• SLGGA Differently Abled Branch to showcase talents on Sunday (8)

The Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association Branch for the Differently Abled will be presenting “I do it my way” on Sunday (8), giving the stage for Girl Guides with various disabilities to showcase their many talents.

In a statement issued about the concert, the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association stated that “I do it my way” will be an evening to showcase the talents of Girl Guides with disabilities. The event will take place at the Cinnamon Grand Oak Room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“This event, organised to mark International Children’s Day, will provide a single stage to performers from all ethnic groups, religions, those coming from different parts of the island and, most of all, children with different abilities; visually impaired, hearing impaired, slow learners, autistic, those with Down syndrome, physically disabled, etc.,” the statement read.

The organisers shared that the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association initiated its Branch for the Differently Abled (originally named Branch for the Handicapped) in 1924 with the aim of expanding Girl Guide activities to include those with physical and mental impairments, thereby allowing them better access to equal opportunities. 

“The aim of including these girls in the Girl Guide movement is to empower them with a vast variety of skills to achieve their fullest potential and live independently, enjoying equal opportunities as an integral part of society,” the organisation explained.

Speaking to The Daily Morning Brunch, Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association Differently Abled Branch Commissioner Nirmali Sylvia Wijekoon shared that “I do it my way” is being held “to understand the abilities of the differently abled also to observe their hidden talents. And to look at the children through another lens to witness their full potential”.

Wijekoon added that giving a platform for the performers to showcase their talents was very important as it would open out many opportunities for them, though it is not an easy task. Events like this could build up the performers’ confidence and showcase them in a way that their voices will be heard, she explained.

When asked about the work carried out by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association Differently Abled Branch, Wijekoon said: “Proudly reaching 100 years of experience. It has given different types of services to create fun day activities, and briefing up the caregivers for more productivity for the betterment of the children.”

Performer’s perspective

The Daily Morning Brunch also had the opportunity of speaking to one of the performers of “I do it my way”.

“My name is Hannah. I’m on the autism spectrum. And I started Little Friends – I’m still in Little Friends due to a slight delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic – in grade three or four. I am now in grade six. I am 11 years old,” Hannah shared.

When asked what she liked the most about Little Friends, Hannah shared that it was mainly the cookery and sewing, as these are both skills that one needs to know when they are trying to be independent in life. “It can help you in the future a lot.”

Going into more detail about what she liked the most about cooking, Hannah said she found the mixing aspect of cooking very satisfying and good in terms of the sensory component. “It has helped me and it’s nice when you have mixed the cookie dough, the feeling is so ooey-gooey and squishy,” Hannah said, adding that she has held two bake sales thus far. “Bake sales are pretty easy. You just have to decorate it and add a bit of creativity. And of course you have to make sure that your food doesn’t burn.”

When she grows up, Hannah wants to be an actor, and if not, a singer or a chef. “Because those are some of my good areas. I can sing pretty well and I am a beginner chef. I started cooking recently and I’ve had two bake sales.”

When asked about her upcoming performance at “I do it my way”, Hannah said that she heard about the event while attending a performance by a child with Down syndrome, which she went for with her mother. During the concert, “I do it my way” was mentioned and Hannah approached the organisers about the possibility of performing.

“I’m very excited because I like performing in front of people. It’s a very nice experience for me. And I’ve never had stage fright, so it’s a big help,” she added.

“I am singing two songs at the concert. I’m singing Feed the Birds from Mary Poppins and Girl in the Mirror. Girl in the Mirror talks about how you should be happy with who you are,” Hannah said, sharing that she chose Feed the Birds because it is the song she performed for her Trinity music exams.

“I’ve been a prize winner for two years for musical theatre, and I’ll be grade four next year,” Hannah said about her interest in music.

Inviting people to attend “I do it my way”, Hannah said: “I would say just give your time, because we have been practising so much. We just want to see how much you will like the way we perform, because we worked on it and we really want to entertain you all. So please come!”

Differently Abled Branch turns 100

The concert will be providing a stage to showcase the talents of various performers, but it will also raise funds to celebrate the milestone of the Branch for the Differently Abled as it marks a century in existence.

“Part of the funds generated will be channelled towards securing the future and nurturing the talents of these very special children,” the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association said. Regarding the concert, they added: “Through this, we expect to make the public aware of the resourcefulness and abilities of these children, so that they will have access to job opportunities. This concert also aims to showcase the organisation’s success in celebrating the talents of the differently abled young girls and women, who have been nurtured by the Guiding framework.”

Tickets for the concert can be purchased from the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association.