Strides Newsletter - November 2022 - Issue 197
- 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 Centre
From the staff of Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Centre
Greetings from Early Intervention and the Remedial Unit!
The Walk4Dyslexia was organised by Rotary Club of Chennai, Utsav at Besant Nagar on Sunday 6th November, 2022 at 7 a.m. This was well attended by many. V-Excel participated in the walk with full enthusiasm, lots of posters and felt very proud to be a part of the cause. Our trainees also participated enthusiastically.
Kaleidoscope Learning Centre
From Shashikala Subramaniam's Desk
Come November the Monsoons sets in Chennai and this results in heavy rains, flooded roads and Government Holidays.Though there were many days declared as holidays in the first two weeks of November, KLC worked through these holidays, except on 2 days when it rained very heavily.
Inclusive Project under Daan Utsav - 2022, Design Development and Training of Trainers for Special Children in association with NIFT, Chennai had come forward to train vocational teachers in improving their skills and teaching them how to give a perfect finish to the end products, for 5 weeks, twice a week. Latha, Priya and Aparna from KLC volunteered to undergo this training along with other staff from V-Excel. It started on November 3rd and they have completed 3 weeks of the course. It was very informative, helpful and gave them an insight into how a perfect product was made.
Learning and in-services to facilitate this, are part of KLC's working with the teachers. This time it was Gita Bhalla who shared her vast experience in imparting lessons of Child Development from 0-7 years to the teachers of KLC on November 4th. This was of great importance and value as it forms the base for us to learn about the next consecutive 7 years growth in children, as they form part of our Junior School and Senior School.
A free Dental Camp, by Dr. Geetha for the students of KLC was organised on November 5th, Saturday in Sharada. About 25 students who were accompanied by their parents made use of this opportunity and got their teeth checked. Dr. Geetha suggested methods to the parents for a healthy dental hygiene and also offered recommendations to those students who needed further treatment. Thank you, Aparna, for organising this camp. The parents were very satisfied with the checkup.
Walk 4 Dyslexia, an awareness walk on the Besant Nagar beach was held on November 6th, Sunday. Many of our teachers showed their support by joining this walk, along with staff of other units of V-Excel.
When one of your own valued, dedicated, hardworking, mother to all in school turns 75 years young, you have to celebrate her with all your heart and love. Vasanthi Shivram, known as Annalakshmi, to everyone in V-Excel, for her cooking and sharing skills was celebrated by the whole school in a special way on November 7th. Children wrote to her, wishing her good health and thanking her for all the love and affection. We all gathered down in the portico, sang songs for her, cut Dosa Cake and shared it with everyone.
But Vasanthi aunty being the eternal Annalakshmi, fed each and every one in Sharada, V-Excel with sumptuous food that filled everyone's stomach and hearts. Vasanthi aunty has been heading the Stitching vocation from the beginning of this academic year.
Children's Day, November 14th was celebrated in a quiet way, with a session of singing songs which were popular with the children and with snacks liked by them.
Tarang, this month was a dance program performed by Deepthi Ravichandran and students of TVARITA on the topic Rasa in Cine Raga. It was a new experience for the students, as the lights were completely off in the auditorium, the songs were melodious and popular ones from movies and the dancers were graceful and performed beautifully. The whole program kept the audience enthralled and in their seats without any disturbance or movements. It was wholly appreciated by everyone.Thank you Usha Suresh for bringing us these innovative programs month after month.
Letitia, a trained Eurythmist from France, worked with the children and teachers over 4 weeks. She completes her last training session in December 1st week.
Taking the teachers and children into a set of movement exercises to help them understand boundaries, orient themselves in space and feel centered and ready to work/learn was something that she helped strengthen with a very practical approach and consistent practice.
Apart from this, Eurythmy as a form of movement works on the breathing, circulation and expression very intuitively. We had a rich experience with her and hope to see her back!
V-Excel Educational Trust
Ramp walk of the Master Class Graduation Ceremony
On 04-November-2022, eight female trainees from V-Excel (5 from YES and 3 from VTU) had a phenomenal experience at the KAY-EM Spectra Banuqet Hall in Vanagaram, Chennai. It was phenomenal because it was well-organised, well-received and a spectacularly grand event. Our trainees were included in the ramp walk of the Master Class Graduation Ceremony organized by Ms. Santhoshi Srikar, owner of the PLUSH Boutique and Beauty Lounge.
