Leadership programmes rarely account for children with special needs,” says Dr Sandeep Gharat, president, RC Dombivli East, RID 3142. A DEI-focused RYLA organised by his club in March sought to challenge that gap “by creating a space where differently-abled children could actively take part, and not be held back by their limitations.”
It brought together 42 special children from 11 special schools, along with their teachers and caregivers, for “a day of structured activities designed to encourage participation, interaction and self-expression.”
Guided by past president Radhika Gupte, District DEI chair with over three decades of experience in special education, the programme was attended by DG Harsh Makol and district secretary Nikhil Dhoot at the inaugural session.
The day began with a simple breakfast, followed by a walk through the Rotary Children’s Park in Dombivli. Spread across 2.5 acres, the park has been developed and maintained by RC Dombivli East and its Trust on land leased by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. The space includes a play area, jogging track, an ayurvedic and a butterfly garden and an amphitheatre.
Next, the children enjoyed a lively Zumba session with “music filling the space as the children followed simple steps, clapping, turning and moving together. Some were hesitant at first, but soon joined in, smiling and keeping pace with the group. The session helped them loosen up, respond to instructions and feel part of a shared activity,” says club member Tejas Thakkar, who organised the session. He runs a dance academy named Rhythm Riders in Dombivli.
During the art session, conducted by Ann Varsha Katekar, the children worked with coloured paper and beads to create simple artwork. “Some worked independently, while others responded to gentle guidance, slowly. This gave them a chance to focus, make small decisions, and express themselves without pressure. It was a way of communicating ideas and preferences that may not always come easily through words,” she says.
This was followed by lunch, where the children were served a simple meal of rice, dal, vegetables and sweets. The afternoon session featured a magic show conducted by club member Dr Manoj Ketkar. As tricks unfolded, “some of the children leaned forward, eyes fixed on my performance, while others reacted with spontaneous laughter and awe,” he says.
The programme concluded with evening tea and snacks. Teachers were invited to share their feedback, followed by a brief felicitation. The children were given backpacks and snack packs to take home. DGE Nilesh Jaywant attended the valedictory ceremony. RC Dombivli co-sponsored the event.