Japanese volunteers support inclusive education

An art exhibition and mini concert by differently-abled children were held at the Child Guidance Centre (CGC), Maharagama on 20 December, with the participation of L. Gunasekara, Director of CGC.

The aim of the programme was to create a common understanding on differently-abled children amongst their parents, teachers of neighbouring preschools who work with such children, and members of the community who are concerned about the wellbeing of differently-abled children. About 80 children participated at this event.

The CGC was established by the Department of Social Services in 2003. It is the first institution in Sri Lanka that was established for the purpose of carrying out functions such as the early detection of disabilities amongst children, rehabilitation of differently-abled children, provision of advice to parents of such children, and training teachers who work with children with special needs.

The CGC conducts individual and group lessons for children and their parents in order to enhance the holistic development of differently-abled children. With this in mind, CGC offers a range of services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, individual consultation for parents, and lectures aimed at creating a better understanding on the development of differently-abled children.

From its inception, CGC received the support of Japanese volunteers who were dispatched under JICA’s volunteer programme. These volunteers, who have worked towards the improvement of services provided by the CGC, and the enhancement of skills of specialised staff supporting differently-abled children, were those who possessed various technical skills in areas such as special education, inclusive education, physiotherapy and social work.

So far, eight JICA volunteers have worked at the CGC in support of its activities. The two volunteers who are currently serving at CGC are Junko Ura, an inclusive education specialist, and Yumi Nakayama, who is a social worker.

The contribution by JICA’s volunteers towards development activities at grass-root level is greatly valued by those organisations that have benefited from their services. The strengths of these volunteers are their practical approach to problem solving, and grasp of local languages, which enables them to interactively communicate with local people.

These volunteers use extremely creative means of communication, which is essential in order to conduct activities effectively. JICA’s volunteers are able to positively influence those whom they work with due to their attitudes, strong sense of discipline, and high emphasis on team work. They not only transfer technical skills, but also share knowledge on cultural aspects, and most importantly, build strong and long lasting friendships with local people that outlast their stay in Sri Lanka.

There are altogether 46 volunteers who are currently working in various parts of the country. Since the inception of JICA’s Volunteer Dispatch Programme to Sri Lanka in 1981, a total of 855 volunteers have worked in the country.