Strides Newsletter - January 2022 - Issue 188
- Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Center
- Kaleidoscope Learning Center
- V-Excel Educational Trust
- Satellite Centers
- Vocational Training Unit
- Youth Empowerment Services
Counseling & Assessments
From Radhika Sasankh's Desk
....
Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Center
From Lakshmi Sudhakaran's Desk
All about our Pongal celebration:
The word Pongal comes from Tamil literature and means "to boil". It is a traditional South Indian festival, especially among Tamils. It is a harvest festival observed in Tamil Nadu during the solar equinox in the months of January-February (Thai) after harvesting crops such as rice, sugarcane, turmeric, and others. Pongal is a four-day celebration that takes place in India. The Bhogi festival is celebrated on the first day; Thai Pongal is celebrated on the second day; Mattu Pongal is celebrated on the third day; and Kaanum Pongal is celebrated on the fourth day. It is a harvest celebration or a "thanksgiving" festival since it is held to thank the Sun God and Lord Indra for helping farmers in growing higher-yielding crops. It is also celebrated during the first month of the English calendar.
We at EI made plans to celebrate Pongal by making decorations and cut-outs of things related to the festival. We made models of sugarcane, turmeric and pots using charts and paper. The children were also involved in cutting, pasting and making small toran’s that were beautifully decorated in the corridor.
The cows, pots and the bullock carts have significant roles in Pongal celebration. One corner of the room was transformed into a typical village scene. The bullock cart with hay and the pots filled with cotton that looked like the froth from the boiling Pongal pot looked so real that the children wanted to taste it. They also had a fun time cuddling the bullock and cows.
The teachers then explained all about the festival and how important it was to thank Mother Nature. On the whole it was a very joyful and satisfying experience.
Kaleidoscope Learning Centre
From Gita Bhalla's Desk
School started masked and sanitised yet again after the Christmas break. Attendance amongst children was very weak. The Omicron, took us by surprise, was spreading like wild fire and almost every family was affected. However, a valiant attempt was made to keep the morale high and this happened by a regular time table, doing one on one work with the present staff and students.
Pongal celebration
The January celebration with the very important festival of Pongal was heralded with a beautiful Kollam that was made by our versatile teacher Usha Suresh. It was a traditional carriage of the Gods and was really awe inspiring. Vasanthi, who was back to supervising the Pongal pot organised the delicious Pongal which was distributed to all in the Sharda building. Teachers and students dressed and danced and brought the flavour of the festival alive. Special mention of Ponrajam, Muthu and Meena along with Priya who decorated and organised the event.
Teacher self development
Friday staff meetings continued under the guidance of Neha and Shashi and many times during these meetings many tasks for self development were taken up. This time each teacher discussed what weakness they would like to eliminate in themselves and 'throw into the fire' of Bhogi. These self reflective exercises when done in a closed group go a long way in helping interpersonal relationships, enhance quality of communication and also act as group therapy when undertaken with intimacy and confidentiality. On other Fridays of the month, reading continued.
Healing and de stressing
Dr. Srijan, a young medical doctor is at present visiting KLC, and he also practices alternate healing methods. He has spent many hours caring for the carer;s of the school. Teachers, mentors, Dr.Vasudha have experienced his healing touch and we are extremely indebted to him for spending hours on caring for all of us. In this way we hope that all teachers feel de stressed and fully prepared to take on the challenge of the coming weeks.
Individual projects
On line classes continued for the children who were not attending school physically. Here is a sample of unique individual projects taken up by the free hearts guided by Usha Suresh. Kailash working at an indoor gardening project and Niharika independently developing accuracy in handwork.
CLAPS project
Parents of V -Excel students who have spearheaded the residential program evolving under the guidance of a core group developing the CLAPS project have had many meetings with teachers of KLC and with the management of V -Excel. The project is gathering momentum now and we hope to see a great community coming up soon. An on-site visit was organised where Neha and Lakshmi Sudhakaran joined from the school side.
Vocational products
Two play mats were successfully completed by the Stitching vocational group and we were delighted to get two more orders for a child’s dohar and a play mat. Each of these experiences are joyful creations and while teachers design, students stitch and embellish the appliqués or make blanket stitches to fix the applique. Here are the pictures. We look forward to our friends, readers and family of V Excel to give us more practice by ordering these unique customised articles as gifting suggestions.
V-Excel Educational Trust
About V-Excel in Media
"Pongalo Pongal"!!
2022 started with Pongal- a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu.
