Strides Newsletter Archives
- Academy of Teaching Excellence
- Counseling & Assessments
- Early Intervention
- Kaleidoscope Learning Center
- V-Excel Educational Trust
- V-Excel Remedial Center
- Satellite Centers
- Vocational Training / Youth Empowerment Services
Academy of Teaching Excellence
From Meera Suresh's Desk
The month of March has been a hectic month for us. Our SLD course was in full swing and answering queries and handholding the candidates was a bit high since it was new to many of them. We had to arrange lunch on the days of the classes for 35+ candidates, faculty members and other guests, see to their comforts and providing comfortable dining rooms.
Arranging students for observation for the candidates to do their OJT to put out a record book for the SLD course was tiring since many had their own excuses for the timings offered by us. But the feedback for the course was excellent with many more students wanting to join as and we start the next batch.
Simultaneously we had the CRE Program Conducted by NIEPMD at our R.A. Puram Center. Since the number of candidates was capped at 30 it was a challenge to shortlist the candidates. The enquiry was very heavy with reference from Dr.Santhanam, so obliging only the first-come first-served 30 candidates was a challenge. Since most of the candidates were well placed at other centres and also with RCI numbers we had to take very good care of their expectations. This course was conducted for two continuous days (Saturday and Sunday).
For the Valedictory Function held on the evening of Day two we had Dr. Arul the Director of Annamalai University as a Chief guest, and Course coordinator of NIEPMD also as another Chief Guest. The certificates were handed over to the candidates by these two dignitaries. This Course was inaugurated by Dr. Vasudha Prakash and the Vote of Thanks was given by Dr.Suganthi. The classes were handled by Dr. Santhanam and Dr. Suganthi. One session was handled by Prof. Anand Jagadeesan on the Topic of CSR responsibilities and one session on Inclusive Education was handled by Mrs. Meenakshi Kulkarni of Lady Andal School.
In between all this we had the most important work of handing over the ATE forms and the cheques to the Annamalai University before the deadline. This was to facilitate the candidates to give their exams in the month of May or December 2018. Since the University had declared holidays from 28th March owing to the festivals it was a run and rush actions. Dr. Santhanam, Mrs. Hemamalini and Mrs. Priya Chidambaram were the Faculty members who were the Team for the Viva voce for the candidates.
Waiting for the results of the Batch one of the ATE Program.
Counseling & Assessments
From Parimal Pandit's Desk
As we come almost to the end of another year a few glimpses how counselling, play, art works with children and how the work has gone deeper. There have been stories of triumph over ones own fear, anger, obsessions, stories of sadness, of overcoming loss, of finding oneself and finding harmony and rhythm. Of overcoming pain and separation, overcoming doubts and depression in adults and in children that we had been meeing for either individual or group therapies. Intense and exceptional joy of being at work when they played and sang.
So here are some our stories we wanted to share ....
YES:
Trainees at YES have been going through group therapy sessions where they have been working with rhythm, movement, music, speech and listening to come into awareness of themselves and being able to hold themselves in an environment. The sessions were originally designed to take them into real life situations of safety, holding themselves when they are outside, what do they do when they are lost, anxious but it is always good to realise that I can't really hold or help myself, unless I know who are where I am and be able to separate myself from the environment. Thus the sessions are first focussing on self awareness and presence. The group has been enjoying their peer exercises, with undying energy and enthusiasm and have some way to go before they can confidently stand in the world and say "This is me!"
KLC:
What moves my blood?
A nineteen year old boy on the Autism Spectrum, whose hands were always cold, no matter what activity he did, was always tired, sleepy with low energy. Cold hands are reflective of poor circulation of blood to the hands, anxiety, and not being very present in the body. He chose a project during his therapy sessions- to write a fictional story which is still running into over 75 pages! The act of writing a story, that meant something to him, that he willed, that reflected what he was going through was so special, that he was energetic, speech was clear, communication instantly better, laughter and tears correlated to the plot, eyes were bright and his hands and feet- instantly warmed up, red and alive! "Warming Up" one realised was not just the physical act of making circulation and metabolism in better condition. It is also the inner joy and striving that pushes and moves the blood that makes all the difference! It is will and joy that moves the blood!
What grounds me?