We were picked up at YES at 11 a.m. and were accorded a warm and wonderful reception at the venue. Make up and hairdo started for trainees and we were treated to a delicious buffet lunch.
Around 4 p.m. all the trainees were ready and the program started with a small video of the practice session that had been held on the YES premises on Thursday, Nov. 3. This was followed by the ramp walk with each trainee and then all of them together.
After the ramp walk, each trainee presented mementos to Ms. Santhoshi. The most touching moment of the evening was when she called the parents present there and made them walk on the ramp along their daughter(s).
This was a new, unique and wonderful experience all around and we are grateful to Ms. Santhoshi and all the staff at PLUSH for affording us this unforgettable opportunity.
Walk4Dyslexia
The Walk4Dyslexia was organised by Rotary Club of Chennai, Utsav at Beasant Nagar on Sunday 6th November, 7 a.m. This was well attended by many. V-Excel participated in the walk with full enthusiasm, lots of posters and felt very proud to be a part of the cause.
MoU with Madhuvan Sai Vidyashram Trust
V-Excel has signed an MoU with Madhuvan Sai Vidyashram Trust, Trivandrum, Kerala to set up a resource room to provide remedial services for children with specific learning difficulties. Teacher training workshop was organised by senior special educators from V-Excel on 12th November, 2022 at Madhuvan Sai Vidyashram School.
Tarang
The monthly Tarang concert held on Thursday, 24th November, 2022 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) - Mylapore between 1.45 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.
V-Excel Educational Trust and BVB presents Rasa in Cine Raga by Deepthi Ravichandran (Disciple of Prof. Sudharani Ragupathy) with students of TVARITA (Disciples of Kalaimamani T. M. Sridevi).
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath in Nashik
The Centre reopened for the children on Nov 2nd, after the Diwali vacation. The new term began with the distribution of the first term evaluation reports and a series of individual parent meetings, to review the evaluation reports and to discuss the IEPs for the second term.
The results of the Rangotsav colouring competition were declared. Many of our students had won Prizes in them and was a happy moment for the students.
The students are being offered rigorous training for the Annual Sports Day Competition to be held in December.
Two students from the Nashik centre had participated in the Tattva Art Exhibition that was held in Chennai. One of the paintings done by our student Master Sumed Sanap was sold. Both the participants, Sumed and Aisha won gift vouchers and certificates for the competition.
The students in a picnic to the Grape Embassy vineyard on Nov 30th. They enjoyed the tractor ride, bullock cart ride, trampoline jumping and farmland trekking. It was an exciting and hectic morning which ended with a sumptuous lunch comprising of Misal- Pav, Vegetable Pulav and Jalebi. It was a joyful day for all the staff and students of all the 3 Centers of Nashik.
Erode
Greetings from all of us at the Erode Center!
This month on 3rd Nov. Mrs. Lakshmi Ramesh and Mr. Sivaprakash visited our Erode, V-Excel center and conducted a parent meeting regarding importance of training our children in their ADL skills. More than 25 parents participated and staff meeting was conducted in the evening of that day . Lakshmi mam did review of the school children program and 15 parent counselling were also done.
On 14th November-2022, children's day was celebrated with various competitions for our children. Like hurdle running, drawing, snacks biting, water filling etc. Some small prizes were distributed to all the children
Solapur
After Diwali vacation , the center re-opened on November first. Teachers called parents meeting, discussed with them and prepared IEP for second term. Gave them home program, explained it and cleared their doubts.
On 14th November, We went to Hutatma Garden with our kids to celebrate Childrens day. The theme was 'Nature Art'. We planned activities closed to nature.
We started with Nature walk and all of us enjoyed the long walk to collect natural things. Teachers showed different types of trees, leaves, stones, dry sticks and flowers and children collected it together. After a long walk they all formed different groups and made beautiful pictures with the collected material.
Some children made art with different colours. Together, they all created beautiful 'Mandala' using flowers and leaves. Krishana, one of our students sang songs and entertained them. Later they enjoyed on the swing, slide, toy train etc. We ended our picnic with delicious snack of Idli - Vada and all returned with smiling faces.
On Saturday 19th Nov, we conducted parents training program in our center. The topic was 'Clinical Aspects Of Therapies'. Dr. Radhika Honap introduced them to different therapies, need and importance of therapies in the development of special need children. She gave small tips and some activities to them which they could apply at home. Sunita Vaidya spoke about special education and ABA therapy and the importance of ADL training. 25 parents participated in this training program.
