Providing lifespan services to individuals with special needs...

The New year unfolded with the grand stage performances of children and young adults with Special needs in a large auditorium, from special schools and training centers, situated in Nashik. This program titled as "Colours Unseen" was basically organized to celebrate and cheer the talents of the performers. Our Vocational Trainees Anagha and Anamika performed a traditional Marathi folk dance item called Lavani, set to a peppy number. Under the Talent category, Pranil presented a beautiful song with a lovely background score on Lord Siva. Aarisha Iyer presented a lovely fusion dance which received a standing ovation.

All the children and trainees, celebrated Sankranti by making and flying kites and eating jaggery based laddoos.

The birth anniversary Of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Smt. Savitribai Phule were observed this month. The stories of the two great personalities were enacted and shared with the students.

On 26th January, Republic Day was celebrated. Mr. Tejas Chavan of Hausla (NGO)and Proprietor of Green Spaces, along with another Industrialist Mr. Akshay Goliya hoisted the National Flag. The Resident Editor of Lokmat Times Mr. Rikin Merchant was the Special Guest. The VLC children welcomed the gathering with a Welcome song. The older VLC children performed a beautiful dance picturizing the cultural diversity and tradition of the different states of India. The BLA students presented a song depicting National Unity and Integration. The VTU trainees also did a fusion dance performance set to a Patriotic musical score.

Overall, it was a joyful and colorful day blended with a Spirit of Unity and Patriotism.

On January 28, Vaibhav Sonawane took a presentation on Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Awareness. Vaibhav elaborated on various topics like Hacking, Phishing, Spam E-Mails, Malware, and Various types of Viruses. He also discussed some known - unknown types of cybercrime with a few real-time examples. It was an interactive session and the teachers who attended the session gained more awareness and knowledge about fraudulent online activities and have requested for additional information in the following session.

Greetings from all of us at the Erode Center!

Celebrations

We celebrated Pongal festival, on 13th January, by preparing sweet Pongal, a small pooja and a traditional kummi dance by our student and teachers.

On 25th January, we celebrated Republic Day with march past by our prevocational student and a drill performance. A small speech by Ahamed Suhail about Mahakavi Bharathi was the highlight of the day. Every child has some potential and when it is encouraged and appreciated, it spreads happiness, hope and feeling of being worthy.

In Service Training

Special children have special needs when it comes to discipline techniques. Tricks that may work for a "typical" child may not work or could even backfire with a special needs student. With behavior modification, you are not worried about the cause for the behavior, you are only using a method to change it. There are different techniques to modify it and some of them are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishments, negative punishments. Our therapist Ms. Nandini did a staff training program on Behaviour Modification techniques. She explained them with examples and this was really useful.

On Saturday 7th January, 2023, we had organised our Annual Day function. 60 students participated in this event. Children performed beautiful dances. Pre-Vocational students presented a skit and gave a message to the audience that each one has different ability, one should identify that and encourage the child to show their talent. One group passed a message to keep our area clean ,separate dry and wet garbage, dispose the garbage in garbage van and help keep the environment clean through a song. Some children performed dances on patriotic songs. Kids performed beautifully as butterflies and enjoyed the music and the dances.

Mr. Sunil Khamitkar, District social welfare officer present as the chief guest. Ms. Poornima, Principal at Shanti English Medium School and Ms. Savita Rathi, Member of Creative Group were present as guests of honour. Ms. Anjiri Baladava, Ms. Uma Baldava were there to encourage all the children.

On 8th January, we organised a webinar on Communication Intervention Using Alternative And Augmentative Communication (AAC) by Dr. Anjana Satyabodh from Bangalore. She covered how to expand your child's communication, how to create more communication opportunities naturally, how to weave it all together. She gave satisfactory answers asked by parents. Almost 35 parents participated in this webinar.

We celebrated '

Republic Day

On 26th January 2023, Dr. Sunil Godbole and Dr. Ashwini Godbole from Pune came for consultation. They consulted 25 children and guided parents for medicine and other behaviour problems.

Our Regional Director Mrs. Jayanti Vishwanath visited the Solapur center from 28th to 31st January. She met all teachers and parents and guided them on children's diet, sleep and routine.

Pongal Celebration

Pongal is also celebrated as a thanksgiving festival for various Hindu deities. The festival of Pongal is held in Tamilnadu, particularly by the farming community as it marks the end of the harvesting season. The festivities begin with 'Bhogi' and the first day is considered to be a prelude to the celebrations that follow. 'Bhogi' is observed as a thanksgiving occasion to Lord 'Indra', the God of Heavens. The next day is the 'Pongal' day, which is celebrated to pay respect to 'Surya', the Sun God. It is the day of a new beginning and makes people go for joyful celebrations. As a mark of respect to the cattle, the farmer's best friend, the third day of the Pongal festival is celebrated as 'Maattu Pongal'. 'Kaanum Pongal' marks the end of the four-day celebrations.

