kind of relief assistance.

One day when I was rushing to work, entered the office and noticed a young woman with a backpack carrying a small disabled child. Since there was no subject related officer available, I tried to find out who she was and why she has come to the office. She slowly unfolded her heartbreaking story.

Braille

Braille is a method of reading and writing for visually impaired people using six dots.  Introduced to the world by Louis Braille who was born in France in 1089, nobody can confirm how many people have had their lives fulfilled using Braille as a method of communication.

If I look back of my experiences over the last seventeen years counseling low vision and blind individuals, I have met many children and adults who were losing their sight and needed the Braille system. I have taught Braille to more than ten adults and children who were interested in learning. I am happy when I realize that some of these individuals are doing well in their lives today. Some children who originally thought Braille was a barrier are now reaching high educational levels.

It is really interesting to talk about Braille because some people view it as a different and difficult language. It is not. When some visually impaired individuals have to follow Braille they have refused to learn due to the shame and stigma attached, as they are not completely blind.

As mentioned it is thought Braille is a difficult subject to learn. Before teaching Braille to anyone, especially individuals losing their sight we have to struggle with the negative attitudes. To do this we have to be patient for a long time and make a great effort.

I have experienced some cases that when an individual finally realizes that Braille is the only way for them it is too late. I would like to share with you an experience I have had.

Ruchira Senevirathna was from Nugawela girls’ school. I came to know her when she was in grade nine. Doctors advised that her deteriorating vision could not be regained for her to study in a mainstream school. As a result, we had to introduce her to the system of Braille.

Her parents were reluctant to her being taught Braille and wanted her to continue her studies using the method of handwriting. Ruchira herself thought it to be an impossible task that she could not achieve. A great effort was required to change her negative attitudes and make both Ruchira and her parents aware of the value and potential of studying using Braille.

Now she is happy with the donation of a Braille slate from the WDC and is continuing her studies. I managed to teach her Braille within a short time period. She is grateful to the WDC and studying at the Tangalla blind school. Her ambition is to enter university for future higher studies.

By Biso Manike Greru

Consultant

WDC

Fragrance of Life Blowing through the Tea Leaves

Sri Lanka is especially known for its high quality tea and the product being primary source of income for the country. It is therefore important that we take a special interest in those who are employed on the tea plantations. Over the past three years the WDC has increased their focus towards this sector and gained a thorough understanding of plantation workers living conditions and issues in the areas of Pupuressa and Hope Estate.

                The WDC established a women’s centre at Hope Estate to provide family and legal counseling services. Working closely with estate workers we were able to understand the key problems faced, for example a lack of registration of citizenship.

Women's Development Centre

WDC, the Women's Development Centre is a national non-governmental organization that aims to reduce gender-based violence and promote gender equality in Sri Lanka. It works with individuals and communities through crisis intervention, community-based rehabilitation, community awareness and development activities.

 Registration details - NGO Reg L. 21512
                                     Social Service Reg. 11/4/5/2080/89
                                     Society Ordinance S 3266