Concern' for a special child

To encourage the artistic ability of special kids, Bengaluru is coming up with various events with a noble aim. Concern India Foundation is organising an event — Splash, a sit and draw activity for differently-abled children. The platform has been created to encourage artistic skills and provide space to these children to hone talent. “Working with children with special needs for many years, we have realised the lack, and the need of a platform. We have started this initiative with NGOs and support 300 programmes across the country. For this event, our target group is mainly children with disabilities. A major part of the group is autistic and have psychological issues. Art is one of the mediums through which these children express themselves. We started Splash so that we can reach out to various underprivileged kids between six years to 14 years of age. It gives them a platform where they can all come together for an activity, get rewarded and appreciated for any aptitude they have naturally,” says Tuhina Nair, assistant branch manager of Concern India Foundation.

With over 20 NGOs and 200 children participating, she adds, “It is a heart-warming event for children. With various painting and drawing activities, the children look forward to this event. It gives them confidence, helps in personality development and improves hand-eye coordination. Through this platform, they can showcase talent and effort which is a big achievement.”

Renowned artists will grace the event, and distribute certificates and gifts to the children. “These children are not able to communicate or express their thoughts well. Painting is a medium through which multiple expressions of thoughts are captured. Children with mental retardation are slower in their learning curve than a typical child. So, this painting and drawing activity gives them a chance  to open up freely,” she says.

Children with special needs are the most deprived. “It is an effort to create a platform where they are neither perceived with pity nor discriminated because of their disadvantage. However, the biggest benefit you derive is the satisfaction of bringing joy and cheer into the lives of so many differently-abled children. At the same time, encouraging them to manifest special abilities,” concludes Tuhina. Splash – Every Child Can Paint is a programme of  Concern India Foundation for differently-abled children. It will be held on August 18 at Bal Bhavan, Cubbon Park from 10 am to 2 pm.