It is interesting to see students, particularly high on the Autism Spectrum. Often they are so connected to everything around them, they lose awareness of themselves and reflect every part of the environment in their gestures, in their movements, in their sensory experiences. One might wonder, are they in their bodies at all? A young man, very high on the spectrum, non verbal, a a toe walker enrolled himself in art therapy sessions with a goal for himself- to become more present in his body! He had a love for all the colours that left him dreamy and airy, but this year he chose to work with a set of colours that warmed his body. He was very clear about what he wanted for himself and learnt how to make a ground with a beautiful burnt sienna during the sessions. There was so much ease and relief when he learnt how to make a ground for himself to stand on in the picture, that he often just put the paint brush down and let out a deep sigh. The toe walking stopped, he went back to class with his hands not flapping, ate better and looked at me, and said a clear "thank you!"
A grade 5 student who was referred for individual play/ art therpay-she was taken to the art room where she 'plays' the harmonium. Today however she showed no interest in it. Instead she picked up two glass bottles filled them with water and threw in some clay into it. She picked an old painting brush. Then she settled down at the table and began to stir it and pour the water from one bottle to the other. A bigger plastic container was provided and she sat pouring the mixture into the three containers alternately. The wet table was mopped continually with the sponge as she went on, totally absorbed in this mixing as the water gradually turned muddy. This continued for the entire session. It was interesting to observe her expression.
Some of the photos attached of children at work in play room.
VTU:
The young adults are making friends with therapist and with colours, expressing and finding solace in art and music . Creating space where they can feel themselves and then can feel others.
VRC and BLA:
Many changes in counsellors over the year but now they are stabilising in play therapy and group sessions. Learning to express themselves, what they feel and what they want, how to sort out conflict and anxiety, overcoming anger. Thank you Lekshmi for having faith in us.
Early Intervention
From Lalitha Sridhar's Desk
Importance of Development of Hand Function in Early Childhood:
Hand function is one of the most important things in early childhood. It involves a refined use of small muscles which control the hand, fingers and thumb with the development of these skills, a child is able to complete important tasks such as writing, feeding, oneself, buttoning and zippering. These abilities gradually develop through experience and exposure to a variety of toys, materials and even foods.
ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE HAND FUNCTION:
(I) PLAY WITH SMALL ITEMS
The children should be encouraged to stack blocks, string beads, use one piece puzzles and play with pop beads. Children should not be left alone when playing with beads.
(II) PLAY WITH PLAY DOUGH:
One of the very best ways to build hand strength is to play with play dough.
(III) PUZZLES:
Simple puzzles can help children learn about manipulating objects through turning, placing and flipping pieces.
(IV) TWO-HANDED TASKS:
Encouraging the child to play using both hands. Example rolling a ball in a play dough.
(V) COLOURING:
When your child shows interest in colouring, be sure to provide small crayons that fit her little hands. Initially start with scribbling later on next level of colouring.
(VI) PRACTICE WITH CLOTHES PINS:
Have your child hang pictures, coloring pages or clothes on a clothes line with spring loaded clothes pin. This activity builds pincer strength.
Kaleidoscope Learning Center
From Gita Bhalla's Desk
March arrives and the scene in KLC, suddenly shifts from activity, movement, song and art to one which is more academic. Documentation becomes the order of the day, and a consolidation happens in terms of the vocational skills and the teachers begin the herculean task of sending out the year end reports. These reports are a collated over the entire year. Various aspects of the child seen in relation to time, skills improved, field trips taken, observations and inferences made during events are the colours added to the report of every child. What results is a complete picture of the child, his interests and inclinations, who he is in the process of becoming and his strengths and challenges over the year.
Along with this, teachers also completed their self appraisals under the guidance of the HR team. AIMS Media 2nd Trimester marks came through. Most of the students have done well. Rekha from Grade 5A has topped the exams this time also with 94 marks.
Students finally got to play in the Corporation Ground at the end of R.K. Mutt Road. Students from Grade 4 up went in the evening between 2 pm to 4.30 pm and utilised the ground effectively.
UNIQUE DISABILITY IDENTIFICATION NO. process started for KLC students. The teachers will fill in the forms, parents have started giving the attachments to the class teachers. It will be completed by the end of the coming week.
Mother's Day was celebrated in KLC with 23 mothers participating in the short and sweet celebration. The girls welcomed them with flowers - both showering them and handing out a rose to them. A welcome drink, games, songs, food was the enjoyment factor. However, emotionally the factor was much higher and the mothers bonded, felt taken care of and had a stress free day reliving their carefree days!
Grade 6 students, teachers and some parents went to The Guindy National Park, for their Nature Walk early in the morning. They enjoyed the quiet, the nature, the explanation given by Poochi Venkat who joined them and also had breakfast there. They enjoy this walk every year. In the afternoon they went to lunch as a big group to Saravana Bhavan
8th and 9th March, Thursday and Friday were days of review meetings with parents of the Junior School. Parents of KG, Grade 3, Grade 5B and Grade 4 were met, their concerns and goals for their children heard, students improvements over this year was told by the class teacher. The meetings were long, informative and the parents were happy at the end of these meetings. Some individual parents meetings were also held. Along with a review of the year, the meetings often serve as a group counselling session where parents learn from each other’s experience and many issues are resolved because some parent would have succeeded in exactly what was the challenge for another!
