Finding ability in their disability

Vinusha Paulraj traces the continuing success story of the differently abled Guides set up under the Sri Lanka Girl Guides in 1924

Nadeeka Diyawanthi Samarakoon can’t wait to show us a picture on her phone. Leaning over she points to the screen and says “Look, I made that.” The picture was of a rug one might easily find on the shelves at any supermarket but for Nadeeka who teaches dancing, it was a mark of achievement.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to teach dancing,” Nadeeka says. At it since 2008, she takes her job seriously, and even resorts to “scolding the students” though with some reluctance. “My students don’t always listen to me but I still love them.”

Employed by Ladies’ College, Colombo, her talent was recognised through the many concerts the Sri Lanka Girl Guides put together. “We have always wanted our girls to be a part of the events, ” Director of the Branch for the Differently Abled, Mahiya Rafeek says. This shift of attitude among the Guiding community to integrating Guides with special needs in their general system can be traced back to the early 2000s. “Before, it was mostly just about fun and games,” Mahiya shares, but now each of their Guide meetings follow the normal syllabuses as far as possible.

The Sri Lanka Girl Guides was one of the first in the Asia Pacific region to start Guiding among the community of differently abled, beginning in 1924, just seven years since Guiding was established in the country in 1917. Guiding chapters have been set-up since then in institutions for the children who couldn’t go to regular school. Currently with about 200 differently abled Guide companies on the roll, Mahiya expects a hike in the number shortly as they are starting work in different regions, like the East. It has been a big year for the branch which just completed a successful integrated camp last month. Held in the Moratuwa Home for Special Education, the event saw the Guide Companies of schools in the region and the Home, coming together for a successful event.

Integration efforts are also focusing on the long-term. The hope is that Guides like Nadeeka will be able to find suitable employment. About five of them are employed and a host of them are ready and waiting for an opportunity, be it a job sewing buttons or working at a marshmallow factory. Earning badges along the way, just like any Guide would, these Guides have been trained in any craft in which their interest is evident. “The idea is finding ability in their disability and making the best of their untapped talent,” says Mahiya, adding that it can be done with a little patience.

Training is time consuming and proper care is rarely given to those with spe- cial needs, but Mahiya and her branch leaders hope to remedy the situation this year. Hoping to continue awareness programmes and workshops for caregivers, they plan to also educate potential employers. “We have already conducted a few workshops in Colombo, in the East and in the North,” she says but their plans will expand as the year progresses to campaign for a more accepting work environment.