Providing lifespan services to individuals with special needs...
Strides Newsletter - October 2023 - Issue 208
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!
A training program was conducted on the 6th of October 2023, by Ms. Mary Stella Arulraj, Special Educator, Early Intervention and Remedial Unit, on speech initiation.
The session covered the following seven steps of speech and communication:
1. Sounds: Making purposeful, non-meaningful sounds is how a child starts. This happens through imitation, where the child tries to mimic the sounds made by its caregivers and /or environment. This usually starts at around 6–8 months of age for the child.
2. Syllables: Meaningful sounds are usually made alongside associations.
3. Words: Combining syllables together to form meaningful sounds will result in words. Children start with single-word responses to questions and usually progress to two-word responses.
4. Phrases and sentences: Combining 3–4 words together to make meaningful responses results in a phrase or a sentence (if structured completely).
5. Rhymes and stories: These are a great way by which children learn not just words but also improve in the following domains: it improves eye contact when recited or told facing the child at their eye level, tends to catch their attention more effectively due to the use of tune or rhythm, makes use of eye-hand coordination when using actions alongside the rhyme, improves facial expression, increases the use of action (while saying action words), helps in the registration of new sounds, and helps in increasing the vocabulary of words.
6. Conversation: Once a child is able to respond aptly to questions verbally, the focus can then be shifted to their social interaction, where they converse and share thoughts and feelings appropriately.
7. Generalization: This involves applying social norms, taking into consideration the context of a situation, and responding appropriately.
Helping the child transition from one step to another comes under the purview of the special educator or teacher. As catalysts to help start making sounds, the following activities were suggested: massaging the throat (larynx), moving the tongue in different directions, blowing balloons, bubbles and whistles (toys). Nine participants took part in the session.
The Sensory Room
In collaboration with Bharathi Rehabilitation Centre, Coimbatore, a resource room was setup in the premises of the Yuvabharathi Public School, Coimbatore, on the 19th of October 2023. Mr. Mujibur Rahman, Senior Therapist, Early Intervention and Remedial Unit, V-Excel Educational Trust, visited the school, assisted, and oversaw the setting up of the resource room. The room was designed particularly to address issues with sensory development in children and comprises resources (various objects that stimulate the five senses) to help intervene and address the same.
Navarathri
Noting the festival of Navarathri from the 15th to 24th of October, the Early Intervention and Remedial Unit setup a display of dolls (Golu). The staff and children performed prayers on all 9 days of the festival and the parents of the children were invited to come and see the display of dolls as well.
On this joyous occasion, a table containing products made by neurodiverse individuals (from other units of V-Excel) was put up for the visitors to buy from, so that they could encourage such artisans and their craftworks.
Kaleidoscope Learning Centre
From Gita Bhalla's Desk
Love is holding space like a clay lamp for another so they may shine their light
- Amruth
Main Lessons In KLC
Main lessons in our curriculum play an important part in the student’s life in our school. The same lesson could be presented in different stages of their life, like in Grade 5 or in the Senior School. The content might be the same, but the emotions, the depth of the story, how it is presented and what is brought out in the student varies. One such spiralling story is the evergreen mythological epic of the Mahabharata.
Multimodal Teaching
Movements for the war and formation of Chakravyuh started the morning, followed by verses from Bhagavath Gita, yoga asana movement, games involving the throwing of the dice and movements related to the numbers, and finally presentation of the stories from the epic.
Bheeshma, the birth of the Kauravas and Pandavas, Draupadi, Karna and his death, the reasons leading to the Kurukshetra war, the War. Abhimanyu and the Chakravyuh, the end of it and what happened after were some of the stories covered. Narration of the story, drama, detailed exquisite charts with the information, movements, practical experiences of moving into the Chakravyuh, characterisation all formed the methods of bringing Mahabharata to the students. They listened, watched, moved, experienced the characters and their emotions, jealousy in Duryodhana, the cunning Shakuni, the helplessness and anger of Draupadi, the mother’s love of Kunti, the desperation of Karna, the confusion of Arjuna and the calm counsel of Krishna through this block.
All this culminated as a drama of Mahabharata with the students and teachers each playing the character, which ran for over 45 minutes. In house props and costumes were used for this. The junior school students watched it.
In the same genre was presented Ramayana for the junior school.
Ramayana – Dance, Drama - junior school students enacted the scene of Rama and Sita swamyamvar – stirring hearts on October 13th. Grade 3 danced for a song for their wedding on oct 11th.
