Background:

A group of volunteers have just returned from Delhi where they volunteered in a community arts school, Very Special Arts India (VSA). VSA’s aim is to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. The center is open to underprivileged children and young adults, as well as people with disabilities.

The aims of our project were to complement the work of VSA, by sharing new and different creative arts ideas with the children and teachers at VSA, inspiring the kids and the community.

The Project:

Volunteers delivered a creative arts programme to physically and intellectually disabled, as well as financially disadvantaged young people for two weeks. Activities included art classes and mural painting, music and dance sessions as well as puppet making. All activities culminated in a finale show giving the young people the chance to share their achievements with the local community and their families.

Volunteers also had the chance to meet another partner of The Great Generation, Salaam Balaak Trust, and take part in a City Walk Tour which aims to sensitise people to the lives of street children.

The Legacy:

As part of the infrastructure grant, our volunteers have already invested in a digital camera, which will enable VSA to take photos of the children and their art work, promoting it in the public arena. The infrastructure investment also went towards buying new candle moulds for a candle making project which VSA runs. Back home, volunteers, in conjunction with The Great Generation staff, are in the process of identifying microfinance opportunities.