Strides Newsletter - August -2019
- Academy of Teaching Excellence
- Counseling & Assessments
- Early Intervention
- Kaleidoscope Learning Center
- V-Excel Educational Trust
- V-Excel Remedial Center
- Satellite Centers
- Vocational Training Unit
- Youth Empowerment Services
Academy of Teaching Excellence
From Meera Suresh's Desk
Students have been given their respective schools and institutions for the On Job Training (OJT). Group discussion on Individualized Education Program/Individualized Program Plans (IEP/IPP) formatting, Lesson planning, with various case studies were done for better understanding before sending them to their respective place of training and observation.
Plans to start the "The All Inclusive Classroom" course is going on in earnest. Bhaskar and Meera have been visiting schools to meet the Principals Correspondent/Advisor/Director to sound them in on our All Inclusive Classroom course.
The Results for the Post-Graduate in Multiple Disabilities course has been declared and all the students except one have scored the First class.
Results for the Diploma in Inclusive Education which may be declared this week.
P.G. Diploma in Multiple Disabilities certificates and mark sheets have been given to the ATE candidates for those who could not attend the valedictory function.
Counseling & Assessments
August month was full of activities related to Independence day and streamlining of the department with new joinees. We have three new counsellors who joined our department. One for KLC, one for YES and one For VTU. All the counsellors have jumped right in and are busy with regular individual work with trainees, parents and teachers.
Our counsellor at YES met trainees individually and in groups. Working with boys and girls to understand about themselves, their safety and self care. Working also with emotional expression and safety in groups.
We have three more BALM students joined from year one for the internship.
The counsellor with KLC and main office is working with individual children and groups for play therapy and adult counselling from outside.
We had two desks of PayPal this month and two outside clients.
We had regular clients for followup as well.
Early Intervention
From Lalitha Sridhar's Desk
Teaching "Sequencing" in young children
What?
Sequencing is the ability to logically order events, images, thoughts and actions.
Why?
Sequencing is a very important concept for young children to develop, as it helps children to recognise patterns that make the world more understandable and predictable. It strengthens the conceptual and reasoning ability in children.
Where?
We use sequencing all day long – whether it is going to the bathroom or reading a story. Helping children sequence, can help them learn routines, and develop key academic skills like reading, comprehension and Math.
How?
- Introduce sequencing words in conversation. Use words like first, second, third, next, in front of, after and last. (e.g.) construction play
- Talk with children about their daily activities by task analysing them. (e.g.) getting dressed to go out, using the restroom.
- Read books together and talk about order of the story and events.
- Initiate conversations that discuss the sequence of your child's day.
- Use singing and clapping (e.g.) "Old Mac Donald", "10 little monkeys"
- Use sequence words to describe arrangements of items from left to right (e.g.) Red square is first, blue triangle next and yellow circle last.
- Ask your child to sequence toys and items according to your directions. (e.g.) ball first, bear second, car third and block last.
- Sequencing pictures in order. Guide your child, by asking what would happen first, next and last.
- Use family photos to help children understand sequencing (e.g.) gather some photos of your child from the time they were born to the present. Ask your child to place them from youngest to oldest.
- Allow children to make experiments, listen to the child and try to understand how the child is thinking about the process. Have conversations about sequencing especially as vocabulary and reasoning skills improve. (e.g.) what would happen if you don't hold the handle bar of the cycle while riding it?
Sequencing helps children understand, organise and solve problems. It improves high order thinking skills.
Kaleidoscope Learning Centre
From Gita Bhalla's Desk
In the life of a school in progress as we are at KLC, every now and then comes an occasion where you need to extend boundaries, break some set patterns and address the pressing need on hand. Two such occasions demanded this to happen this month. Two of our students plummeted downwards in their mental health and help was needed desperately at their homes. The children were having meltdowns and were aggressive and parents were at the end of their tether. The teachers and our senior therapist intervened, made home visits and have succeeded in giving both the children and their parents some alleviation from the situation. Bhuvan has been coming to school and getting intense external therapy on advice of the school doctor , and his parents both also receive some TLC from the staff at school. It is fulfilling to see that the child is much calmer and the parents responding to this slowly. The other child was relocated from his home to another boys hostel and during weekends is the guest of some teacher or the other. A change of environment has worked for this child and he looks calm , self assured and active. A mention must be made of the teachers who extended their support to children , beyond the call of duty. Ponrajam, Shashi, Neha and Puja the school counsellor.