Parents of KLC went a step further in taking initiative and arranging and organising a trip for their families , the special children included, with a few teachers. A week long trip was organised to Srilanka . They had a wonderful time and the children had a good reason to show off their skills of daily living and how they can independently be respectable young men and women out for a touring experience. We sincerely thank the parents who took this initiative and hope for many more to follow.
V-Excel Educational Trust
Honoring Mrs. Usha Rajagopal and Mrs. Jayanthi Vishwanath
Mrs. Usha Rajagopal, Program Director, Vocational Training and Rehabilitation Services, was honoured on March 8, 2018 at the International Women's Day celebration organised by Thursday Ladies Club, for her relentless service as a volunteer towards empowering persons with special needs. Thank you Thursday Ladies Club members and thank you Usha!
At an event celebrating International Women's Day (March 8), Mrs. Jayanthi Vishwanath, our Regional Director (West) was felicitated by the Rotary Club of Nashik Grape City for her work in the disability sector. Jayanthi spoke about her experiences, knowledge and insights gained in the journey of her life. Rotary Club of Nashik Grape City works with under-privileged girls. Recently they distributed hygiene kits and school bags in government schools. Congratulations Jayanthi and keep up the good work!
Tarang in Chennai
This month's Tarang featured a vocal concert by Vedanth Bharadwaj.
Vedanth Bharadhwaj (born October 1, 1980) is a vocalist and composer born in Mumbai, India. He is a qualified guitarist from the Trinity College London and is best known for his work with songs and poems from the Bhakti Movement.
Vedanth started training in Classical music around the age of four, under Sri Neyveli Santhanagopalan. At first a reluctant student, he soon realised that he enjoyed his music lessons. After being a student of Sri Neyveli Santhanagopalan for over ten years, he trained with Sri Narayana Iyengar for about three years. But his training came to an abrupt end when he moved to Rishi Valley School. While there, he met his roommate and future collaborator, Ananth Menon, who introduced him to rock music, and taught him the guitar. Vedanth is a Post Graduate in Psychology and an MBA in Corporate Communication.
Then he returned to Chennai from Rishi Valley School, Vedanth formed a band called Buddha's Babies, playing in a genre they liked to call "alternative acoustic trance". Soon after, he returned to Indian classical music and started training with Ramamoorthy Rao, who remains his guru to this day. While doing his Masters, Vedanth did a series of studies on music therapy. He worked as a music therapist with children with special needs at the Kaleidoscope Learning Centre. Meanwhile, he was composing ad jingles for companies like Reliance and Parry’s. He formed a group with Ananth Menon and another friend Balu (music director SK Balachandran), and they composed the music for Jagapati Babu-starrer Telugu film Brahmastram in 2006.
CRE Programs
A Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) Program was conducted by NIEPMD in association with V-Excel Educational Trust and SDS Institute of Behavioural Sciences at our Head Office, R.A. Puram on 24th & 25th March 2018. The Topic for the training Program is on "RIGHTS OF PERSONS with DIABILITIES ACT 2016 - IMPLICATIONS for PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES". We had 33 participants and our the program was inaugurated by our Founder Trustee Dr. Vasudha Prakash. We like to thank all the resource persons, Dr. T. Santhanam, Dr. Suganthi, Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Prof. Anand Jagadeesan and Ms. Meenakshi Kulkarni who conducted this program and gave valuable insights on the topic.
Orientation at ITC Grand Chola
An orientation program was organised at ITC Grand Chola on Saturday 24th March 2018 at 4.00 pm for all their senior managers and management team. This was to create awareness about the disability sector and social inclusion for young adults with special needs. Dr. Vasudha Prakash addressed the ITC team. Trainees Gokulakrishnan and Sujai were part of the program and interacted with the managers.
Orientation Program in Pollachi
An orientation program was organized by V-Excel Outreach Remedial Center, Pollachi in two schools, Arokia Matha Matric Hr. Sec. School and Nachiar Vidyalam on Saturday March 24, 2018. Ms. Lekshmi Ramesh, Unit Head of V-Excel Remedial Center conducted the orientation on learning disability. Mr. Sivaprakash, Sr. Manager accompanied her. Around 60 parents and 20 teaching staff attended the session from both schools.