Review Meetings
Vocational review meetings with parents of senior school students were held on October 3rd and 4th.Progress, the way forward and challenges were discussed.
TATTVA 2023 - The annual art exhibition was held on 28 October and 14 students were honoured for the artwork that was submitted. Children had an individual choice of subject, it's evolution and it's naming. These paintings were guided by our teacher Kavita under the guidance of our art therapist Puja and were in the series of Elements of Nature and other interesting topics ranging from Brahmas egg and paintings of the winding path between blue mountain ranges.
. A glimpse of the artists and their work is given here under. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3wtIdQk3Jg
ADL'S In Kindergarten
Children in kindergarten are practicing to wear their shoes and socks independently. A seemingly simple task but for our children with sensory needs it is a monumental task which is now being slowly mastered. A picture of the session in practice.
Tarang
Sikkil Gurucharan performed for Tarang this month and completely mesmerised the children and staff. There was pin drop silence during the performance.
Dussehra
Poojai and Golu – The traditional Golu for the month of Navratri was decorated and installed on the KLC floor. Children sat around it and teachers sang songs. Many children had contributed to making simple models of what they use and do and were proud that it found its way in the setup. School reopened on 25 October on Vijayadashami day and the event was marked with a dance and some simple singing.
Vocational products
The stitching department have been busy busy busy. Beautiful products were designed and stitched for the Mindsprint project that was prepared for the Diwali Hampers . Runners, cushion covers, torans, coasters were contributed by KLC.
Inter unit visits happened in the festive season. Each unit celebrated Golu and YES completed ten years of existence. Shashi, Neha and Kavita attended the event.
V-Excel Educational Trust
India Inclusion Summit
India Inclusion Summit (IIS) is a community driven platform for creating awareness about disabilities. India Inclusion summit conducted their 11th year celebration in Bangalore at Radisson Blu on 4th November 2023. Lekshmi Ramesh and Lavanya Ashok represented V-Excel Educational Trust for the summit. The summit did not follow the normal way of conducting conference, presentation, focus group and more. It was quite a different experience for both of us due to following reasons:
Agenda for the day was to forget the concepts of time!!!!!! No agenda shared with participants. MC by 2 young special hearts with disabilities. It was platform provided for the unsung heroes and celebrating the human spirit. It was also a platform to showcase the artwork of the special individuals in a different way . The visitors were given tactile experience to feel the artwork. There was a lot of music throughout the show. Celebrities like Adil Hussain, Mohan Agashe shared their experience of taking us back to the world of image & sound.
Overall, it was a very peaceful and informative experience with lot of opportunities to connect.
The YES unit of V-Excel celebrated its 10th anniversary
The YES unit of V-Excel celebrated its 10th anniversary on 11 October, by recognising the team, showing gratitude to all the members who contributed to its growth and to the support teams who have been a consistent part of the unit's path to success.
Mr. Bala Siva, Founder and Chief Enabler of Able Aura was the Guest of Honour. V-Excel's trustees Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Prakash Natarajan and Mr. Radhakrishnan Iyer, along with the heads and coordinators of other units were part of this celebration.
The third edition of YES's newsletter was also released the same day.
Tarang musical concert
The monthly Tarang concert held on Thursday, 12th October, 2023 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mylapore from 2:30 to 3.00 p.m.
The theme of the event was Mangala Geetham, performed by Sikkil Gurucharan - Vocals, Mylai M. Karthikeyan - Nagaswaram, and Arjun Ganesh - Mridangam.
Click here to watch Tarang on YouTube.
Open Day at YES
On 14 October 2023, Open Day was organised for parents at YES. Parents started assembling at the center at 2pm. They took a tour of all the vocations in small groups and watched our trainees demonstrate all they have learned. Many parents also tried their hand at archery and silambam. After the tour concluded at 3:30 p.m., they assembled in the workshop space. Congratulatory cards had been designed for each trainee and parents presented them to the trainees. It was a thrilling and moving experience for all participants and, towards the end, parents gave a standing ovation to the YES team!
V-Excel Art Exhibition TATTVA 2023 Freedom of Expressions
TATTVA 2023, an art exhibition by and for the individuals with special needs. TATTVA 2023 is happened at SPASTN Auditorium, Tharamani, Chennai @ 4 p.m.
