Operacion Felicidad (Operation Happiness)

The Problem

My project helped children with special needs at a special therapy held for them in Venezuela. My project sought to bring them closer together and to show them that they are cared for and that they can do things if they set their minds to it.

Plan of Action

I came up with the idea because my little sister has special needs. After devising my plan, I went out to buy my supplies, color pencils, crayons, markers, beads, paper, etc. Once in Margarita, Venezuela, I met the therapists, the children and their parents and explained my project. Everyday we would work together to make something. These kids were able to take pride in something that they made. Some projects wouldn't be finished in one day so they were continued the next. I did not want these kids to feel rushed or overwhelmed. Through this project, these kids were able to gain confidence in their social skills, by making friends with the other children and their families, and in their creative imaginations. The families were able to learn from the project as well. The got to see what activities their children liked and how to go about involving them at school, with their peers, etc.