Differently abled Girl Guides to do it their way

On October 8, at the Oak Room of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the talented Girl Guides of the Differently Abled branch of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA) will take the spotlight as they perform at ‘I Do It My Way’.

The evening of music and dance will take place from 6 p.m. onwards.

Around 150 young girls and women from different homes and institutions who have been nurtured by the Guiding framework across the country - from Jaffna, Mannar, Batticaloa, Galle, and Kandy to name a few, have been working hard for this show, their first performance at a five-star hotel.

The SLGGA’s aim is to recognise the abilities of the differently abled girls and enlighten the public on their skills and talents.

“These girls along with their caregivers have been working as a part of the Girl Guides organisation, and taking part in as many activities as possible throughout the years,” says the Commissioner of the Differently Abled Branch of SLGGA, Nirmali Sylvia Wijekoon.

“We try our best to incorporate their activities with mainstream Guiding, and to give them equal opportunities. It has been an overwhelming experience working with these young women over the years,” she said.

The branch for the handicapped as it was then known was set up in Sri Lanka in 1924, and is active across the island expanding Guiding activities to include those with physical and mental impairments, allowing them better access to equal opportunities.

“Our Guides themselves are trained to be caregivers, and we hold seminars and workshops to facilitate more effective relationships,” says Ms. Wijekoon.

Former director of the branch Marlyn Dissanayake believes that each girl has a right to equal opportunities.The SLGGA has its own programmes in place to accommodate any special needs of the differently abled, among whom are those with hearing and sight impairments, Down syndrome and learning difficulties.

The event acts as a fundraiser for future activities.

Tickets priced at Rs. 2000 can be purchased from the SLGGA. Donations are also welcome.

‘I Do It My Way’ will be on at the Oak Room of Cinnamon Grand Colombo on October 8 from 6 p.m.