V-Excel's 2nd Annual Art Exhibition, Tattva 2023 (Freedom of Expressions), was held with great fanfare at the SPASTN Auditorium in Tharamani, Chennai on October 28. The Chief Guest for the event was Mr. Shyam, a renowned artist, while the Guest of Honour was Mr. S. Seetharaman, Executive Chairman of Super Auto Forge (P) Ltd.
Photographs and paintings from 8 participating NGOs and special schools along with the host V-Excel, were on display and were up for sale. All artwork that was on display underwent a strict vetting process by an unbiased third-party art expert. 60% of the artwork were sold out and the proceeds will go to the respective artist. A brief bio of each participating artist was also displayed in the auditorium. All the 65 special artists were felicitated with an award, a certificate and a gift hamper.
A separate stall was kept to give ideas about how to upscale the artwork. Craft corner was another stall where visitors tried their hand on craft-making. There was also a photo corner.
This free event was open to the public and was well-attended by patrons, participants, and well-wishers alike. It was also covered by the print and visual media. The success of the event was reflected in the heartening feedback and testimonials received and was a reflection of collaborative teamwork. V-Excel is especially grateful to Gayathri Suryanarayanan, Lavanya Ashok and B. Sivaprakash for their efforts in making this event a huge success.
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath in Nashik
On 12th October the Annual staff picnic was arranged at Grapes County Eco Resort. The day began with 1 hour of guided tour of the beautiful garden with tropical trees, herbal and many exotic plants, beautiful butterfly park, outdoor pool, lake, flocks of geese and ducks. A large space was dedicated to expand the growth of native flora that provide a rich habitat for many species of animals, birds and insects. All these activities made this place as a biodiversity hotspot. Vermicomposting practices and biogas plant was there to light street lamps. There was a gravity-based root zone system for waste water management. In the afternoon, all the staff were welcomed into a spacious banquet hall with fruit punch followed by delicious spread of lunch. After enjoying the exquisite lunch, many games, puzzles and activities were organised. All the staff members participated with full enthusiasm and team spirit, which made this day special and memorable.
On 19th October Navdurga Award was presented to our Regional Director Mrs Jayanti Vishwanath for rendering her time and mind to special needs and being devoted to an important social cause i.e., Rehabilitation of children and young adults with Special needs. This Award was instituted by Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), North Maharashtra region. This award had felicitated 15 selected women for their outstanding work in their respective field.
On 23rd October Navratri celebration happened. Saraswati puja was done on this Navami {ninth day}. Navratri was celebrated at all the three centres by performing puja and distributing prasad. At BLA students were shown animated short films about goddess Durga and Dussehra to understand the victory over evil. Students performed Garba dance in traditional dresses.
On 28th & 29th October, our Centre participated in the Diwali fest exhibition. Diwali products made by the students were displayed at Diwali fest exhibition cum sale. Teachers from all the three units effectively took care of the stalls.
A proud moment for V-Excel, Nashik as our Sports Trainer Mr. Sagar Gawande was appointed as a representative of special children’s parents for Nashik District for special Olympics for the period of 2023 to 2027. We take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Sagar Gavande and request him to continue his noble task of spreading awareness and inspiring special children to participate in the games for special Olympics.
On 31st October Rastriya Ekta Diwas pledge was taken at BLA by the students and teachers.
Erode
Very happy to inform that our students from Erode center represented V-Excel in the cultural events organised by the Department of Neurology, Nanda College on 4th October and have bagged three prizes.
They got 1st prize for fashion show, 2nd prize for Yoga and 3rd prize for group dance.
Ms. Anu Ranjana, our student bagged first prize in running, Ms. Pranya bagged first prize for ball transfer and Ms. Kavya secured second place for bag filling.
This is really a big feat as Erode center has many children with severe conditions who have come a long way.
Vijayadashami Celebrations
On 24th oct we celebrated Vijayadashami in a simple manner. We arranged a small golu and our children were engaged in singing and Pooja. There was a Devaram recitation by Mr.Raghuraman, our staff membe
Solapur
Aadhaar Card Camp
On 7th October, the Solapur Centre arranged an Aadhaar Card campaign to facilitate students to obtain Aadhaar cards. Parents and students availed of this opportunity. The Solapur center is actively targeting those students who don't have an Aadhaar card and to help them obtain one. Parents are being made aware of how vital the the Aadhar card is when applying for many Government schemes.