A giant step towards social inclusion
We are proud and happy that two of our trainees Harshitha and Srinidhi of our Youth Empowerment Services Unit have joined as interns in the baking unit of Hotel Savera from March 2018. We are extremely grateful to the management of Hotel Savera for being so progressive in their approach towards social inclusion of all people.
V-Excel Remedial Center
From Lekshmi Ramesh's Desk
March and April months have always been busy parts of the year as we get the maximum number of consultations and assessments during this period. Several schools request parents to get their children assessed by us to decide on the promotion of the children. We had five consultations and assessments were also done. We have also been emphasizing the parents the need for attending the remedial sessions even during their exam time, as it helps them to focus on their tasks and also reduce the fear of exams. We also had group sessions for them during the vacation. We had two consultations that required the counselling assessements and remedial assessments to be combined for the possibility of availing concessions from the Board.
We had the opportunity of conducting Free Consultation and Assessment Camps for eight children of Yein Udaan, an NGO started by Ms. Vedika Agarwal in Chetpet for underprivileged children. The counsellor along with the VRC team visited them and did the assessments. It was a very satisfying experience meeting the parents and children.
An Orientation Program for parents and an Awareness Camp on learning problems was conducted in two schools in Pollachi by the Outreach Remedial Center in Association with V-Excel. An Orientation was also conducted in Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Srirangam on 10.3.2018 for identification of learning problems in children. All the programs were well-received and the Principals have agreed to take it forward.
VRC is planning a summer camp, open to all children from May 1-10. The theme for the camp is VRUKSH GYAN. This would involve activities that would focus on the value and importance of trees, preservation, environment, etc.
Bridges Learning Academy:
The month of March was a full-fledged activity and academics-oriented one.
BLA – PRIMARY
Students were given vigorous training in oral expressions, number identifications, as a part of socialization; they were taken to the music concert at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. As a part of the art and craft sessions they made coloring projects on various types of houses.
BLA - Pre-NIOS
Preparations are based on the next academic year. Rigorous training in English and social science are concentrated. It has been recommended that two students, who were identified with good creative skills were suggested to take painting as one subject in NIOS board exam. Children undertook project works on solar system, photosynthesis of plants, functions of sense organs. Both Primary and Pre NIOS joined hands in performing the pre vocational ironing skills. It was to pleasure to see PRE-NIOS students demonstrating, assisting and organizing primary children in ironing the clothes.
NIOS
The month of March is tightly scheduled with board practical examinations. Two students have completed painting, data entry and science practical successfully. Preparations are on for the Theory papers.
Brief report by special educators
NEEV-MP Aanand :
This month we had lot of activities we had done along with our children. Two classroom sessions were conducted by the counselor, as per the request by the school for creating awareness among the 4th std. students about "good touch and bad touch".
Assessments were done for the Malathi School children and the reports were submitted. We completed the appraisal process in V-Excel along with other NEEV teachers. We had a meeting with Ajita Panshikar, to discuss the overview of our work at schools. Our queries were addressed and suggestions were given during the meeting.
Once again group sessions have proven to be effective. We had a group session with 1st Std. students to teach left – right orientations. Various activities were done to make the children memorize laterality.
Also we had a group session with 3rd Std. for understanding and identifying emotions. The children learnt about the emotions through a story and emoticons. At the end of the session they were given chances to draw 2 emotions of their choices. They really enjoyed the session, drawing and learned.
Annual Examinations for the students are starting from April 6th to 13th. Progress reports are to be made for the month of Jan, Feb and March, IPP to be updated during this time. Summer Camp has been planned and is to be conducted in the school premises on their examination days between 1PM to 3PM. Activities and field trips are to be decided.
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath's Desk
On March 2nd, the children in the school celebrated HOLI, the festival of colours. The teachers smeared colours on faces of children and boys sprayed coloured water on their friends and had good fun. The festival ushered in boundless joy, excitement and goodwill.
On March 3rd, a small exhibition of resource material including teaching aids were exhibited in the school for the benefit of parents and teacher-trainees. On March 8th, being International Woman's Day, our Regional Director Mrs. Jayanthi Vishwanath was felicitated by Rotary Club of Nashik Grape city.
On March 11th, a few individuals and NGOs of Nashik united to celebrated "Mother" through the mediums of Music and Dance. Our children presented a very beautiful group dance performance at the event organized at Gaikwad Hall. It was a wonderful sight to behold.
