During the dark times of lockdown the girls at Valsalyabhavan brought colours into their home by creating paintings on the walls.
Kochi: The Valsalyabhavan Annex shelters girls aged 12 and above. In addition to regular school education, they participate in a variety of classes enhancing skills in dance, tailoring, embroidery, guitar, piano etc. This gives them the opportunity to unlock passions they never knew they had. Engaging in such activities develops their confidence as well.
But once the lockdown was announced everything was different. Sister Shirley, the caretaker at the home for around 6 years, said “Initially the children were very scared as they saw the pandemic on the news. We explained to them about Covid 19, the need for frequent sanitization, social distancing and more importantly helping one another. Soon their fear was turned into empathy and they began praying for the affected”. Only the compassionate can shift perspective from their own suffering to a stranger’s suffering. Yes these kids indeed are unique.
The girls at Valsalyabhavan come from all walks of life, from abandonment to abuse. But they are united in their conviction that this home is their home and the inmates their family. Anagha, currently a 2nd year Bsc. in Medical Laboratory Technology student who began her journey at the home when she was just a 6 year old, said “We brainstormed ideas on how to make our home more beautiful thus we came up with this concept of painting on the walls.” To help shape their vision into reality, the Thiruvananthapuram-based IBS software provided the required materials. “Even though we doubted our abilities initially,” she explained, “we were able to remain confident because of the encouragement received from each other and from Sister. As we saw the beauty of our work unfolding we grew stronger in our belief. Once it was completed we all felt a sense of achievement. Even today as I pass by those walls I can feel that same energy I felt then”.
The lockdown was a test on all of us to not only remain productive but also positive. In spite of having near and dear ones around, finding the silver lining in all this was difficult. Anagha continued, “Although our beloved classes were paused we still aspired to do something creative, now since we had the time we figured why not!” When asked about her dreams she said she wants to help those around her. Her enthusiasm for her ambition was strongly felt in her voice. In this world where we are all tirelessly hustling to pile up money, her answer was a breath of fresh, mask-free, air.
Nancy Joseph