This was celebrated enthusiastically by the staff and trainees at all the V-Excel centres. Though each celebrated in their own way the purpose across was same- to thank The Sun, Mother mature and all farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest.
Good to begin with gratitude and hope for a fantastic year ahead.
#celebrations #farmanimals #gratitude #mothernature #hope #specialneeds
YouTube e-Tarang
e-Tarang concerts were streamed on Friday, January 28, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. IST. This featured a concert by popular Indian singers R. Shravan Narayan and Vijayalakshmi Shravan. The theme was 'Devotional Songs'.
Please visit our facebook page /freehearts for concert updates.
Field Trip to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Nature is at its best and never stops its work and that is the lesson we learnt. Inspite of current unprecedented times, we heard that birds from all over the world migrated to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Sullerpet, Andhra Pradesh, for breeding and will be flying back by next month. We didn’t want our trainees to miss this chance and headed to Nellapattu with a group of 15 trainees from VTU, YES and farm along with teachers, trainers, staff and Founder Trustee Dr. Vasudha Prakash. It was a fun filled trip for all. Trainees and teachers left in the early hours in the bus and few by car. Breakfast and lunch were packed along with snacks. We reached the venue at 10.30 am and we had a guide who took us on a tour while explaining about the different varieties of the birds name and their habitat. Trainees Supraja, Arvind, Govind, Ramanathan, Chandra were curious and asked few questions. All trainees got to view the different varieties through binoculars.
About 189 bird species can be found at Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, 50 of which are migratory. Birds arrive there from Siberia, Nepal, Indonesia and other countries from October and stay on till March every year.
In addition to the spot-billed pelican, it is an important breeding site for black-headed ibis, Asian openbill, black-crowned night heron, and little cormorant. Other migratory water birds that visit the sanctuary include northern pintail, common teal, little grebe, northern shoveler, Eurasian coot, Indian spot-billed duck, grey heron, Oriental darter, black-winged stilt, garganey and gadwalls.
After spending few hours, we assembled at the circular park where we had lunch. Trainees enjoyed the tasty lunch packs, relaxed and wandered around the museum. We had a gala time singing songs and doing movement.
We thank Mr. Ravindra, Divisional Forest Office, Additional Charge, Wildlife Division, Sullurpet, Mr. Ramkonda Reddy, Forest Ranger Officer.
A special thanks to Mr. Ganapathy Iyer and Selvi who prepared delicious lunch for all of us and YES teacher Ms. Sujanaya and family for the excellent breakfast.
Thank you Dr. Vasudha Prakash and Aparna for joining us making it a special trip of the month.
#specialeducation #socialinclusion #birdsanctuary #nelapattubirdsanctuary #vedanthangal #birdwatching #BirdSanctuary #autismmom #autismparentsupport #SpecialEducators #SpecialTeachers #AutismSpeaks #ForestdepartmentWLMdivisions #DivisionalForestOfficer
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath in Nashik
The New Year dawned with some good news for the Vocational training Center. One of the famous Industries situated in Satpur MIDC area in Nashik, began sending assembling and packing work for the trainees. The first two weeks of the month was spent in imparting training to the Vocational staff and trainees. Thereafter the trainees began doing the job independently and would be receiving some remuneration from the Company.
Online Surya namaskar competition was organized by Gharkul Pariwar Nashik on 5th January for young students and Adults with Special needs.
Winners were announced on 26th January and we are thrilled to share with all that the students of V-Excel, Nashik bagged 7 prizes including the first prize.
BRIDGES LEARNING ACADEMY Unit of Nashik V-EXCEL bagged 5 prizes
Age group 6 to 18 years
1st prize: Astha Deena Chauhan
2nd prize: Shreya Laxman Kulkarni
4th prize: Dhruvi Bhavesh Mehta
Consolation prize were given to Ms. Vajra and Master. Vedant.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER
Age group 19 to 46 years
2nd prize: Ajinkya Kulkarni Vocational unit
Consolation prize: Madiha Sheikh of Vocational unit.
Erode
Greetings from all of us at Erode center!
The third wave of Covid brought many disturbances in the working of the center. In spite of the ups and downs, we managed with the available staff and were in contact with children and staff through phone calls so as to support them. Thankfully, we are all back to work and children have slowly started returning.
We did not want to dampen the enthusiasm of children and so planned for Pongal and Republic Day in a simple manner.
For Pongal, Mulaipari kummi dance was taught to children.