KLC team had a successful Tiffin Times on the 13th , where this team introduced soup for the first time as one of the healthy drinks.
Bakrid was celebrated on the 14th and Zainabu one of our oldest parents, explained the significance of the day and the children all came in festive clothes and ate a special sweet made for the day.
15 August was a short but significant celebration. The school band which has increased in number includes one student at the drum now and four at the guitar . The songs of freedom and in praise of the country were sung with touching fervour and this was followed by five short tableaus. Each depicting a particular scene from some place in India where you felt completely free and unfettered and calm. So scenes depicting the ocean side, mountains, the village pond, the inner sanctum sanatorium of a temple , and the place where the three oceans meet at Kanyakumari were recreated through movement, music and drama. The flag was hoisted and the children dispersed after getting their sweets. The flag was hoisted by Sh. Anand , Sh. Rajagopal, a parent, Mr. Selvaraj, and Janaki our old trusted teacher who was here from the USA.
On the 16 th, we bid farewell to our volunteers from VIA.e.V Luise, and Micheala, who had spent a wonderful year with us and shared the time , talent and good cheer with all of us. It's always very hard to say goodbye to goodness and it was deeply moving to see how the staff , students and the volunteers spent their last day in silent, deep togetherness . We wish both the girls a very bright future and thank the VIA. e. V for their partnership with us.
We also celebrated Raksha Bandhan the festival of bonding between brothers and sisters by tying a sacred thread around the wrist of your loved one. Small gestures like this help the children to bond and accept each other in a beautiful, silent yet complete way.
The Friday and Saturday meetings have been rich this month. We had a teachers presentation by Kavita, Gowri and Sudar on Epochs and it was an eye opener to hear and see them conduct this with such thoroughness and thought. Lakshmi Sudhakaran spoke one Friday afternoon on Temperaments and how important it is for the teacher to be aware of her temperament on the children. We also had a hands on workshop by Janaki, a Waldorf teacher in the USA and our friend and colleague from the past. She taught us some bean bag games, finger rhymes and story telling making props from simple things that she found around her.
We have four trainee teachers from NKT college of Education, and these teachers have been coming and assisting the teachers and learning as part of their traineeship.
The child study for Keshav was completed this month.
We had a visit from Jan And David two young jugglers. They came to school, had the children mesmerised for 45 minutes with their tricks and agility. We are truly grateful to you dear friends for enriching and enlivening our day.
The month has also been the favourite month for festivals. Krishna Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi we're both celebrated . Krishna Jayanti with a difference this year. It was decided that Krishna needed to be found outdoors this year and in nature. So each class took multiple trips sometime and found Krishna in the trees, parks, calm setting of Theosophical Society, the Adyar Creek park, and many other places. It was followed by a day where the cow was worshipped and fed. Teachers and students danced and ate sweets according to the tradition.
A task given to teachers at this time was, where do you find divinity in each other. It was taken seriously and we dare say that these moments and exchanges do more for team building and helping the culture of bon homie to develop amongst the staff in a beautiful, indirect though deep way.
Amongst the field trips there was one visit to the nursery as a part of the plant study that Grade 5 was doing.
On a similar note, our Ganeshas made by students of every class with clay were invited to come and take their place in the foyer. A small play and a dance was performed by representatives of each class and a small prayer and chanting was done for the function.
We welcome Nandini and Ajin and Karthika three new teachers in KLC and wish them a great innings with us.
V-Excel Educational Trust
Celebrating 18 years of V-Excel Educational Trust !
An organization striving to bring meaning and abundance in the lives of persons with special needs. With the student at the center, a warm, sensitive and
Let's all hold hands today and continue to work with clarity, compassion and creativity.
Wishes
My warmest congratulations on the completion of 18 year fruitful journey filled with empathy and value for some specially endowed lives. I salute the organization and forces behind for what has been delivered already and wish that the journey ahead fills you with a sense of fulfilment of the purpose of your creation. - T. Ramasami, Advisory Board Member
Very happy to be part of this incredible journey of V-Excel. Wishes of many more successful, productive years of this family.
Those destined to be here, come together, to work with the children and parents.
Lots of Love, Shashikala,
School Coordinator - Kaleidoscope Learning Centre
Birthday wishes to V-Excel Educational Trust!! Feels great to be a part of V-Excel family.
Love and regards,
Mallika.
V-Excel Sparkle
Our volunteer, Jayashree Bharath, spoke to Sathya Ramachandran about her V-Excel experience.
