Valentina

Valentina (a resident of wattala, Colombo) was 6 years old when she met with an accident that changed her life completely and left her crippled. This little song bird, ashamed of her disability, stayed away from other children. Smaller built than other girls, Valentina, though very talented, didn’t mix with the other children because she feared others would laugh or reject her. These very reasons kept her from joining the Children’s club in Wattala. So with much fear & hesitation Valentina joined the Change Makers Club, where for the 1st time after the accident she felt accepted and welcomed by other children. Throngs of smiling faces greeted her. Instant friendships were birthed; friendships that would last a life time. She is now an active member of the club. “I have friends now, I can sing at programmes and people appreciate me. They even clapped and cheered for me” said Valentina with a sweet smile. “I have friends now”; “I am just like one of them. I am so happy that I came to this club. I am very happy” she continued beaming. At the tallent show held at the Wattala Change Makers Club, Valentina took on the challenge to sing a song and did her best. She sang right into the hearts of all those watching her. As she animated the song and danced, she had overcome all fear and doubt she had within her. Onlookers saw beyond her crutches, they saw a beautiful little girl who stands true to her name, a name which means bravery and love.