About the Organisation: This organization runs a centre where children learn basic life skills and also undergo holistic development
through drama and music activities. Theatre workshops are goal-orientated with certain activities that support a child's individual physiotherapy or
speech therapy program. Through this work the child's communication skills and means of self expression are greatly improved. There are also classes
for children to learn arts and crafts and play various games.
Who they are: This project is a dream come true for one very special woman, a dancer, choreographer and classical singer.
She refused to accept that dance was only performing onstage and believed that it could also help children with physical and mental handicaps to
use their limbs freely. She spent years researching with the doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and dance movement
specialists in order to realize her vision: "Each and everyone is a blessed magician...Each and every child the magic wand".
What they do: The project runs a special school for children, an art centre and a vocational centre for adults with disabilities. Dance, drama, storytelling and movement, art and craft are all used as
learning tools for the children and help them with everything from developing their sensory and motor skills to social skills and daily living.
Adults are helped to learn skills and activities that will help them earn a living.
The project also has outreach programs and is linked to several schools in
Chennai as well as running a postgraduate
diploma for people interested in working with special children.
What you can do: If you're interested in any of the performing arts you'll get tremendous satisfaction on
this project by using your skills to help these children blossom and grow. You'll expand your own knowledge of dance and drama
into the dimension of India's long and rich tradition in the field.
Whether you aim to go into the performing arts as a professional or are thinking about working in fields like occupational therapy, art therapy, special needs teaching or community work, you'll get terrific experience, satisfaction and have a lot of fun on this
project that will add to your own studies and your CV.