A small description of Mulaipari kummi:
Kummi dance is one of the most important and ancient forms of village dances of Tamil Nadu state of India. It reflects the day-to-day life of villagers of Tamil Nadu. Kummi can be practiced in different styles such as Poonthatti Kummi, Deepa Kummi, Kulavai Kummi, Kadir Kummi, Mulaipari Kummi, etc. Mulaipari- the process of germination of seeds is a very important ritual that is performed during Pongal which signifies the harvest festival.
We distributed Pongal and prayed that the Sun god removed the obstacles and lead us to a happy tomorrow.
For Republic day on 26th January, the students made flags and decorated the place. The significance of the three colors was explained and they were also trained on some Patriotic songs.
Hoping to come up with more exciting news in the coming months.
Solapur
Jan 1- On the occasion of new year we arranged a picnic for our staff. We enjoyed a full day in the farm. Enjoyed the lunch. That was a very refreshing day.
Jan 20 - We finished the training program of all teacher which had started from the month of December and ended with a very interactive discussion and useful information.
Jan 26 - On the occasion of Republic Day we arranged the virtual flag hoisting for all the kids. Later there was a competition for all kids in 3 groups according to their level. For the first group we took thumb impression of tri colours in a bird. For the second group,it was Indian flag colourin and for the third group we arranged salad decoration with tri colours. Kids participated very enthusiastically. We distributed first and second prize for each group.
Vocational Training Unit
From Usha Rajagopal's Desk
January month began with New Year and Pongal celebration and ended bird watching at Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary on our monthly field trip.
Six trainees attended the centre regularly and usual vocational activities were going as per schedule. The numbers in physical attendance was less due to the pandemic.
Counsellor Jayadevi had session for Sriram parents,Sriram and Saravana Prabu.
Trainee Sriram was given a break from Grundfos and sent to Sharada for training in house keeping till he is called back by Grundfos. after Pongal.
Lavanya Ashok, visited VTU to observe the activities and had meeting with Charu and Usha. She purchased few of our products and also placed order for 150 lunch bags.
Almost a year earlier we had donated our sanitary napkin making machine and accessories to Sevalaya. Due to the intervening COVID times, they couldn't procure material for training. This month they did so and called Manivannan and Bhagawathy to train the teachers and staff in making of sanitary napkins.
Pongal was celebrated in the traditional style. Trainee Chandra helped in drawing rangoli at the entrance. Other trainees helped in kitchen in preparing for the making of sweet rice, setting up of traditional stove at the backyard, wood logs, puja items, rice, jaggery, ghee and flowers. We made traditional pongal, performed puja and distributed the Prasad to all. Usha and Rajagopal along with their relative attended the celebration.
Usual vocational activities were on and Supraja started stitching Sringeri Bags independently. She was introduced to Digitization of Records Project. She was made to access computer to begin with by Shanthi trainer.
Pranav was introduced to computer operation. Training on switching system, holding the mouse, using the keyboard and scanning.
Charu attended Disha parent’s meet. Organised the Government official to address about various schemes and important documents to be availed for their wards.
Charu and Usha had newconsultation with Lokesh parents. He will join from next week.
Uma had functional academics class about the trip to bird sanctuary for this month. Supraja was asked to browse about the same and explain to the trainees. She was happy to know about it and motivated to come for the trip.
Combined Field Trip with YES and Farm Team – Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Nature is at its best and never stops its work and that is the lesson we learnt. Inspite of current unprecedented times, we heard that birds from all over the world migrated to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Sullerpet, Andhra Pradesh, for breeding and will be flying back by next month. We didn’t want our trainees to miss this chance and headed to Nellapattu with a group of 15 trainees from VTU, YES and farm along with teachers, trainers, staff and Founder Trustee Dr. Vasudha Prakash. It was a fun filled trip for all. Trainees and teachers left in the early hours in the bus and few by car. Breakfast and lunch were packed along with snacks. We reached the venue at 10.30 am and we had a guide who took us on a tour while explaining about the different varieties of the bird's name and their habitat. Trainees Supraja, Arvind, Govind, Ramanathan, Chandra was curious and asked few questions. All trainees got to view the different varieties through binoculars.
About 189 bird species can be found at Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, 50 of which are migratory. Birds arrive there from Siberia, Nepal, Indonesia and other countries from October and stay on till March every year.
In addition to the spot-billed pelican, it is an important breeding site for black-headed ibis, Asian openbill, black-crowned night heron, and little cormorant. Other migratory water birds that visit the sanctuary include northern pintail, common teal, little grebe, northern shoveler, Eurasian coot, Indian spot-billed duck, grey heron, Oriental darter, black-winged stilt, garganey and gadwalls
After spending few hours, we assembled at the circular park where we had lunch. Trainees enjoyed the tasty lunch packs, relaxed and wandered around the museum. We had a gala time singing songs and doing movement.
