Tapping individual talent, the goal at Daya Mina activity centre
By Kaveesha Fernando
As Sister Anastasia gives us a tour of the Daya Mina activity centre, she has a kind word for everyone. She pauses her explanation of the different facilities available from time to time to interact with the students and tells us about them. For instance, we learn about the preferences of the students – art, dancing, carpentry or any of the other activities offered at the centre. We learn what is special about each student and are offered insights into their lives.
It is this holistic, student- based approach which the centre employs when guiding their students. Run by the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, the activity centre has been quietly serving the community for over two decades. They offer children and youth aged 14- 35 of all races and religions who are intellectually impaired a place to spend time constructively and develop their talents, along with respite care for a limited number of people. As Sister Anastasia, the directress of the centre points out, it is a happy place.
The centre is organising their second walk and hope to see it take place with much support from society.
The Daya Mina activity centre began in 1989 in an annexe in Kollupitiya. The centre soon moved to a larger house in Polhengoda before moving to its current centre in Embuldeniya, Nugegoda. Today the centre has over 60 students and some of the female students are offered residential facilities as well. Students at the centre learn to make ‘glo light’ candles which are then sold at the gift shop. The candles are a big success and the centre makes a variety of candles in various shapes, sizes and colours for different occasions. The centre keeps the process of making these candles a closely guarded secret. Proceeds from the production of candles along with donations from parents (who can afford it) are used to fund the programme services. Sister Anastasia is hopeful that the upcoming walk will fund a new bus to transport the students for various activities.
The students go to the centre from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and take part in educational, social and vocational training. Students are assigned classes and take part in the different activities to improve their communication, domestic and personal skills in accordance with their abilities. The creativity of each student is discovered and highlighted through their preferences. It is the goal of the activity centre to help each student reach their true potential and be socially integrated into their family and community, while guiding them in their path to self-sufficiency. Students are always encouraged do things themselves and the centre aims for each student to have learnt a skill by the time they leave the centre.
Sister Anastasia feels that it is important for parents to