Celebration of Dandiya and Bhondla - 20th-October-2023
Navratri in Sanskrit means 'Nine Nights'. On these nine nights, people fast and offer special prayers to the 'Nine Forms of Maa Durga'. At our Solapur Centre we celebrated bhondla and dandiya functions on 20 October. Bhondla was celebrated by children from the early intervention unit and dandiya by our vocational training students. Bhondla/Hadga is a custom celebrated as the Sun moves to the thirteenth constellation of the zodiac called Hasta'. A rangoli, representing a motif of two elephants with garlands in their trunks, is drawn either on the floor or on a paat (low wooden stool). The girls go around the motif in a circle, holding each other's hands and singing traditional Bhondla songs. All students gathered in school in colourful traditional attire children and performed dandiya enthusiastically. After that kheerapath, a traditional dessert, was distributed to students.
Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam
Kolu started at Srirangam V-Excel Educational Trust on 16th September 2023. Dolls were arranged according to the tradition and religious faith. All sang hymns and recited slokas in praise of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi. We made 3 steps to arrange the dolls.
The 1st Step, in the center was placed Lord Krishna's photo, Gajalakshmi, Hayagrivas, Mariyamman, Murugan, and Lord Siva.
2nd step, Vishnu Avataram dolls, Lord Panduranga along with Raghumayee, Vinayagar, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Lord Rama and Seetha, Lord Krishna and Elephant dolls were placed.
In the 3rd step, were placed Saraswathi, and Laksmi on both sides. Lord Krishna, Komatha, Ramar, Lakshmana and Sita, Chettiyar dolls along with provisions, Lord Raghavendra, Swami Vivekananda and Kids Toys were placed with a Fruit and vegetable theme. Playing Caramboard theme.
Below the three steps were placed Kumbam. Did Pooja for the Kolu dolls twice a day. Every day offer one variety of Neivethyam (Sudal, Pasipayaru etc.).
Staff and Parents also participated in the Kolu, offered gifts to the children and gave thamboolam to staff and parents.
Daily staff or Parents did bhajans in the afternoon during the Pooja time.
On 24-October-2023 Kolu started at Srirangam V-Excel Educational Trust on 16th September 2023. Dolls were arranged according to the tradition and religious faith. All sang hymns and recited slokas in praise of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi. We made 3 steps to arrange the dolls. On 24-October-2023, Shri. G. Kalyanaraman, Administrator and Trustee, Sri Sankara Matam, Tiruvanaikoil and his wife came and sang bhajans along with the trainees, did the Pooja, and distributed prasadams to all.
From Outreach Remedial Center, Pollachi
TATTVA 2023 – Freedom of Expressions
V-Excel Educational Trust, Chennai organised an Art Fest for children and young adults with special needs. Our students from OutReach Remedial Center and OutReach Learning Center participated in the event and exhibited their creativity on canvas. 11 of our art forms depicting Indian folk arts like Pichwai, Mural, Warli and Gond was the theme.
This was a motivating event for our students and all the students were given a painting kit, a certificate and a shield to appreciate the artist in them.
We are thankful, to our mentor Shri. Anand Jagadeesan and Smt. Lekshmi Ramesh, Unit Head for their constant support which has helped us to come a long way from a small rural town to exhibit our students’ art works in Chennai.
From Ananda Karuna Vidyalalyam, Ambattur
Greetings from Ananda Karuna Vidyalayam!
October 1st On first October our students participated in the sports event conducted by The Karma Yogi Trust, The Real Heroes Sports meet at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Students participated in different categories of field events and won medals and trophy.
October 4th Our students started training in tailoring, computers, and Aari work at our school.
October 5th & 6th Two of our teachers attended the programme Empower 2023 held at IIT Madras on 5th, 6th and seventh of October.
October 7th ICASA Community Day was celebrated at our Anandam by the family members of ICASA on account of giving back time to the community. Children performed for the guest and the guest also performed for us they also provided lunch and some stationery to the children.
October 9th Term 1 assessments were conducted from 9/Oct/2023 to 13/Oct/2023.
October 15th to 18th Children set models, charts, and displays with the help of parents for the Navaratri Golu displays. The Golu started from 15th to 23rd.
October 20th There was a virtual tour of school and students' performance for the Microsoft company, the major donors of Anandam.
October 24th Vijayadashami pooja was performed on 24th. Trustees' students and all ECA staff participated and graced the occasion. New beginning of all the classes were organised.
October 28th Students participated 'TATVA' 2023 at spastic society. Selected students participated were felicitated by the organisers 'V EXCEL'.
October 29th The first school Annual Day celebrated in the august presence of The Director for the Welfare of the Differently Abled Shri. Kamal Kishore and The DDAWO north Dr. Kathirvel Sir.
