VACD Projects & Programs for 2022

Projects & Programs in 2022:
The following are our planned projects and programs for 2022:

Acquiring Resources: Replacing existing unsuitable furniture with custom designed specialist furniture recommended for children with disabilities, replacing damaged physical and vocational training equipment, acquiring new musical instruments and audiovisual equipment for dance & music training essential for children with special needs and procuring equipment required for public awareness campaigns, seminars, health clinics and educational workshops.

Training & Awareness: Conducting educational, health, skills & vocational training and family, and community awareness programs in remote rural and key urban areas in the Uva Province with the assistance of the local provincial, education, social, health, probation & child welfare administrative authorities and local community and religious leaders. These sessions will be conducted by experts and specialists who have already pledged their services to us on a pro bono basis. Additionally, we will introduce household income generating activities with the assistance of local experts and home gardening with the assistance of Teardrop Hotels.

Training for Parents & Young VACD members: Conducting skills, vocational, leadership, computer literacy and other critical career development training for our Young VACD members and leadership and income generating opportunities for parents of our VACD children in Badulla, Bandarawela and Welimada.

Health & Rehabilitation: Conducting quarterly health and rehabilitation camps in Badulla. Bandarawela and Welimada with the assistance of Dr. Gopi Kitnasamy – Head of Rehabilitation Services at MJF Charitable Foundation

Educator Training: Our new specialist teacher recruits to be sent to the National Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Developmental Disorders at Rajagiriya (Colombo) and Ayati Centre in Ragama (outer Colombo) for practical specialist training.

Early Intervention: Introducing early identification and intervention programs at all our centres under a “Supported Playgroup model” for young children presenting developmental concerns. Facilitate access to specialist support and encourage local community and other allied services to participate in this project. This program will be introduced at our centres by our VACD Australia Director – Ms Gabi Vascotto - Bachelor Special Education, Visiting Consultant to VACD schools in Sri Lanka, Learning Consultant Autism/Behavior and Supported Playgroup Project Consultant for Catholic Education Melbourne.