Three events have been organized –
• Chrysallis Integrated Classroom Simulation Programme,
• Exhibition of Placards made by children with and without challenges
• Motor Bike Ride Awareness
Said Diana Tholoor, Founder of Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre for the Challenged, Bangalore, “We are dedicating our eighth year to the integration of children with and without challenges. Our outreach programme, which began with 20 children from the challenged sector, today caters to around 5000 children. Chrysallis is an integrated platform that frees their spirit.”
The Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre for the Challenged, Bangalore has created events which are unique and special to help the integration of children with and without challenges.
For the event Integrated Classroom Simulation Programme, at Mount Carmel College, schools have nominated students and teachers from class 7. Teachers from mainstream schools and special schools have been brought together to share experiences. “We tried to create a platform to understand methods used by teachers in mainstream schools and special schools. Teachers also made an effort to review teaching modules on Mathematics, Social Studies, Sciences and Art,” said Diana Tholoor.
In Bangalore, at Mount Carmel College, the campaign – Know Your Special Friend – came alive with the exhibition of the placards made by 250 children with and without challenges. From March 2007, children with and without challenges, across state and union territories, partnered together and created wonderful placards, for Chrysallis campaign – ‘Know Your Special Friend’ in cities like Bangalore Pondicherry, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Delhi and Bhubaneswar. .
Adds Diana Tholoor, “Our campaign integrated over 1500 children who have created amazing visuals on special friendships. There was joy and excitement when they sat together, drew and coloured. These placards are their voices for peer acceptance and illustrated their concept of integration and special friendships.”
The Chrysallis Volunteer Motorcycle Rider, Prashant H. Pillai, will ride 18,000 kms across the nation, in an effort to create awareness on integration of children with and without challenges. “This indeed is a matter of pride for me to be associated with the great cause. ‘The Chrysallis Power of One – Know Your Special Friend’ campaign is an opportunity to make inclusive education a reality,” said Pillai. The fuel for the ride has been sponsored by Indian Oil Corporation.
The Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre for the Challenged, Bangalore, was established in 1999. Till now 5000 children with challenges have been trained by them in 60 dramas.


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