On 16th March, Gudi Padwa was celebrated in the school. Gudhi Padva is a spring-time festival that marks the traditional new year for Marathi Hindus. It is celebrated in and near Maharashtra on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar, The festival is observed with colorful floor decorations called rangoli, a special Gudhi flag (garlanded with flowers, mango and neem leaves, topped with upturned silver or copper vessel), street processions and serving a festive meal with puran poli and other sweets.
From Gopal Jahagirdar in Solapur
This month we arranged a workshop for parents in which the speaker and trainer was Mrs. Sunita Lele from Pune. She is a Special Educator & Counselor with 25 years experience in special education. This was a 2-day workshop where she trained parents with their children in several areas. She also helped parents with behavior modification strategies for children.
From Abhyasa Kendra - Srirangam
Our Abhyasa Kendra trainees visted a farmhouse at Kariyamanikkam village near Trichy accompanied by our Special educators and skill trainers. It was a good and enjoyable experience for our trainees to interact with farmers. All trainees had an experiential learning as they worked with the farmers in the farm that day. They were excited to see fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, okra, tomatoes and so on, which they use on a daily basis in their kitchen activity.
Vocational Training / Youth Empowerment Services
From Usha Rajagopal's Desk
VTU Sreyes had its share of interesting experience and learning this month of March too. Our trainees have been taught about the hospital and as a part of the experiential learning they were taken to the Fortis Malar Hospital in Adyar, this month. A Staff group led by Ms. Radha, of Fortis Malar hospital, Adyar, welcomed our trainees and staff. They explained and guided the group to the different sections of the hospital and also explained the process for registration and consultation. The trainees were shown the emergency ward, Lab, Out Patient department, help centre, bill counter, ICU and the General wards. They also showed the fire exit points. Our trainees were able to relate to all of this and put relevant questions to them. This visit will benefit them since many of them are apprehensive about a hospital set up and feel intimidated when exposed to one. At the review session,they expressed relief that a hospital was a friendly place and they could get guidance and help if needed.
Capping the journey of experiential learning was the 3 hour session conducted by Mr. Manigandan, (the Assistant Commisioner) and Ms. Lakshmi of St. Johns Ambulance on First Aid. Health emergencies as well as emergencies due to injury were discussed. Being an interactive session, the learnings of the trainees was evident from the questions asked and demos done. They drew reference to some instances of their experience.
With the academic year end approaching, evaluations have begun. Evaluation of all blocks of curriculum was done in an integrated manner. The trainees talked about themselves, their families and friends as well as their place of training. They discussed about services and persons rendering services.They talked about health and hygiene and diet and exercise. they went through a check list of safety at home, work, in public spaces, during travel, and most importantly personal safety. For Evaluation of trainees in money concepts, they were asked to read price tag on products, total a bill, identify currency, make payment and use calculator to get back the change at a Mock Bazar. The trainees were able to preform on the basis of their ability.
The three trainees going to the Automobile Spa for training are shaping well. They get to wash two wheelers as well as cars and learn to do small jobs of tightening of bolts as necessary.
On the production front, the unit is occupied replenishing stock at the Poompuhar shelf and getting ready products to be put out at Dakshin Chitra's sale counter, apart from specific orders for bags and file folders. The sanitary napkin making is slow as raw material delivery has been delayed. Mr. Venkatesan one of our trainee in foundation course has been taught to make the African mask by Mrs. Margret, our senior craft teacher. Mr. Shabaz one of our trainee is now able to do rivet work for the paper bags. Mr. Vaidhyanathan has been trained in loom. Ms. Sailakshmi has been trained in wall painting and macareme knots. Mr. Gazali is now been trained in using bicycle on road to go for the mechanic shop and he has also been taught about the road safety.
World Down Syndrome Day:
As a part of Down Syndrome day on March 21, 2018, our trainees pinned yellow ribbon to all the staff, visitors, trainees and students of V-excel who attended the music program Tarang. Following this, the trainees also did Helmet awareness on that day as a part of Down Syndrome day in Adyar. We thank our Adyar police department for their cooperation. The trainees went to individuals with posters and asked them to wear helmet for their safety.
From Youth Empowerment Services:
From Rama Nagarajan's Desk
In Printing and Documentation unit we have started receiving orders related to book printing, external visiting cards and Natural beauty salon ID cards along with tag printing. Trainees now are involved in quilling creations - colourful wall mountings are getting ready. Many trainees are actively involved in creative creation of handicraft products to be displayed in Poombuhar showroom with the guidance of Mrs. Kantha. The trainees are happy and excited to see the end product of their efforts.
In Baking and confectionary unit along with the practice and production of cupcakes and chocolates, a new product "Banana cake" was tried for which sample cake were given in the unit head meeting and we received a positive feedback from those who attended the meeting. Raisin oatmeal cookies were also tried.