On 23rd November, Disha Portal coordinator conducted a district level meeting at Jivala School. Two of our teachers attended the meeting. They learnt how to plan, manage and orrganise work of the Disha Portal.
Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam
Designed Agal Vilakku (made of clay) made by students of V-Excel Educational Trust, Srirangam for the Karthigai Deepam festival. The clay lamp designing activity is used to improve the motor skills and eye-hand coordination of the students.
The lamps were dipped in water and dried in the sunlight, cleaned with sandpaper, and a coat of primer was applied by the students. After drying the lamps, yellow, green and red paint was applied twice followed by decorative dots in yellow, green, and red paint. The Areca Leaf Plates were cleaned with a dry cloth and a coat of primer was applied by the students so the lamps could be placed on them. 17 people including children with Autistic and Intellectual Disabilities completed the task weeks ahead of Karthigai Deepam to be celebrated on 6th December 2022. After finishing the painting work, the students counted and packed the lamps in the pack for sale.
All the clay lamps designed by the students were sold out through word of mouth, by parents.
The lamps were sold at Rs 15 (2 numbers designed clay lamps along with one 6" designed areca leaf plate).
The students counted the number of lamps painted and sold. This was used to improve their arithmetic skills.
From Anandam Learning Center, Ambattur
Greetings from Anandam Learning Center!
The month of November started with sweets and savouries distributed to the children on Nov 3rd by Adyar Ananda Bhavan.
Nov 5th - Breast Cancer and other cancer awareness program was organised by Apollo for parents and teachers.
Nov 6th - Dyslexia Awareness Program by MDA had organised a Marathon in Besant Nagar Beach. Teacher and students participated along with the Director and Trustees of Anandam.
Nov 7th - BP and Diabetic Awareness Program was conducted by the team of doctors from Apollo. Teachers and parents attended the program.
Nov – 9th - Team of doctors from THANC Hospital - Poonamallee highroad conducted a program on swallowing and other throat related problems.
Nov.15th – General medical check-up for each child, was done by the doctors of Lalithambigai medical college which is to be followed every month for a review of the children.
Nov 16th - Miruthangam class started for children two days in a week.
Nov 16th – Children day was celebrated by the teachers performing on the stage for children.
A skit, music, puppet show, songs and dance were performed by the teachers.
Nov 18th – This weekend was enjoyed by the children as some games were organised indoor to enhance the span of attention, concentration and perception.
Nov. 21st – Children performed patriotic songs in a virtual meeting with Microsoft, U.S.
Nov 23rd - Inaugural pooja done at the new building of Ananda Karuna Vidhyalayam to mark the birthday celebration of Sri Saibaba of Parthi. NIS classes were taken till half day on the auspicious day.
Nov 24th – Dress material distributed to the teachers by the doctors.
Nov 25th – Dress material distributed for deserving Parents.
Nov 24th , 25th , 26th - Shifting to new building.
Nov 28th – A class resumed at new building.
Vocational Training Unit
From Charumathi Sriram's Desk
Functional Academics: Self Introduction:
This month began with new admission, beautiful fantabalous Ramp Walk organised by PLUSH Boutique, Product training for Teachers at NIFT, wedding of our trainee, New entry of staff for the position as Social Therapist, Tarang, two more admissions and finally with visit by Donor visit.
New trainee Sathya Srijan joined our unit and started coming from 2nd half of the day to begin with. He is started settling well and in two three weeks time he will start full day.
Ramp Walk @ Plush On 4th November 2022
VTU Trainees Chandra, Nehal and Supraja participated in Ramp Walk along with five YES female trainees. They had a phenomenal experience at the KAY-EM Spectra Banuqet Hall in Vanagaram, Chennai. It was phenomenal because it was well-organised, well-received and a spectacularly grand event. Our trainees were included in the ramp walk of the Master Class Graduation Ceremony organized by Ms. Santhoshi Srikar, owner of the PLUSH Boutique and Beauty Lounge.
We were picked up at YES at 11 a.m. and were accorded a warm and wonderful reception at the venue. Make up and hairdo started for trainees and we were treated to a delicious buffet lunch.
