Cheer-Up : for Special-need Children in institutions.
Objectives:
Reduce monotony and bring happiness to institutionalized children with physical disabilities and increase their health awareness by organizing educational programs.
Member Involvement:
- Entertainment and educational programs of general nature, and celebration of festivals with them
- Out-of-station trips
- Encourage participation of children in outdoor activities
- Encourage institutional cleanliness
Frequency / Location:
Weekly, every Saturday evening from 5:30 pm till 7:00 pm at the participating institutions.
Cheer-up was the first activity of Friends Society way back in 1969 when a few enthusiastic students decided to spend some of their free time talking, playing and singing with children living in institutions for orphans, physically and mentally handicapped or blind children. These children don’t want material things, just friends full of warmth and affection with whom they could share their thoughts and feelings.
Volunteers also organize for them supplemental educational programs, puppet shows, magic shows, and contests in handwriting and painting. Festivals are also celebrated. The children are encouraged and helped to participate in debates, elocution and dance competitions. During out-of-station trips, volunteers take them to nearby places like dams, temples, riverbanks, beaches, etc. Also, teaching them simple hygienic practices is a part of the activity. Besides bringing much joy to them, these outings increase their mobility and instill confidence in them. Cheer up activities benefit members as well – they learn lessons in empathy, tolerance, and patience.