We thank Mr. Ravindra, Divisional Forest Officer, Additional Charge, Wildflife Division, Sullurpet, Mr. Ramkonda Reddy, Forest Ranger Officer.
A special thanks to Mr. Ganapathy Iyer and Selvi who perpeared delicious lunch for all of us and YES teacher Ms. Sujanya and family for the excellent healthy breakfast.
Thank you Dr. Vasudha Prakash and Aparna for joining us making it a special trip of the month.
Youth Empowerment Services
From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and successful new year 2022. With the same enthusiasm and energy level, like every year, YES team stepped into the new year 2022. The year 2021 saw many challenging situations and wonderful moments as well. Year 2021 started with uncertainties but ended with successful placements of 4 trainees from YES. Year 2022 has thus begun with a lot of positivity and hope.
Key highlights for the month of January 2022
• Vocational training activities, Counseling services and OT services at the center
• Pongal celebrations
• Online sessions
• Placement cell activities
• Combined field trip
• Change in YES team
• Production
Vocational training program, Counseling service, OT service, Farm program
January 2022 saw the trainees attendance dwindling from the very first week as the third wave of the pandemic started in Chennai. Many trainees started falling sick and during the second week the attendance had actually dropped to a single digit. To cope with the situation and to support the majority, online sessions had to be planned. Hence from 19 January 2022, trainees were requested to stay home and online training started. These sessions were planned to go on till 04 February 2022.
Counselling services were happening regularly for the first 2 weeks and during the third week took a beating due to some unavoidable situations.
OT services could not be continued in the month of January 2022 due to the lack of therapist. Sincere look out for a good therapist for YES is on and hopefully the services should resume by February 2022.
Farm visits happened as usual.
Pongal celebrations
Pongal has always been a very important festival to celebrate for YES. For the past few years YES has been celebrating Pongal with so much joy and cheer. This year, however, was a very low-key event as very few trainees were attending the centre.
We had arranged simple games and fun activities as part of the Pongal celebrations. In spite of low attendance, trainees participated in all the tasks with great energy level. We had a small pooja and offered sweet Pongal along with our prayers for a healthy and prosperous year ahead.
Online sessions
Online sessions started on 19 January 2022 due to the high demand for the same. Parents were a bit skeptical about sending their wards to the center due to the covid situation. To ensure uninterrupted training for all the trainees, decision was taken to continue with online sessions for a short time period.
Trainees were divided into 4 groups. We had 4 hours of online sessions every day and each group attended 2 hours of sessions per day. The topics and the schedule were well planned so as to give the trainers enough time to prepare for the next session. The topics included functional academics, reading comprehension, life skills, speech and communication, art, storytelling and music. 'Take a Step' volunteers conducted one of the online sessions on 28 January 2022. They interacted with the trainees, conducted a quiz on general knowledge and also played Pictionary with them.
Trainees enjoyed all the sessions and as always were looking forward to each one of them. They participated well and the trainers made each session as interactive and interesting as possible.
Placement cell activities
As part of the placement cell activities, post placement follow up happened in the month of January 2022 for the trainees Ezhil and Srinidhi. The employer and parent interaction were made. For both of them, it was very happy to get positive feedback from their respective employers.
As part of the process, both of them were invited to the centre for a reinforcement counseling session along with their parents. For Srinidhi, it was a work from home situation so she visited YES for a week for a refreshment course in computer skills.
Combined field Trip
Not wanting to give it a break, we had a field trip and this month it was a combined one with the other vocational training unit. 6 trainees from YES joined the trip along with one YES staff. The field trip was to a bird sanctuary in Nelapattu. All of them carried home lovely memories of watching varieties of birds and the beauty of nature around that place.
Change in YES team
Mr. Yuvaraj who was part of YES team and taking care of the laundry services, got relieved of his services from YES on 06 January 2022 due to personal reasons. Yuva was very sincere and added great value to the team. He always had shown his sincerity to whatever he was doing and we, from YES wish him all the very best in all his future endeavors.
As a replacement for Yuvaraj, Mr. Arul joined YES on 06 January and we welcome Arul on board with warmth and wishes. He has been very adaptive and accommodative. He has settled in the very first week of his joining.
Production
Laundry services has been going as usual
Printing &Documentation – Digital printing orders on bottles and mugs were completed
Kitchen – Orders for idli melagai podi, millet mix and chocolates were completed.