Around 4 p.m. all the trainees were ready and the program started with a small video of the practice session that had been held on the YES premises on Thursday, Nov. 3. This was followed by the ramp walk with each trainee and then all of them together.
After the ramp walk, each trainee presented mementos to Ms. Santhoshi. The most touching moment of the evening was when she called the parents present there and made them walk on the ramp along their daughter(s).
This was a new, unique and wonderful experience all around and we are grateful to Ms. Santhoshi and all the staff at PLUSH for affording us this unforgettable opportunity.
Training For Teachers @ NIFT On 10th November 2022
Our staff Aparna Bupna in coordination with Inner Wheel and NIFT along with V-Excel team organized a meeting few months back to create new ideas and innovate products keeping in mind the capability of our trainees. Using the prior knowledge and skills of the trainees , to work with that and to create new products ,to improve the aesthetics and designs with the the support of NIFT, a training program was conducted for all our teacher for 5 weeks Teachers from KLC, VTU and YES participated in this training program.
Teachers learnt to stitch a bag with lot of intricacies and pasting method which gave a professional finish.
Trainee Vyoma Krishnan's' Marriage On 14th November 2022
It was happy and proud moment for all of us to attend the wedding of our trainee Vyoma to Mr. Sujith the auspicious day of 14th November 2022 at Chennai. She joined us this academic year to get trained in skill development and V-Excel Special Vivaaha Readiness Program. She was trained in life skills, skill development program especially craft and tailoring, which she picked up very fast and more focus was on kitchen activities. In the Vivaaha Readiness program, a team consisting of Counsellor Ms. Jayadevi, VTU Director Ms. Usha Rajagopal, Senior Consultant Ms. Uma Swaminathan, Senior Teacher Ms. Shanthi Nehru and Coordinator Ms. Charumathi Sriram, all worked together to in guiding her towards preparing her before and after marriage. From basic handling the household chores, preparing tea/coffee and breakfast, waking up early, greeting her inlaws and relatives, shopping for the house. Uma took her for the shopping experience. Counsellor had sessions on handling her physical and emotional aspects in a relationship. She was groomed and the mother was also counselled simultaneously.
Vyoma wanted all her teachers to attend the marriage. All the credit goes to the team and she felt happy to receive us and introduced all of us to her husband. She also mentioned that she would like to stay with him and inlaws at Kerala and confident that she can manage well.
Her sister Ishwarya who was our ex-trainee, got the same program and got married last year and now happily settled and blessed with a baby girl. The groom was counselled too and they are happy and accepting her very well.
Tarang @BVB On 24th November 2022
Spectacular performance by Ms. Deepti Ravichandran and her team with an attractive theme 'Rasa in Cine Raga'. Trainees started enjoying for each and every song as they could relate to it so well. The way they were making sounds, and commenting felt like it was like a typical normal college students cultural event. Highlight was when she and team performed for latest number 'Ponni nadhi' from Ponniyin Selvan and Vikram… in classical style was outstanding and our trainees and teachers couldn't resist and started dancing or moving in sitting position. A great show altogether.
Our Donor Mr. Jan Uwe from Yoga-Vereinigung Rajagopalan Foundation, Germany, visited us after 3 years and was happy to see our unit's progress.
Vegetable Packing
Due to the weather conditions in Tamil Nadu, Organic Depot has been affected in receiving veggies from the farmers so for next two months the vegetable packing project will be given a break. Trainees were paid stipend till this month and will be informed about the date of resumption.
One more trainee Hari Krushnan joined for the first half of the day. He was with our new staff Abee Vaakas and Shanthi who guided him with basic activities.
Apart from the above events, our usual therapy, counselling, and functional academics went on on a regular basis.
Youth Empowerment Services
From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk
Key highlights for the month of November 2022
• Vocational training program, Counselling and Therapy services.
• Placements and Orientation session at Accor group of hotels
• Baking workshop
• Participation in the ramp walk organised by Plush beauty salon
• Participation in IIS 2022, Bengaluru
• Internships
• Counselling for placed trainees
• Admissions
• Production
Vocational training program, Counselling and Therapy services
During the month of November, all the vocational activities were happening regularly. The schedule was followed religiously and it was made sure that each trainee got the needed training and support. Trainees in each vocation were also observed and their progress and areas for development were noted. Trainees who were involved in the production also got trained in following deadlines and task completion.
