We are extremely proud of our VACD Children:
It is imperative that children with disabilities are provided with the right infrastructure, facilities, coaching and training in music, dance, painting, sports, computer literacy, numeracy, life skills etc. so that they can live independent and fulfilling lives and excel in their special gifts and talents.
We are extremely delighted that our VACD children who having recently shone in sports at a district, provincial and national level have now excelled in various disciplines at the 2018 Art Festival Competition held in the Badulla district that was conducted by the Department of Social Services and won awards at the Uva provincial level.
Above Left: Boys folk dance: Awiska Imesh, A Sujidaran, Danushka Pradeep Kumara, Tharidu Prabodh & Prasad Malinga – 2nd place at the Uva Provincial level.
Above right: Girls Modern creative dance: Thakshila Dilrukshi, Imasha Semini, P Thathshine, Indusarani Imansha & R Thirisha – 3rd place at the Provincial level.
Below left to right: Prasad Malinga – Classical dancing boys over 17 years – 3rd place at the Provincial level, Thakshila Dilrukshi – Classical Solo singing for girls – 1st place at the Provincial level and Solo Folk singing for girls – 2nd place at the Provincial level & Danushka Pradeep Kumara – Classical dancing boys under 17 years – 3rd place at the Provincial level.
United Nations International Day for People with Disabilities was commemorated for the second consecutive year by VACD Sri on Sunday, 2nd December with a procession across the Bandarawela township that started at the VACD centre in the morning, led by the smartly attired college band from St Joseph’s College Bandarawela (Thank you!) and made its way along the main street to conclude at the Vishaka Vidyalaya grounds around mid-day.
A sincere ‘Thank you’ to the organisers and all who participated at this event on the day, including the Sri Lanka Police, St John’s Ambulance personnel, parents, families and staff and students from local schools.
This was an opportunity to generate local community and public awareness of the plight of children with disabilities and the work VACD does to uplift their lives and those of their families.
The Young VACD Members Club have launched their very own Facebook page:
Our Young VACD members have launched their very own Facebook page that can be reached on:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Youth-Organization/Young-Members-Club-VACD-497215557429671/
This page will be regularly populated with news and activities of this dynamic and dedicated group of young adults who have pledged to care and help children with disabilities by joining us on this benevolent journey. These future leaders of our mission will be provided with leadership and management training.
Counting & Cracking: An engaging theatrical performance about a Sri Lankan migrant family staged at the Sydney Townhall from 11th January to 2nd February 2019
Left photo: Gandhi Macintyre (evergreen iconic Sri Lankan stage actor) and right: key actors from the cast.
Counting & Cracking features a cast of 16 actors from six different countries, speaking five languages, performing 50 characters and follows one Sri Lankan-Australian family over four generations, from Colombo (capital of Sri Lanka) to Pendle Hill in Sydney.
The production of this play was assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals initiative, managed by Australia Council (its arts funding and advisory body) in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., Sydney Festival, Adelaide Festival, and highlights how migrants to Australia have the opportunity to assimilate into the Australian way of life, reconcile with their experiences of their motherland and connect with people across continents.
This commanding new play written by a Sri Lankan-Australian has a distinctive blend of most human emotions that are tastefully performed by a talented cast – everything from a first kiss on a Sydney beach to a lavish wedding in 70’s Sri Lanka and would appeal to audiences of all age groups. The play takes the audience on a real-life journey of love and political strife, of home and exile, of parents and children and is staged inside the majestic Sydney Town Hall from 11th January to 2nd February 2019, with a Sri Lankan street food meal included.
You can find more information on “Counting & Cracking” at: https://belvoir.com.au/support-belvoir/giving-to-belvoir/counting-and-cracking/
Booking & buying of tickets can be done online at:
Group booking discount: https://belvoir.com.au/counting-and-cracking-group-ticket-registry/
Regular tickets: https://belvoir.com.au/productions/counting-and-cracking/
Photo: VACD Australia board with the cast and production team of “Counting & Cracking”
Thanks to Mrs. Suzanne Gunesekera – Associate Artist of the play – far right in the photo (wife of Mr. Giles Gunesekera – Secretary and Director VACD Australia who is 5th from left) the VACD Australian board were given the opportunity to spend a very enjoyable evening with the cast, crew and production team of “Counting & Cracking”.
How can you be part of our mission and help our children and their families?
There are three specific areas that need your sponsorship and support:
- Family Assistance Program (FAP) – A$ 20 or equivalent per month;
- Educational Assistance Program (EAP) – A$ 20 or equivalent per month;
- Nutrition Program Initiative (NPI) – Flexible
Please reach out to us at fstephen@bigpond.net.au should you decide to support/sponsor all or any of these initiatives.
Please share this newsletter with your family, friends, loved ones and colleagues so that together we can make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.
Our sincere thanks to all of you for your continued invaluable support, guidance, counselling and assistance and for being part of this incredible, challenging and immensely rewarding journey.
Many thanks, best wishes and warm regards…. Felix
Felix Stephen
Chairman of the Board of Directors – VACD Ltd. Sydney – Australia – http://www.vacd.org.au/
Member of the Advisory Board – VACD USA – http://www.vacdusa.org/
Member of the Advisory Board – VACD Sri Lanka
Senior Associate – Cognoscenti Group – Sydney – Australia- http://www.cognoscenti.global/
Consultant – Investment Committee – Lonsec – Sydney – Australia – https://www.lonsec.com.au/
Member of Investment Committee – Arrive Wealth Management – Brisbane – Australia – http://brisbane.arrivewealthmanagement.com.au/
Consultant – Global Financial Market Investment Research & Investment Strategy
E-mail: felixswstephen@gmail.com / fstephen@bigpond.net.au