October 30th The anchor and artist of Chutti TV presented a variety programme as part of their Diwali celebration with our children and Elders. Magic show, dance, face painting, mehandi were part of the entertainment and sweet and lunch was provided to the children and staffs of Anandam.
Vocational Training Unit
From Charumathi Sriram's Desk
We welcomed this month with festive mood of setting up dolls for Navarathri, making of products for Mindsprint and gift hamper for special guests for TATTVA 2023.
10th Anniversary Of Youth Empowerment Services On 11th Oct 2023
Charumathi Sriram attended the 10th Anniversary event of Youth Empowerment Services on 11th Oct 2023. Mr. Bala Siva, Founder of Able Aura was the Chief Guest. The event was very well organised and show cased the journey of YES. Newsletter of 3rd year of YES was released by CG and was distributed to all. Our Founder Trustee Dr. Vasudha Prakash, coordinators of all units, teachers attended the event.
Tarang On 12th Sept 2023 @ BVB
VTU trainees and staff attended this month's Tarang along with other units on Thursday, 12th Oct 2023. Tarang was a unique theme where Mangala Geetham performed on Vocal by Shri. Sikkil Gurucharan, Nadhaswaram Mylai, M. Karthikeyan and Mridangam by Arjun Ganesh. It was a very different concept with classical and old time melody cinema music mixed and was very beautifully rendered vocally on the nadhaswaram. All our trainees, students and staff were calm and enjoyed the concert happily.
Orders for Tote and potli bags, block printing and bead work for the Mindsprint project kept us busy.
VTU Navarathri Celebration On Friday 20th Oct 2023 And Vijayadashmi Puja On 24th Oct 2023
We invited all the units and parents on 20th Oct 2023 for Thambulam. Trainees from YES visited our Golu and rendered bhajans. Mr. Mahadevan visited us and recited mantras, slokas, Rudram and Chamkam for an hour. Post lunch parents visited the Golu and received the Thambulam and all trainees were happy to welcome them and show their hospitality. Charu, Usha, Rishi and teachers along with trainees sang few bhajans at the end.
On Monday, 24th Oct 2023, Vijaya Dasami puja was performed by a priest in all the units including block printing Vastrakhm, Sreyes Farm outlet and Trust room.
Visit By 12th Grade Students Of Chettinad School On 25th Oct 2023
As part of their curriculum, 12th grade of Humanities and Science students of Chettinad Vidhyashram visited VTU and YES. Around 44 students visited both units each in batches. The students specially requested permission to do case study only at our organisation as they had amazing experience last year. Ms. Kanthini, psychology teacher coordinated with Charu and organised the visit. Students were split into groups and sent to each vocation and were asked to experience the activities. Our trainees were happy to teach and interact. After this there was an interaction with Charu and Usha where their questions related to case study were clarified. It was amazing to see the students aware of the subject and knew a lot of technical areas of cognitive disability. They picked up our products and wished to volunteer in the future.
Gift Hamper For Special Guests For TATTVA 2023
VTU was given the responsibility of preparing a premium quality Gift Hamper for the Chief Guests, Guest of Honour, VVIP and VIP. We collected all the products made by other units and created a hamper. It was well received by the guests and was much appreciated.
Charu and Mani uploaded the artwork and photos of our trainees in the Google form for TATTVA 2023.
TATTVA 2023 On 28th Oct 2023 At SPASTN, Taramani
Our annual event of artwork exhibition TATTVA 2023 was inaugurated and VTU along with all the units were present for the event. VTU teachers were assigned responsibility in footfall management, refreshment area and Photo corner. Artist Shyam and Chairman Shri Seetharaman of Super Auto Forge inaugurated the event. The other’s there were our Trustee Mr. Radhakrishnan, Mr. G. Rajagopal, Prof. Anand, Mr. Diwakar. Selection committee were on the dias and Gayathri and Lavanya compered the event. It was an event meant to encourage young artists and give visibility to youngsters of as many institutions as possible who have the talent. All the art work and photos were displayed with focus lights and a few got sold. Overall, it was a successful event and was covered on media.
Vocational/Therapy/Functional Academics And Counselling Sessions
• Vocational Activities: All trainees and trainers were very busy making products for the Mindsprint Project and gift hampers for TATTVA 2023. Pot candles, block printing on Gada Tote bags.
