THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as inclusive education is yet to gain popularity in the state, Mazhathulli, a summer camp organised by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) adhering to the notion has become a big hit in the city.
Of the 30 students attending the camp four are autistic. Organisers said the activities at the camp have been charted with an aim to develop the inherent talents of the special needs children. Be it music, art or sport the kids are being provided with special coaching, said the organisers. “During the valedictory function of the camp one of the special needs kid will give a drums recital. After we found that he is really interested in playing the drums, we provided him with special coaching sessions,” said the organisers.
DTPC secretary Prasanth Vasudevan said the camp, which is being held at Akkulam tourist village, aims at the overall development of the children. “The programme intends to develop mental, physical, practical and cultural skills of children. Swimming, yoga, cycling, meditation, tree walk, birds and butterfly watching are some of the activities in which the children are being engaged at the camp,” he said.
Devananda S Sunil, a participant, said the camp is very exciting. “I have made lots of friends. Playing in the sand, swimming and all the other activities make the camp a thrilling experience,” she said.
DTPC coordinator Smitha V S said a drawing class by Loretta Nettar was one of the highlights of the camp. “She asked children to draw pictures related to nature. Most of the drawings were beautiful,” she said.
Krishna Manoj, a participant and an aspiring painter said the camp helped her to refine her talent. “Drawing is my passion. At the camp I was able to learn new tips which I believe will help me in fine tuning my skill,” she said.
Amina, a little girl from Adoor said the summer camp is very exciting and the activity she likes the most is swimming. Smart little A Alakananda loved the craft session the most. She said we all enjoyed making different things at the craft session. Children at the camp seemed more interested in getting to know more about nature. The nature watching session which included an activity called sand walk was led by Brahmanayakam of Sanjeevanam trust.
Seleena Beevi S from Nila, an NGO, led a session on teenage issues. At the session the participants were asked to reveal their problems and were given advice on how to tackle them.Yoga session was led by N N Paniker and gender awareness class was conducted by Sreekala Sakhi. She projected the importance of equality. Kunju Krishnan, the famous explorer and retired professor of zoology, University College interacted with children and awed them with exciting tales from his journey to Antartica.
Folk music session conducted by the famous theatre artist Shylaja P Ambu held the kids spellbound. She shared her views on the artistic style of the actor and folk artist Kalabhavan Mani. She said, “Manichettan has composed more than 750 songs but people know about only a few.” Cine artist Nandalal Krishnamoorthy, who visited the camp, said, “The time which I spent with the children at the camp was refreshing. I hope I was able to clear some of their doubts regarding movies.”
Camp director Veena M said the activities helped the children to develop their talents in a big way. “Perhaps, they benefited the autistic kids the most,” she added.The camp which began on April 17 will conclude on 28.