Akkas - a word all children resonate within V-Excel. Rain or shine, Akkas are there to help and nurture our kids grow, catering to their needs with a smile and always happy to help. In this issue of spotlight, our hero is Sathya, Asst. Teacher, who has travelled with V-Excel from the very beginning.
When V-Excel, started with 5 children. Sathya was so much in need of financial support that she wasn't even aware that she will be working with children of special needs. Initially it was a challenge for her to communicate with the kids but in a short span with guidance and support she excelled in her work. Sathya was so content with what she was doing that she refused to work elsewhere.
More Akkas came in with the growth of V-Excel and Sathya is ready to guide them.
Our Sathya's journey from Akka to Asst teacher is result of hardwork, dedication and passion.
Inauguration of Bridges Learning Academy, Nashik
The New Academy called Bridges Learning Academy was formally inaugurated at Nashik on 1st August 2019 by Prof. Jayant Bhatambrekar, Proprietor of Bhatambrekar Construction Company in the august presence of Shri Y, Krishnakumar Rao of Kumarao Builders, the Regional Director of the Trust Mrs. Jayanthi Vishwanath, parents, teachers and well-wishers of the Trust.
Bridges Learning Academy offers a holistic program that will respect the learning pace of the children while helping them meet social norms. They are usually school-drop-outs, First- Generation Learners or Out-Of School children. At present, there are 21 students in this Unit. The children are offered Yoga, Sports, Music and some Specialized therapies, besides Academics based on IEP( Individualized Educational Plan). The teacher to students ratio is 1:4, that is for every 4 students, there is one teacher to teach them. It is a full time classroom program facilitated by qualified/trained teachers and examination under NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) system.
Remedial sessions at Government Schools
We are very happy to inform you that our Outreach Remedial Center in Pollachi commenced the sessions on August 5, 2019 for the selected seven Government municipal middle schools for Remedial teaching programme for children with Specific Learning Disabilities at Pollachi.
Tiffin Times @ Montfort Academy
Trainees of Tiffin Times had a beautiful experience interacting with younger children at Montfort Academy.
We are very grateful to Bro. P. Arockia Sahayaraj, Principal, Montfort Academy Matriculation higher Secondary School for giving us an opportunity to be part of their Annual Sports day held at Santhome Higher Secondary School on 21 August 2019.
It gave us the much needed visibility and an avenue for our trainees to interact with general public. V-Excel uses such events to promote social inclusion and to be advocates of the rights of individuals in the disability sector.
Special thanks to Divya Venkatesh for making this happen.
Support us.... Support our community!!
Tarang in Chennai
The monthly Tarang concert held on Thursday, 29th August at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) - Mylapore between 2.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m. featured a vocal concert by Saindhavi Prakash accompanied by Karaikal S. Venkatasubramanian on Violin, R. Athul Kumar on Flute and S. J. Arjun Ganesh on Mridangam.
TwinTwigs
TwinTwigs is yet another place where the hand crafted items produced by the young adults of V-Excel are showcased and sold. The shop on the OMR Navalur, Chennai has several variety of handicraft products sourced from other special schools too. They are the handicraft dealers and also do whole sale supplying the products across the country.
This is an unique effort by two youngsters Sunder Ram and Sriram with cerebral palsy supported by their parents Ramesh and Radha. This initiative is run by, of and for people with physical disabilities and intellectual challenges. These twins have been trained and specialized in making eco-friendly party-ware products made of bahunia leaves like the cups, saucers and plates of various sizes.
They can be reached through 91-94440 60993 and also meet them at Twin Enterprises Shop No. D5, OMR Bazzar Street, OMR Navallur, Chennai - 600130.
Those interested for more details can look into their website: www.twintwigs.com
V-Excel Remedial Center
From Lekshmi Ramesh's Desk
Remedial Unit
The month of August was a mixture of learning and entertainment. Every celebration was a learning experience. The activities of the month were planned in such a way that the children understood the meaning of the festival in its real sense. Independence Day means learning to use freedom in the right way. Respecting the supreme sacrifice of our ancestors, the quality of being together and work towards a strong nation was depicted in the tricolor kites made by the children.
Krishna Jayanthi – the life of Krishna was narrated during circle time. To be friendly, diplomatic, humble, caring, sharing, proactive are some of the qualities of Krishna that were highlighted. The children beamed their best smiles with the Krishna crown they had prepared. Dance and singing followed by a tasty treat of peanut balls, laddu and butter made the occasion blissful.
