December December the month to remember... in India

When our city-wide network in Delhi, India, held a Viva Christmas Party a few weeks ago they gave every project attending the chance to perform. Songs, dances and dramas were played out by more than 100 children for the entertainment of their peers, including 13 children from a project that helps young people with autism and other disabilities.

“For these children it was a totally new experience” says Viva India staff member Gary Kamaal. “Not just that they were invited to perform in front of so many people, but to perform alongside other children and be given equal status - that was so amazing and wonderful to them. You could see in their faces they felt so special, and they really loved doing their act.”

Along with their project staff the children performed a five-minute gymnastics routine set to lively Indian music, involving very daring tumbling and dancing. The routine concluded to enthusiastic applause from the other children and carers, and the enjoyment of the performers was evident in the big smiles they wore throughout the presentation. Gary also told us that the children’s reaction to the performance was a personal highlight for him as it showed “their acceptance of the children with special needs - they did not treat them differently at all.” In fact he was delighted to see that children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds were interacting and enjoying the performances and games together throughout the day.

This was the first time this project had been involved in a Viva Christmas Party, and they were very positive about the experiences it offered their children. And because they are a part of the network, they will be able to work with other local projects to show those children exactly what equal opportunities can mean all year round.