• Trainees along with teachers cleaned the dolls and set it on the steps. They also decorated the walls and setup the village and Mahabalipuram sets.
• Counselling sessions – Jaya had sessions with trainees and parents this month.
• Regular therapy sessions by Vasanth for all the trainees individually and group went as per schedule for this month.
Youth Empowerment Services
From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk
Key highlights for the month of October 2023
• Vocational training, Counselling and Therapy activities
• Commencement of Employability training in association with Neuoway under project Specialisterne
• Team lunch
• YES Anniversary
• Corporate stall at VMWare
• YES open day
• Dussera celebrations
• Participation in the Digital Marketing workshop
• Visit by 44 students from Chettinad Vidyashram school
• TATTVA 2023.
Vocational training, Counselling and Therapy activities
October was a month filled with celebrations. Vocational training spun around the preparations for the same. All trainees were involved in all celebrations and tasks related to that.
Silambam, Archery, Fitness program and Yoga were happening as usual along with counselling services and therapy sessions.
Commencement of Employability training in association with Neuoway under project Specialisterne
The 8-week employability training program commenced at YES on 03 October 2023. This is in association with the organization Neuoway. There were 9 trainees shortlisted for this course, out of which 3 are from YES and the rest from outside of V-Excel. Unfortunately, 2 had to drop out due medical issues and the other 7 successfully completed 4 weeks of training.
Team Lunch
On 07 October we had organised a team lunch at YES for all the staff members. As always, this brought the team together and it was a great bonding time filled with laughter and fun.
YES Anniversary
On 11 October, Youth Empowerment Services stepped into its 10th year of operations. To mark this occasion, an event was organised to share our gratitude with all the people behind the success of YES. The trainers were given certificates of appreciation, and all the support staff were presented with mementos. Mr. Bala Siva, founder Able Aura was the chief guest, and he presented the certificates to the trainers. V-Excel founder Director Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Managing Trustee Dr. Prakash Natarajan, Trustee Mr. Radhakrishnan Iyer, coordinators from all the other units and a few parents participated and wished the YES team. Videos on various activities and achievements of YES were played for the audience. YES, also released the third edition of their newsletter.
Corporate stall at VMware
On 12 October 2023, we were invited to be part of the event EPIC at VMware. We were also asked to bring our products for sale for their employees. Trainee Arpith accompanied the staff members Sujanya and Gayathri. All the products were well appreciated, and we had good sales of all the products.
YES, Open Day
On 14 October 2023, YES had its Open Day after a gap of 4 years. The main objective of the Open Day was to introduce the day schedule and all the activities to the parents. We had also included Archery and Silambam training on the agenda. It was wonderful to see parents in full attendance. They took time to go through each vocation while trainees in each vocation took turns explaining all the activities to the guests. The parents were thrilled to see this and were very appreciative of the efforts and time put in by the team. The trainees were given certificates of appreciation mentioning all the skills that they have learnt so far at YES. The YES team got a standing ovation from the parents for their dedication and support.
Navratri celebrations
YES, celebrated Navratri in style and grandeur. A thematic golu was put together and the theme this year was ‘Vocational program at YES’. Apart from the regular dolls, different set ups were created depicting all the vocational activities of YES. YES, golu had visitors every day and they were presented with interesting gifts as thamboolam . We also had slogam chanting every day and a special Rudram chanting on the Vijayadasami day. On24 October, Vijayadasami day, special puja was performed. YES golu was covered by the Mylapore Times team and the video was uploaded on their official FB page.
Visit by Psychology students from Chettinad Vidyashram School
On 25 October around 44 psychology students from Chettinad Vidyashram school visited YES as part of their educational field trip. Students interacted with all the trainees and tried to understand their challenges and coping mechanisms. They also interacted with the trainers to understand the teaching methods and the reinforcement strategies, were given a briefing about the vocational training program and all the activities of YES. Students were very impressed with the products made by our trainees and bought a few also.
Participation in Digital Marketing workshop conducted by Goodera
Gayathri Suryanarayanan from YES along with Charumathi Sriram from VTU attended a 2-day workshop on Digital Marketing. This workshop focused on brand building on social media. Several real time examples were taken to explain the advantages of using social media as a platform for promotion and getting greater visibility.
TATTVA 2023
On 28 October 2023, the second edition of TATTVA happened at SPASTN auditiorium. 4 trainees from YES, Arpith, Dhennussa, Eshvar and Ramanathan expressed their thoughts and emotions in an artistic way and the whole event had a great fanfare.