Vinayaka the God of Wisdom and intellect blessed our children with his best gifts on 30 August 19. Children got sweets, sundal, fruits and flowers to worship the lord. Songs and slokas filled the air. Children made Ganesha with Peepal tree leaves and also made images of the lord with millets. What a way to thank the little Ganesha for his gifts.
The happy news is Nalanda Way project is likely to begin on 2nd September 2019. Mrs Priya is the resource person from VRC who will be working in this project. Wishing a successful year.
Advertisements were placed about VRC and BLA in Mylapore times. IT is bringing in fresh responses. Two new students have enrolled in BLA primary class.
The staff and the students of our team found the month of August a step towards progress.
Neev
Two workshops were conducted by Neev representatives at Olcott memorial School in the month of August. One was transition from Tamil medium stream of education to English medium stream of education for class six. The second was study skills training for all the sections of sixth standard. The children actively participated and benefitted from the workshops. The handing over has been successfully done at Olcott Memorial School.
Neev project neared completion in Cathedral Primary School. The school Principal and the teachers as a token of their appreciation have written a personal thank letter to our Neev team. We are happy that we could help the children to get motivated and perform well in academics.
A final report has been submitted to WIPRO who had initiated the NEEV project.
Anandanam
August was a month of celebrations. Starting with Independence Day, we went on to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha. The month helped the children to learn the importance of festivals and the meaning that it had in their lives. It helped to bring out the creative talents in art craft, music and dance in the children.
This month's stride honors Anandam Learning Centre who have been doing remedial teaching in its proper sense. Remedial teaching is not only remediation of academics but to improve the physical and mental states of the children. Every activity is aimed at a holistic improvement of the children.
The celebrations began with Friendship day. Peer relationships are very important in the life span of a person. It gives one a sense of belonging and trust building among individuals.
The world Honey Bee Day was celebrated. A speech was given by one of the teachers to highlight the life of a honey bee and its role in the environment. Children drew honey bees and hives and displayed their drawing skills.
World Mosquito Day was celebrated to understand about the diseases spread by the vector. The ways and means to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes were also discussed.
Independence Day was celebrated with tricolors depicted in various art forms. The national symbols were recalled. Speeches by children sensitized the sacrifice of the Indian Freedom Fighters. To live in a free country is a boon. One must own responsibility to sustain the freedom. This was the message the children took home that day.
Krishna Jayanthi is always the most cherished festival of children. Children were dressed up like little Krishna and Radha and participated in a group dance. Movement and music are a part of Indian festivals as it helps children to shed inhibitions and come out of their shell.
Little Ganesha came to Anandam with his vahana the little mouse. Children welcomed him with songs and favourite sweets.
On August 10th assessment camp was held at Anandam for new students. Two members from VRC went to Anandam to do the assessments. The teachers were very active and helped to complete the assessment of about 20 children on the same day. The teachers have also prepared the reports for all the children based on the format given by VRC.
The classrooms at Anandam display a variety of charts. They include learning materials – sight words, grammar, math concepts as well as various activities done by the students. The very atmosphere is a motivation to learn for the children.
We are really happy and proud to be associated with such a team. Keep going Anandam.
Proud moments at Anandam.
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath in Nashik
The month of August dawned with the Inaugural event of BLA and joyous celebrations of various festivals.
On 1st August,2019, V-Excel Educational Trust established a New Academy for children with learning difficulties, as an Exclusive Service Unit of their Nashik Branch. The new Academy called Bridges Learning Academy was formally inaugurated today by Prof. Jayant Bhatambrekar, Proprietor of Bhatambrekar Construction Company in the august presence of Shri Y. Krishnakumar Rao of Kumarao Builders, the Regional Director of the V-Excel Educational Trust Mrs. Jayanthi Vishwanath, parents, teachers and well-wishers of the Trust.
Ms. Maya Sangi, a senior Speech and language therapist from Guruji Hospital, addressed a group of 25 parents on developing speech and communication in children with special needs.
During the second week of August, our children prepared Rakhis (wristbands with eco-friendly materials). (Photo enclosed)
On 14th August, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in the school. The girls tied Rakhis to all the boys in the school. (Photo enclosed)
Our National Independence day was celebrated on August 15th. Mr. Jeetendra Banka, an eminent Industrialist, builder and Philanthropist hoisted the National Flag. The children came dressed in white attire. They sang National songs and danced to Patriotic music.