Laundry unit focus on customer satisfaction involving the trainees effectively in the laundry work and delivering it on time. In Loom, many trainees are involved in weaving stoles, in an average they are weaving 2 stoles per week. In Kitchen activities, trainees are engaged in preparing paanagam, vegetable salad, fruit salad, sandwich and spiced buttermilk.
We are happy to share with you all that Srinidhi and Harshitha got placed as interns in Hotel Savera's baking unit.
New counsellor Mrs. Lalitha is visiting YES every Tuesday and Thursday. Three new trainees joined YES.
On 11th march Sunday trainees along with their parents attended a musical nite organised in Chinmaya heritage Centre, Chetpet. A night stay was organized in YES on 16th March 2018. 15 trainees along with 5 male staff attended the program. Dinner, breakfast and lunch were prepared by the female staff assisted by the trainees. Evening they played cricket and later they watched a movie played in the projector and slept well in the night. In the morning they woke up and carried on their daily routine happily. After the night stay we received many positive and encouraging feedbacks from the parents expressing the joy shared by the trainees to them.
In gardening trainees are not only involved in watering plants but also taught to spray the organic pesticide and clearing weeds. John Bosco from YES attended the CRE program that was organised in our head office on 24th and 25th of March.
Greetings to friends of V-Excel as we come back to you with our stories this fresh academic year. The academic year for the unit began on the 1st June. The teachers of VTU Sreyes and YES had an inservice on the 1st and 2nd. The resource persons for the sessions were Vasudha, Behaviour therapist Madhu Ram and Lalitha. Common challenges, behavioural as well as social and work related challenges were discussed . Approach to understand and work out ways to address the same were discussed and learnt. The teachers felt good to have been able to discuss about the challenges and also to find a commonality in the matters.
4th, 5th & 6th were days of discussion and preparation of timetables and class. Getting materials ready for work and deciding on the main points for IPP of the trainees. 7th and 8th, were very useful and important days of in service which the teachers had with all teachers of Chennai V-Excel. This was conducted by Dr. Vasudha, Gita Bhalla, Laekshmi Sudhakaran and Parimal.
The teachers felt very much enriched after these sessions and requested for similar ones every year. VTU started new academic year for the trainees from 11.06.2018, most of the old trainees attended on 1st dayThree new trainees have joined the Foundation course. We started Foundation and vocational activities in full swing with order of 150 Gada bags.
The Trainees started to get training in SN, Kitchen activity, Paper Mache, Jute Loom, Hand stitching, Automobile and art & Craft. While one trainee continues at the local automobile workspot, two of them have moved ahead. They go after VTU training hours to a bigger place and are exposed to more areas of work.
On 12th of June 2018 we had the graduation of Foundation Trainees and 3 trainees were graduated. and transferred to YES. The occasion also doubled as a small party for Jason who moved away to Bangalore. On the 20.06.2018 Ponharish, Chandra, Pranav and Chinmay joined in Foundation course at VTU.
The new Trainees get training in hand stitching and paper bag also with help of teachers. Trainees Gowthami, Nikhil, Venkatesan along with Yoga teacher Mrs Priya Ramesh went to Cholamandalam finance for doing Yoga in their premises on Intenational Yoga day.As they did the yoga, the staff of the company followed them Our trainees were good demonstrators and were appreciated by all. The trainees enjoyed the soulful music of the Akkarai sisters on the 26th at BVB. Radhika, our counsellor met with parents and trainees on Thursdays. With the volunteer Ms Rama resuming her Friday sessions, the unit is complete in all aspects of activities.
VTU May Report :
The month of May, at VTU Sreyes was one of "being cool in the hot summer". The trainees took turns in making spiced buttermilk and set up a shady kiosk to sell their cool pot of "moru". The initiative was very much appreciated and patronised by the locals. The unit worked till the 15 th of May.
It was a time of meeting with parents, getting their feed back and discussing the trainee's path as expected by the parents. The teachers had put together many reports: analysis of their skill development, personality development, functional development, academic development, emotional development. Annual report of the student activity and progress was collated from the same. It was found that all of them have beniffited from the program( vocational production/ foundation) and each had their own path of empowerment.
Met with all the 20 parents and shared details of the year's journey travelled with each of them. It is with great happiness that we share the parents ' appreciation of the programme and the growth they have perceived in their ward. 3 of the trainees from the foundation course will graduate to YES and three others to a focussed vocational training at Sreyes VTU. Consultations have been going on for admissions for the academic year 18-19.