Our school celebrated Pongal in a splendid manner.

This started with our traditional Pongal song.

The students did a magnificent job to make laurels for the Pongal celebrations.

The Students and staff of V-Excel Educational Trust celebrated Pongal on January 13, 2023. They had an amazing time marking the Pongal festivities before they broke off for their Pongal vacations. Smartly dressed in colourful ethnic wear, our students performed many enthralling songs and dances. As part of the celebration, 'Chakkara Pongal' was prepared in clay pots and distributed to the parents, students, teachers, and support staff. The entire campus had a festive look with colorful Rangoli, decorated Pongal pots, sugarcanes and other decorations enhancing the festival spirit. The prayer was followed by a message, which reminded the children about the importance of the harvest festival. Various cultural programs, which included songs, dances and skits, depicted the significance of the Harvest Festival and there were some sports events for the children. Finally, the prizes were distributed to all the children who participated in the event, as a token of appreciation.

Greetings from Anandam Learning Center!

The school reopened on 2nd Jan 2023 for the 3rd term.

Jan 4th was World Braille Day. The children were given information on this.

Mr. Vijay of V-Excel started Skating Assessment for our children so as to enrol them for skating sessions.

The students of NIOS were given practical sessions in Home Science. They were given training on the preparation of salads, biscuits, sandwich and falooda. This was also recorded for our YouTube channel.

On January 7th, an orientation programme on "Sensory Integration" was done by Mujibur Rahman and his team from V-Excel for our teachers here.

On January 8th, children and teachers participated in Pongal Celebration organised by Raindrop NGO at Phoenix Mall.

On January 10th, Youtuber and eminent chef Yogammbal Sundar visited our school. She enjoyed the recipes made by our children under the concept "Cooking without Fire". The children presented falooda, sweet corn salads, biscuits sandwich etc. She was very happy about the children's presentation and tasted it.

Prayer, Vedha chanting, Kummi & Kollattam, Silambattam.

Trustees, Parents and Guests from dots school attended the function.

On January 12th, 2nd set of children went to Lalithambigai hospital for screening along with the parents and teachers.

On January 13th, Grand Pongal Celebration started off with traditional way of cooking Pongal in the open area followed by kolam competition. Pooja and Cultural Programs were performed by our students and the photos will explain it well.

On January 13th, Dots school of designs who specially designed furniture for the school presented a video of their journey during the making of the furniture. It was a feast for all our teachers and children. Prayer, Vedha chanting, Kummi & Kollattam, Silambattam were performed. Trustees, Parents and Guests from dots school attended the function.

Most of the morning sessions of Anandam Margazhi Kalai Vizha were attended by our students as the therapeutic approach. They enjoyed the music sitting in the balcony of the multipurpose hall.

Olympic Coach Mr. Augustian started to coach our students from 7th January and has agreed for twice a week.

NIOS students completed their Tutor mark assignment with the help of our teachers and the TMA was uploaded for submission. They also completed the PCP classes at "The Pupil Saveetha Eco school".

On January 19th, as decided by the trustees, the birthday celebration of the staff Mrs. Vasanthi Balaji and Miss. Vidhya was celebrated as a surprise gift for both the staff.

On January 21st, parents teachers meeting, was organised on Saturday.

Review meeting with Mrs. Sumathi Madam and all the teachers was organised to know, about with progress of all the student and other issues if any.

On January 21st, a follow up session of sensory integration was organised on 21st by V-Excel staff as to, how to use the sensory items with the children.

Anandam Trust conducted an Early Intervention Assessments in the Govt school Kallikuppam under the guidance of V-Excel's Early Intervention and Remedial center staff from 23 to 25 January nearly 180 children were screened for reading, writing, spelling, attention, concentration and cognitive skills, gross and fine motor skill. Two of our staff Mrs. Indumathi and Miss. Shanthi were part of this Program. Our founder, Bhageerathi Madam Inaugurated this function and gave are valuable inputs. Dr. Manju, Principal Outreach Remedial Centre, Coimbatore was also a part of this Program.

Computer room was setup for NIOS students to practice Practical of data entry operation and basic computing in the second floor.

Republic day Celebrations started off with flag hoisting and Tamil Thai Vazthu at Anandam Old Age Home in the Presence of Trustees Dr. Kamala and Mrs. Jaya Madam with Thatha patties for Anandam. Children presented two Patriotic songs, Dance, Speech and performed Silambam.

A team of doctors with the Vice Chancellor of Ramachandra Medical University visited our school and they spoke to the Trustees about their future assistance they would like to provide for the students.

An excursion was planned on 31st January with students staff and some of the parents to the Birla Planetarium and two temples in ECR.