Gokulashtami was celebrated with the usual fervour, at the special school, BLA and YES units. The boys came dressed as Krishna and girls as Radha and danced to peppy tunes. Later the customary "Curd pot" was broken by one Krishna and goodies were given to the children. (Photos enclosed)
The trainees from YES unit were taken to the Big Bazaar this month. The Store employees received them with reverence and taken around the store by them and told about the basic operations of the store. All the trainees had a different experience and were treated to a sumptuous lunch at the cafeteria.
From Gopal Jahagirdar in Solapur
On 5th August organised a workshop 'One team - One Goal 'for our staff. Workshop was presented by 'Paramount Team' members - Radhika,Mrunalini and Sandeep from Pune. They took lots of activities and explained the importance of team work, self-development, organization development, communication with parents and other staff members. All staff members liked it and enjoyed the activities.
On 10th and 11th August Innerwheel club organised an exhibition 'Kalashrya'. 42 sellers from different states participated in that exhibition. Inner wheel club gave a stall for selling our products. Our children also participated and sold the products made by VTU. Praniti Shinde MLA inaugurated our stall.
DahiHandi was celebrated.
We celebrated Independence day function on 15th August.Flag hoisting was done by Mr. Tarnang Shaha president of Round Table Club India and Mrs. Nandini Revankar president of Innerwheel club in presence of Round Table club members, parents, teachers and children.
RoundTable club donated play toys for our Early Intervention sessions, which were in our purchase list.
From Abhyasa Kendra - Srirangam
Young adults of Abhyasa Kendra are trained in focus and concentration building activities as a part of pre-vocational curriculum. Doing thread embroidery on cards is an activity which enhances concentration, sitting tolerance, focus and attention, completion of task and understanding. It roughly takes around 4 hours to complete a simple picture. The trainers are trained in doing the thread work, who in turn train the students patiently. The trainees work with great interest and enthusiasm to complete the same.
This year for Vinayaga Chaturthi trainees were trained to make eco-friendly umbrella with pakku matai thattu. Trainees showed their creativity. The umbrellas received good response from neighbourhood.
From Outreach Centre - Pollachi
Activity to improve the ability of your hands
Finger Fitness a series of exercises was given to our students to enhance hand strength, coordination, finger independence and fine motor response. This exercises, children can do anywhere, any time. And this approach to hand conditioning is a powerful tool for boosting performance and to improve strength and coordination, to enhance finger independence, dexterity, and agility. It’s a fun and easy method to reinforce the lessons learned. These basic exercises are ideal for use as warm-ups or short breaks during learning.
From Erode
Montessori Teachers' Orientation programme was held on 29th July 2019 conducted by Erode V-Excel. Ms. Lalitha Sridhar spoke on various topics of child development and how to identify the development delays in the children. More than 35 teachers from the local schools attended the programme, which was very interactive and beneficial to the participants.
The Parents Orientation programme was held on 30th July 2019, where the parents were addressed about the systems and processes followed at the Center. 26 parents participated and gave in their feedback about the activities of the Centre at this program
From Tiruneveli
Teaching "Sequencing" in young children
Challenging behaviours seen in young adults at our center are
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Inattention
- Low motivation
- Impulsivity
Most of the behaviours are attributed to the challenge, the individual has, in communicating his needs while some behaviours are attributed to the need for sensory stimulation in the individual. These behaviours are being the analysed and worked upon to bring about functional communication and regulation in the individuals. The various program offered for young adults are
- Therapy
- Pre-vocational training
- Art and crafts
- Painting
- Physical activity
- Music
- Yoga and experiential learning
Periodical parent counselling is done to under stand the behaviour and to handle them. Young adults are also trained in cooking skills and independence in functional skills.
Vocational Training Unit
From Usha Rajagopal's Desk
Highlights of this month: Independence Day, Great Banyan visit and Krishna Jayanthi celebration.
Regular Activities viz. the Leo Dance class for the trainees and the 'stress free' Yoga for the teachers have gained momentum. The participants seem to not only enjoy it but also derive benefit from the same. The aerobics class at Sharada draws participants from VTU.
On the work front, the large wedding order of bags; paper, non-woven, cloth and painted Diya's was duly completed in good time and delivered, to the satisfaction of the client. Further, we have received an order for Jute file folder from ISACA, Chennai and delivered on time to the customer and one more jute bag order got from M/s. Agasthya Academy, Erode on a short period and also delivered on time.
Regular production in the Sanitary napkin unit, and training in block printing and tailoring are going on.