Outstanding orders and deliverables from the production unit were all met. The trainees were further engaged in the beautification project of the premises. They cleaned, washed certain areas of the outside walls. Almost the whole group was involved in the drawing and colouring of the murals. They have given Sreyes a bright look. The trainees were also part of the annual stock taking and clearing of the unit. The unit has a fifteen break and will reassemble on the 1st June.
VTU April Report :
The month of April has been as eventful as the others at VTU Sreyes. On the 2nd April, the trainees , along with their peers from YES made a trip to the Mylapore MLA's office and the Police commissioner's office to create awareness on World Autism Day.
This has a been a month of report writing and annual evaluations . The staff have been very busy and so have the trainees , wrapping up their training modules and production orders. It a time for inviting new admissions to the program and we have had 4 consultations this month. Looking forward to a new group joining the Foundation course.
The production team have been occupied with the orders for IRA program and some others for the Poompuhar and the potential Dakshin Chitra shelves. Introduction to a new cyber entrepreneur has been exciting. We hope to bag order for paper mache products to be marketed by her. Right after the annual Grand Town Hall Meeting of the 23 rd where all the V -Excel staff ( across our subcontinent) participated, the Heads of the departments had the meeting.
The trainees of Sreyes and YES went on an experiential learning trip to Kumbakonam. It was a group of 32 trainees and 10 staff on a 3 nights 4 days trip.We travelled by day in an A/c coach. Train travel was first experience for many and it meant inclusion. They had their breakfast and lunch in the train and doing that was a learning in itself. While some trainees learnt to climb to the upper berth , others practiced to lodge themselves there and did their best not to roll off. Some others made friends with the general copassengers while getting used to strangers moving back and forth , while the train itself was travelling at different speeds was a challenge to get used to for some. On the whole the train travel was enjoyed by all. For many, it was the first time "They are away from their parents".
At Kumbakonam, they were lodged in rooms/ hall attached to a marriage hall and hence lot of common space for gathering together. The days began with a walk / yoga / fitness in the paved common area. On day one, The group visited a small scale Dairy unit which processed milk enough to make fresh milk available to public in sachets. They got first hand experience at the bronze school, where they not only were shown how bronze statues were made but got an experience of it. Each of the trainees were given a chunk of moulding material to make a shape of their choice. Two of the trainees got gifts in acknowledgement of their skill. They also got to try their hand at the glazing and smoothening process.
At the loom which weaves silk fabric, the group got to touch and feel silk yarn and Zari as is used for weaving silk yardage saris. They were shown the process of silk extraction from silk worms fed on mulberry leaves. The group visited a bakery run by a family and got to see the baking as well as icing process. They had a good time at the potters yard making small diyas or designing ones made by their friends. The visit to the Panduranga mandir and goshala was very exciting for all. The trainees recited slokas and sang fervently at the mandir and were very interested to see hundreds of cows and calves in the sheds.
Of course they did have their share of entertainment and games. A local group of traditional 'Silambam' artists entertained the group for more than an hour. In the evenings after the days tour, the group had interactive games . All together it was a "SUPER" experience, in the words of the trainees. The parents though apprehensive in the beginning were very happy to see the enthusiastic youngsters return looking and feeling more independent and confident. In all of this , we owe a big round of applause to the staff who have worked with them through the year/s , those that travelled to be with them and the persons who helped us put the whole program together and not to forget the dear sponsors and our own ever supportive team.
From Youth Empowerment Services:
From Rama Nagarajan's Desk
June month had a great start with two days of group discussion on the kumbakonam trip. The session was held in Sharadha on 1st June and 2nd June 2018. Mrs.Rama Nagarajan, Mrs. Gayathri Suryanarayanan, Mrs. Divya Venkatesh and Mr. John Bosco attended the session. The whole session was wonderfully coordinated and anchored by Mrs. Usha Rajagopal. Dr. Vasudha Prakash and Mrs. Madhuram spoke about how to handle age related issues and behavioral issues respectively, which gave us all a new approach.
On 4th June 2018, YES reopened for all after a week's break for maintenance. All the trainees came back with full of energy and enthusiasm. On 5th of this month, we inaugurated Swacch Bharat campaign at Nageshwara Rao Park. Many trainees and all the trainers actively participated in all the activities, which includes creating awareness among the public on keeping the environment clean, sweeping and cleaning up the neighborhood. This was done with the help and support of Ramky Agencies.
On 7th and 8th of June, we had orientation sessions which included informative session on Autism – A perspective by Mrs. Gita Bhalla, The Human Heart by Ms. Lakshmi Sudhakaran and Biography by Ms. Parimal Pandit. From Yes unit, Rama, Gayathri, Divya and John attended the sessions.