Archery sessions were going on regularly. Yoga and music sessions has been given a break due to the non-availability of the trainers.
Counselling was focused on trainees who got identified for internships. Individual counselling sessions were held for newly joined trainees. Exclusive counselling sessions were organized for a group of male trainees on personal hygiene and its importance. Similar sessions were held for female trainees too. Therapy sessions were happening regularly. Primary focus was to build stamina and endurance apart from addressing fine and gross motor skills.
We also participated in the walkathon to support people with learning disabilities on the Dyslexia day on 06 November 2022.
Placements and Orientation program at Accor group of hotels
4 YES trainees were part of the internship program at Accor group of hotels. Of the 4 trainees, 2 trainees internships got converted to employment and one more got confirmed for the same. Ismail and Shreeman were hired by Ibis hotels, Nungambakkam and SIPCOT respectively. While Ismail is in F&B department, Shreeman is with the Finance department. N Hariharan got absorbed by Novotel SIPCOT in the laundry department. We wish all the 3 trainees a great start with a bright career ahead. Following the confirmation on the placement, as a part of our placement process, orientation session was held at Novotel, SIPCOT for the housekeeping team by Ms. Gayathri Suryanarayanan
Baking workshop by Ms. Avni Panshikar
On 03 and 04 November, we had a baking workshop at YES by Ms. Avni Panshikar. Ms. Avni taught how to make bread, Cookies and Pizza to a few selected staff members and the session was also observed by a few trainees. She gave many useful tips that were to be followed for tasty and healthy baking. She was presented with small gifts as a token of appreciation and gratitude.
Participation in the ramp walk organised by Plush boutique and beauty salon
5 female trainees from YES along with 3 trainess from the vocational unit VTU participated in the ramp walk organised by the Plush boutique and beauty salon during one of their Master class graduation ceremonies. The event was held on 04 November at the KAY-EM Spectra Banquet Hall in Vanagaram, Chennai and was organized by Ms. Santhoshi Srikar, owner of the PLUSH Boutique and Beauty Lounge. Trainees were picked up at YES at 11 a.m and the day started with trainees make up and hairdo. We were treated to a delicious buffet lunch.
Around 4 p.m. all the trainees were ready and the program started with a small video of the practice session that had been held at the YES premises on Thursday, Nov. 3. This was followed by the ramp walk by each trainee and then all of them together. After the ramp walk, each trainee presented mementos to Ms. Santhoshi. The most touching moment of the evening was, the parents present there being called upon and made to walk on the ramp alongside their daughter(s). Was indeed a moment of joy and fame for both.
Participation in India Inclusion Summit 2022
Ms. Gayathri Suryanarayanan participated in the India Inclusion Summit (IIS) 2022 held at Bengaluru on 11 and 12 November. This was the 10th edition of IIS and it was well attended by many other NGOs from different parts of India. This created a beautiful opportunity to network and to know about various other happenings pertaining to the disability sector.
Internship with Novotel, Chamiers Road
2 trainees Sujai Balasubramaniam and Srinidhi Sekaran from YES got internship opportunities at Novotel, Chamiers road, Chennai. On 17 November, both the trainees were taken to Novotel for a preliminary interview and based on that they were called for a 6 months internship from 22 November 2022. Sujai is part of F&B unit and Srinidhi is part of the baking unit at the Novotel. Based on their performances during the internship period, they will be given employment opportunities.
Counselling for placed trainees
On a need basis counselling sessions were started for 2 of our placed trainees T.A. Hari and R. Ezhilarasan. This is part of our placement process and this kind of hand holding is a must for our trainees to sustain in their jobs. Lot of positive reinforcements on work ethics, anxiety and anger management, behaviour corrections and independent living were given to these trainees. Counsellor Ms. Jayadevi and Ms. Gayathri Suryanarayanan handled these sessions. Parents were also included in these sessions either in person or through a telephonic conversation
Admissions
During the month of November 2022, we had 4 referrals for YES admissions out of which 2 joined while one other has confirmed to join.
Production
Laundry services have been progressing quite well and we are getting good feedback from our customers.
We have completed many orders on digital printing on bottles, soaps, Idli melagai podi, Rice upma mix and 4 birthday cakes. These birthday cakes were made for our trainees for their birthday celebrations.
We also took an order to print calendars for our trainee Arpith with all his artworks. We printed 50 calendars that are to be marketed and sold.