New male Special educator Mr. Parag and classroom Asst. Mr. Ramesh work with the trainees 3 days a week at Sreyes and accompany the trainees going to Sreyes Farm three days in a week.
Trainees continue their training program at the automobile garage and carpentry work shop.
Mr. Ramakrishnan who came for OJT, is the shadow teacher for the Carpentry program of VTU trainees at CSI School, Santhome.
Mr. Jaiganesh is the second shadow teacher who goes to the automobile program for VTU Trainees at Kottivakkam for three days Monday to Wednesday.
A part of our Curriculum and experiential learning program, this month, the trainees went to the Theosophical Society, Besant Nagar. The theme was "Nature, Trees and Environment" with special focus on the Great Banyan tree. Different aspects of nature, flora and fauna were observed and discussed. The habitat of birds and specially the "bat colony" was viewed with great interest. The transformation of a seed to a plant and then a tree, all of what trees mean was a very interesting interactive discussion. They had fun too, trying their hand at swinging from banyan's hanging roots. On return, they drew their impression of their visit. It was altogether a very enriching experience for all.
Regular Farm trip continued three days and two nights i.e. Thursday morning to Saturday Evening. In the farm they train in ADL, Housekeeping, vegetable cutting, Laundry and involve in farm activities.
Last Thursday of the month is earmarked for Tarang programme. VTU team attended the music (vocal) programme by Saindhavi Prakash at BVB, Mylapore. The music was enjoyed by everyone especially the Trainees.
OT and Therapies, Counselling and, craft with Margaret mam, the volunteer are going on as usual.
That's news for the month of August. Do come back for further updates same time next month.
Youth Empowerment Services
From Rama Nagarajan's Desk
Our festive season starts from the Month of August. We started this month with 3 new admissions; Goutham, Srinivasan and Ramachandran.
On the eve of the Independence Day, we assembled and sang patriotic songs. Trainee Vignesh spoke about water conservation which is the need of the hour. It was an opportunity given to our trainees to exhibit their talents. Many trainees came out to sing and dance.
On 15th August we joined with our vocational Training unit at Adyar for the flag hoisting function.
On 21.8.2019 our Staff and trainees had the opportunity to station the Tiffin Truck at Santhome Higher Secondary School on the sports day function of Montfort Academy Higher Secondary School. This gave us a great visibility. Many parents approached us and enquired about V-Excel Educational Trust. They were surprised to see our trainees actively engaged in preparing food, serving and billing. On 23.8.19, We celebrated Krishna Jayanthi with great zeal. All the girls were dressed in traditional half saree and full skirt and boys in pyjama, kurtha. Girls with staff performed dandiya dance. We sang many songs on Lord Krishna and sweet pongal was prepared by our baking unit.
Visit to Raj Bhavan:
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation is conducting a tour in Raj Bhavan, Guindy, Chennai. They provide battery car service for this tour. Per day 20 persons are allowed. Online booking has to be done for this tour. We took our trainees in 3 batches on 26th, 27th and 29th August. We were escorted by a guide. He explained beautifully about the heritage buildings the tour through the reserve forest gave us a serene feeling. The tour ended with small refreshment given by the tourism department corporation and a certificate from the Governor of Tamil Nadu. On 25.8.19, Our vocational coordinater, Mrs. Gayathri represented YES in the 'Velicham' social marathon organized by Foundation for CSR @ Redington in Association with Velicham Foundation. On 30.08.19, we celebrated Vinayagar Chathurthi. The Ganesha at the entrance of YES was decorated and bhajans were sung by our trainees. In YES, Mrs. Ritu Bokaria conducted a two days work shop on baking on 30th and 31st August. It was attended by our staff and teachers of VTU. She demonstrated the making of bun, bread foccacia and pizza base, garlic sticks. Many items can be tried with our trainees.
In the Printing & Documentation Unit, our trainees are printing on 300 mugs for ISACA, a consultation agency. They are also doing the printing on the jute folders for ISACA.
We tried choco butter soap in our soap making unit. To enhance fragrance, we added sandalwood oil. We received very good feedback from those to whom we distributed our soap samples. In our baking Unit, we supplied 9 boxes containing 24 pieces of chocolates in each box to Rane Foundation.
Our idly podi is used in the tiffin truck for podi idly preparation. It is the most sought food item in the tiffin truck.
In the arts and craft unit, training in bottle decoration, paper bags making and soap wrapper making are taught by Mrs. Girija, our consultant.