The Colombo Centre for Special Education: A home away from home | Sunday Observer

The Colombo Centre for Special Education: A home away from home

18 November, 2018
 A rollicking sing - a- long : foot tapping fun
A rollicking sing - a- long : foot tapping fun

They are special and will always be special. Differently abled and with special needs, their childlike innocence ,trusting nature, response to love and affection and their uncomplicated way of perceiving the world around them sets them apart from normal run- of- the- mill humanity. In actual fact, people considered to be normal and able can learn much from their special brethren who think and act differently.

The Colombo Centre for Special Education is a place for differently abled boys and men where they gather, to meet and greet, enjoy companionship and use their talents to the full. Located at Layards Road, Colombo five, it is a fun place where these special people can be free and develop according to their abilities in their own space and their own time. Students are welcomed from around 7 am and the Centre closes around 1 p.m.

The Colombo Centre for Special Education was founded by Revd. Celestine Fernando and Ms. Nora Fernando of the Ceylon Bible Society

Walking into the Centre mid-morning I was struck by the homely atmosphere and the ease and confidence of the students as they went about their business completely unfazed by a stranger in their midst. It also showed how secure these differently able d people felt at the Centre. The spirit of the CCSE motto of ‘Breaking free’ is epitomised by this haven for the differently abled.

The oldest is Chitraranjan Fernando, the son of the Founder who still attends the Centre weekly. He will turn 70 on November 23, the day before the Centre’s Annual Sale of Work. The youngest is 24 year old Nuwin Fernando.

The program at the Centre is designed to give each student the maximum individual attention in keeping with following the ethos that the Centre is an ‘ever evolving place of discovery. Seven dedicated staff and 25 volunteers including parents, headed by dynamic husband and wife duo Anna Rebert and Willie Godridge ,give loving care and attention to each and every one of the students there. The affectionate camaraderie between the students and staff was pretty evident when a youthful student came from behind and gave Anna an affectionate pat on her shoulder. Anna and Willie have been volunteers at the Centre for over 20 years unstintingly giving of their time, care and love to the differently abled.

Focus, flexibility and fluidity are key words at the Centre and regimentation has absolutely no place here. ”There is a plan for each student but whether it is adhered to is secondary. “ The focus, especially during the last five years has been on the student s themselves. There is absolutely no paperwork , students only have a file with their plan in it. Even our Sale takes second place to them” says Anna. They are not pressurised in any way and knowledge is imparted through fun activities. Handicraft, woodwork, painting, singing and dancing are used to impart knowledge, and bring out hidden talents and abilities and hone them within each student’s ability to bring more meaning and fulfillment to their lives.

Both Anna and Kshama spoke about the short time of worship held on Wednesdays, which is the heartbeat of the Centre. What is remarkable is that parents of other faiths have no objection to their children joining in this time of worship. Some would say God Bless and name the person, others would say a word or two while still others would fold their hands in the gesture of worship. However, each of them are aware of the spirituality of the occasion and the Centre is blessed by it.

A rousing sing song drew me to the verandah where another volunteer Tony Hopman, strumming a guitar was leading the singing. Songs like Country Road, Roll along, My Bonnie, and Banks of the Ohio were belted out with much gusto and foot tapping. The music was so enticing that I couldn’t help but join in the singing albeit softly.

Azim walked in to the room asking for a pen ( he loves pens) and greeted me very cheerfully when Anna asked him to. A little later he comes again but this time escorted by another student Chraveen who had taken over minding him. It was very touching to see the care and concern these students had for each other. I was also pleasantly surprised when a nattily dressed young man walked upto me and gave me a cheerful greeting with no bidding whatsoever.

Future plans in 2019 include the completion and maintainance of the Centre’s vegetable ‘Garden Project’ in which the students play an active role.

 

Comments