The activities of Community Based
Rehabilitation (CBR) of the Women’s Development Centre (WDC) was initially
conducted in the Kandy district. CBR services are offered to the children in
Kandy as well as from centres in the peripheries. Children attending the centres are trained in
daily living skills, speech, physiotherapy and basic vocational training.
The beginning of the VTC center was interesting. We commenced the
services in a small room at 327, Peradeniya road, Kandy. However, the need for
a special location to conduct the activities was the immediate requirement. The
CBR approached the Director of the Social Services in Kandy for assistance. The
director was very cooperative and allocated the premises at “Sahana” Ampitiya
for the purpose. In fact, he took an extra interest to put up two adjacent
sections at the premises to maintain a hostel for differently-abled children
attending the special education school (Mahinda School) in the vicinity.
This gave birth to the VTC at
Ampitiya in 2001. Initially 24 children attended the centre and they were in
the age group of 14/15 years. The centre mainly focused on children with
hearing and mental impairments. Anyway it is our intention to address these
children as with “Special Talents” than disabled.
The vision of the project was to
identify and direct the children with special talents, so that they could live
a life of independence. The centre has children with mentally retarded problems
and with no access to the regular school education, and they are offered
vocations in the range of:
- Agriculture/horticulture
- Carpentry
- Making of Candles, Coir rugs, Brooms, Coconut shell spoons and Ladles
- Making cement flower pots
- Making envelopes/ pharmacy bags
- Sewing, printing on cloth
- Making toys/ dolls and ornamental items
The children attending the
centres are generally deprived of any social activities. Playing with normal
children, as such regular sports meets, dramas, competitions, etc. form part of
the curriculum. The children enjoy all these activities and participate
positively says Chandani and Damayanthi, the class teachers.
The production from this centre
is sold and the profits are deposited in their respective savings account. The
savings money is utilized subsequently when they leave the centre, to develop
their income generating activities and integration to the community. However,
it is very important that they receive the support of the family and the
community to develop these activities and we take extra effort to achieve this
goal.
As we realized the need to
support the children in the peripheries new VTC centres were opened at
Madulkelle, Menikhinne, and Ududeniya. These centres are performing quite
satisfactorily reports the officers in charge of the centre.
Another aspect that the VTC at
Ampitiya focuses on is the rehabilitation hospital for spinal injuries at
Digana. This project commenced in 2001. Here the patients receive counseling
for mental healing and rehabilitation therapy on various activities of their
choice. We appreciate the assistance received for raw material through the
Department of Social Services in Kandy.
By Chandani Wijeratne
2004
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