Mrs. Lalitha, the counsellor assigned for YES unit, visits the centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She has started meeting all our trainees for this academic year. Parent meetings are also scheduled and will happen in coming weeks.
Beginning the second week of this academic year, the focus was on scheduling and allotment of vocations for the trainees and trainers. This is done taking in all the inputs and feedback from parents. On 13th June 2018, three trainees, Venkatesh, Manas and Prasanna joined YES after successfully completing the foundation course at Sreyes. At present the number of trainees in YES is 32.
On 16th June, we had a group session with all the parents to elaborate on all the activities of the previous academic year and to share our proposed roadmap for this new academic year. We are very glad to say that we had almost 100% attendance and all the parents gave us a very good feedback. Prof. Anand Jagadeesan, Mrs. Rama Nagarajan and Mrs. Gayathri Suryanarayanan addressed the gathering and spoke about all important events and the vocational activities of YES.
As part of the L&T project, we have started making idly melagai powder and upma kozhakattai mix. We made one batch and gave as samples for which we got a positive feedback from all.
In our Printing and documentation unit, we undertook many internal and external orders. Internal orders include photocopying BLA books, various binding works and printing ID and visiting cards. External orders include designing ID card for AMM foundation. On 20th June, we had a meeting to discuss on the implementation of Swachch Bharat. We had Mr. Sivakumar and Mrs. Uma Sivakumar for SWM, Mr. Selvam from Ramky agencies, JE Mr. Soundararajan team from Chennai corporation attended the meeting. Mrs. Rama Nagarajan, Mrs. Charumathi Sriram, Mrs. Shanthy Duraiswamy, Ms. Aishwarya Jayaraman and Mrs.Gayathri Suryanarayanan represented V-Excel. Many key issues were discussed and it was decided to begin with the actual implementation of the project. To start with, an orientation session for all the trainees and trainers is to be organized. The date for which will be deicded and intimated.
As part of International Yoga day, on 21st June, 6 of our trainees, Aditya Mahesh, Arjun, Naveen, Sidharth, Karthik Ramani and Gokulakrishnan performed yoga at Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Pvt. Ltd. at their Head office. Our trainee Aditya Mahesh spoke on the asanas and its benefits.
In our Printing and documentation unit, trainees were involved in various production activities to fulfill many internal orders. Orders include designing and printing visiting cards for YES and BLA, lamination work for ATE and 1000 envelope covers for Srirangam centre. Vocational assessments and counselling assessments are happening for the trainees.
Summer Report from YES :
To create awareness about autism, trainees and staff of V-Excel's Youth Empowerment Services (Mylapore) and Vocational Training unit (Adyar) visited MLA Dr. R. Nataraj, Mylapore Consituency on April 2, 2018. They interacted with Dr. Nataraj and his staff and pinned the blue autism ribbon on their shirts as a gesture of solidarity.With the help and advice of MLA, all the trainees along with the staff met the Chennai Commissioner of Police Mr. A.K. Viswanathan at his office. Trainees interacted and gifted them products that were crafted and produced at V-Excel's premises, followed by the visit to the EA for the art exhibition conducted by We Can - a Special School.
On Saturday April 7th trainees were taken to Nageswara Rao Park open gym were they did their workouts happily and enjoyed the walk around the park. In Printing and Documentation unit safety measures, troubleshooting, locating the materials needed to perform a task and billing were trained to the trainees. In Baking and confectionery unit safety measures, measurement of ingredients, counting, packing and billing training were given to the trainees. In Laundry Unit for the effective participation of the trainees in laundry work training like sorting, counting, ironing, packing and billing trainings were given to the trainees. In Kitchen activities many trainees are effectively involved in cutting, mixing, garnishing and serving the fruit and vegetable salad, buttermilk, panagam and sandwich. As a part of kitchen activity fruit juices were prepared and the sample juices were given to our Trustee Mr. Kandaswamy, Mr. Padmanaban of Jayam construction, Naturals Salon and Kanchi Weavers.
Therapy class addressing the needs of the trainees happens effectively twice a week. Activities like gardening, Yoga and gym are done daily involving the trainees. The trainees are briefed about the safety measures to be followed during their trip to Kumbakonam. On 26th April 2018, 21 trainees and 5 staff members along with VTU trainees and staff started the field trip to Kumbakonam, it was a three nights and four days trip. All the trainees had a best learning experience visiting Loom, Bakery, Dairy farm and statue making place. This overnight stay program is an experiential learning program, It was a well-planned program, it has exposed our trainees to the world of artisans.