Lesley and Pippa bid farewell

‘We would never have known about Udhavi, if it were not for our friend at the Staff College, Tina Jagatbir,' says Pippa de Labilliere, wife of a British army officer, here on the one-year exchange program at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Pippa is a trained physiotherapist, with an enviable track record, back in England. Her experience with various age groups and categories came in handy for the children with special needs at Udhavi. 

'The principles of physiotherapy are the same, whether you are treating an average individual or a person with special needs. You assess the movements of the child and then aim to facilitate normal movement to the extent possible - a goal centred approach.' The physiotherapist advises regular exercises and stretches for children with special needs, failing which the child could develop severe stiffness, becming more immobile.

The other volunteer, a British Air Force officer's wife is also here on the defence program at Wellington and she is a skilled primary school teacher in the UK. For Lesley Nixon (in pic above, left), her experiences at Udhavi have been equally fulfilling. 'Working with children with special needs requires a different perspective. One's approach changes. The milestones are modest, the achievements - however little, in relation to what one might achieve with a child in mainstream - are very gratifying. See video http://youtu.be/RY3lh6w6IDk  .

Both volunteers observe that the involvement of parents here, at Udhavi (perhaps in the rest of India too, as a cultural indicator) is very high. 'I find it heartening to see parents participating in the development of their child with special needs,' says Pippa, adding, 'In physiotherapy, it is so much better if the parent learns the techniques first hand and carries out the exercises at home.' http://youtu.be/qZFUn7Marr0http://youtu.be/qZFUn7Marr0  

Leslie is impressed with the volunteerism at Udhavi. 'Back in England there will be a whole governmental set up to take care of children with special needs, and that means paid workers. Here, it is amazing to see volunteers put in so much time and effort without expecting anything in return. It is heartwarming to see parents helping each other's children as well.'

Pippa and Lesley go back with rich experiences and vivid memories of their association with Udhavi. 'It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to work here and I'm glad we took it. It's been so rewarding,' says the physio.

It will be hard for the two overseas volunteers to bid farewell to their students, who will also miss their cheerful teachers sorely, but the bonds of a lifetime have been made. Children and volunteers at Udhavi organised a farewell for Leslie and Pippa, a week prior to their departure. 

The fraternity of foreign officers at the Defence Services Staff College, have, at the invitation of the two volunteers, contributed to a standing armchair, while Lesley and Pippa and their families have donated a specially designed baby chair for infants.