January 2023 started with internship program for two trainees at Grundfos Pvt Ltd., new yoga tutor from Vazhga Valamudan center, Mr. Jan Gosel' visit, inhouse Pongal celebration at Sreyes Farm, Tarang and witnessing the Republic Day parade at the Marina

Two volunteers from the Vedathri Maharishi Yoga centre observed our yoga class for two days and thereafter came daily. With few variations in the existing exercises, they energised the trainees and staff. A lot of changes can be seen in the trainee's movements.

Internship @ Grundfos Pumps Ltd., from 4th January, 2023

Supraja and Chandra started their internship at Grundfos Pumps our CSR partner in the back-office area of digitising documents by scanning process. Our trainer Abirami Raj is the job coach at present. They will be working from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. for two months and work hours will extend based on their performance.

Charumathi Sriram attended the Social Stock Exchange workshop at Mumbai organised by GuideStar India, SEBI and NSE. She gave gift hampers to the SEBI directors and GuideStar team.

Mr. Jan Goschel, International Anthroposophy Institute New York, visited our center along with Dr. Veera and Ms. Preetha of Nandavanam. He visited all the center's and conducted a workshop for all at V-Excel.

Pongal Celebrations @ VTU and Sreyes Farm on 13th And 17th January 2023

VTU celebrated Pongal twice both inhouse and at the Sreyes Farm. We had a brief celebration at the center attended by Vasumathi, our block printing unit director and Counsellor Jayadevi.

On 17th January, we all went to the Sreyes farm where Farmer Pazhani put on balloons and bells on the cows. Teacher Shanthi and Jayanthi prepared Pongal the traditional way and other staff and trainees danced on folk numbers along with Farm Coordinator Rishi. Once Pongal was made a puja was performed thanking the Sun god. We all had delicious lunch and relaxed for some time. We played games before leaving.

Supraja and Chandra showed their progress in their scanning of documents and so far, have scanned 108 files.

January Tarang – Super Star Special on 19th January, 2023 @ BVB

VTU trainees and staff attended Tarang – Super Star special by Sai Vignesh and Samanvitha. It was wonderful and melodious with peppy numbers and trainees were happy dancing and enjoying the same.

New Trainee Swaminathan joined and settled in a week's time.

VTU attended Republic Day Parade @ Marina Beach on 26th January 2023

VTU team and ESF staff took 10 trainees to witness the Republic Day parade on 26th Jan 2023 held at the Marina Beach. The idea sparked when Uma our Functional academician was taking class on Superhero/unsung heroes. Trainees could relate only to reel heroes instead of real heroes. T990 exposed them to the real heroes. Usha and team discussed that we take them for experiential learning to witness the parade. The trainees mingled with the public, the police personnel helped to drive our van through and allowed our trainees reach a comfortable place. While walking in the service lane, we saw the parade practice before starting, when requested they gave demo to our trainees. Uma explained to every group and uniform of soldiers who serve and protect our country including the police personnels. There was one place where we needed to pass through the crowd for security check and all trainees cooperated without any issues and walked through without any complaints. We introduced them to all the police officers who were guiding us, and they also interacted with them. We made them understand how to differentiate between real heroes. It was a wonderful experience and Charu shared the photos with Dr. R. Natraj who was helpful and supportive. We thank the Tamil Nadu police for allowing us to take the road which was only for the participants and gave our trainees a special way in the crowded area to watch the parade.

Next year we are planning to approach Commissionerate of Differently abled department to arrange for passes for all the schools and institutions.

Charumathi Sriram and Manivannan attended the Unit Head meeting. Dr. Vasudha Prakash discussed about Annual Day, how important it was to participate in that and to show solidarity. Discussed about the social media, counselling team too.

Showing gratitude to Kauvery Hospital for saving the life of our trainee S. Sriram

One of our Trainee Sriram who is now working at Blue Lagoon, fell sick and critical due to insect bite last month and parents were helpless and spoke to the coordinator. Immediately he was shifted to Kauvery hospital with Usha Suresh and Charu coordinating with Dr. Vidhya Saketraman and Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj. The staff and nurses in the Emergency Room took immediate action and admitted him in the ICU. Our admin team Mani and S. Prakash gave support to the distraught parents. Within a months' time, Sriram recovered from the infection Scrub Typhus and was discharged. The credit for his recovery goes to the dedicated team of doctors. To show our gratitude, we gave them a thank you letter along with a gift hamper (products made by our trainees) from YES and VTU. Sriram is now fine and convalescing. Sriram's well-wishers from Blue Lagoon, his place of employment, donated a sum towards his medical expenses.

Supraja and Chandra's timing at Grundfos has been increased from February 1st.

Counselling, therapy and functional academics classes and sessions went as per the schedule through the month.

Regular vocational activities went as per schedule and file folders were stitched for the Kauvery hospital Doctors, staff and order for Bhoomi Mitra bags were being made. SNEH job order of jute pen stand was as usual been braided and stitched.