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Strides Newsletter - August 2024 - Issue 218

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!

• Screening at Reddiyarpatti Government Primary School, Tirunelveli

As part of our outreach program supported by Atos Prayas Foundation, a screening camp was conducted at Reddiyarpatti Government Primary School, Tirunelveli on the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th of August 2024. Students from grades I to V were screened during the camp. From a total of 232 children, 46 children were identified as having substantial difficulties with their psychomotor development and/or learning.

• Preliminaries for Sangam 2024:

As part of Sangam 2024, a total of 22 games were ideated for children, in different age categories. Videos of how the games were to be played / conducted and instructions regarding the same were shared with the various participating institutions - (Government schools who are supported by our outreach programme – Olcott Memorial School, Catherdral Free Primary School, and Chennai Primary School, Kallikuppam), from the various units of V-Excel (EI-VRC, KLC, YES, and VTU), and from other NGOs (Aram, Anandam, and Jayam [Padi and Ayapakkam]). A list of potential participants who could take part in the game was requested. On identification of the participants by the respective institutions, the games were conducted for them in their premises.

The following institutions were visited on the below mentioned dates by our team (EI-VRC) to have the games conducted and shortlist participants for the finals:

o Olcott Memorial School – August 1st

o Cathedral Free Primary School – August 2nd

o Chennai Primary School, Kallikuppam – August 8th

o KLC – August 9th

o YES – August 12th

o Aram – August 13th

o Jayam (Padi and Ayapakkam) – August 14th

o Anandam – August 16th

o EI/VRC – August 17th

• SANGAM 2024:

Sangam ’24, the sports meet hosted by V-Excel was a huge success. It was held at St. Bede’s playground, Santhome, Chennai for 2 days, 22 and 23 August 2024. But the work started a couple of months earlier in terms of planning, inviting special children/adults from other institutions, organizing preliminary rounds at their premises, and conducting the event. 352 children/adults from 7 special schools including V-Excel participated. 160 participants were involved in the activities on Day 1. Each one's effort was recognized and each got a Certificate of Appreciation.

Day 1:

On 22nd August, the Torch Bearing ceremony and Sangam ’24 was officially declared open by Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Founder-Director, V-Excel Educational Trust. The final rounds of 22 games were conducted among all the finalists. Participants were in two groups according to their age. 3 – 11 years and 12+ years. The games were categorized as academic and non-academic. The winners were presented with trophies and all participants were given a medal and certificate. Refreshments were provided for all.

Day 2:

On 23rd August, the event started with a March Past by all the units of V-Excel, along with Jayam Special School and Aram Special School. Mr. S. Seetharaman. Executive Chairman at Super Auto Forge, and Ms. Madhavi Latha Prathigudupu, former national para-swimming champion, were the chief guests. Special children and adults showcased their talent in yoga, Silambam, Archery, mass drill and fitness routines. Winners were given trophies and the event ended with words of appreciation from parents who were present.

Kaleidoscope Learning Centre

From Shashikala Subramaniam's Desk

August in KLC brings Independence Day, and a host of festivals. This brings opportunities for the students to have a taste of patriotism, traditions, practices, stories behind these experiences.

Opportunities for training:

Niharikaa Dinakaran, one of our senior students, suited the profile for the second batch of training with Writer’s Cafe and when applied for, got a chance to meet and be interviewed. She was confident and calm through the whole experience and answered well for the questions asked. We received the news later in the month that she has been selected for training for 6 months at the Cafe.

A meet and greet session for the parents:

Disha, the parent group of V-Excel, was revived this August and a group of 30 parents from all the V-Excel units in Chennai got a chance to meet, learn and discuss the way forward for this group along with sharing experiences. KLC was represented by many parents who joined the panel discussion and had the experience of sharing in this forum. We are looking forward to a fruitful journey for this group of parents with support from the staff of V-Excel.

Community awareness and togetherness:

A few students, parents, and staff of KLC participated in "Walk Along 2.0" held on August 11, 2024, at Namma Chennai Park 2.0 Adyar. This event aimed to foster community engagement, a walk-a-thon and fun carnival, an opportunity to participate in experiential sessions, providing a platform for individuals to connect and share their success stories. Being there early in the morning and walking the stretch along with the other students from various other institutions was a good experience for the students.

Freedom in Music:

Tarang, this August brought together 2 young talented artists – Ahana Balaji and R P Krishaang on Vocals, along with Anish Mohan on the Keyboard and Visswesh Vichu on the percussion. The songs were soulful and related to patriotism along with other medleys. These children entertained the students with their versatile rendition of songs.

78th Independence Day Celebrations:

The word Freedom brings an emotion of varied feelings to everyone, particularly to our students. They brought together a script to exhibit how Freedom was interwoven into the main lessons of the different Grades in school along with a few songs sung as a culmination to a 45-minute program. The link to the whole program is given here. Please do watch.

Sangam 24 – Sports meet with a Difference:

August 22nd and 23rd – a two-day sports meet was organised by EI/VRC unit, successfully with meticulous planning and execution. This sports meet gave a chance to the KLC students to practice for the innovative races planned, and participate along with students of other special schools. The young and enthusiastic staff of KLC worked with the students untiringly for almost 3 weeks every day. They participated in the final races on 22nd August in the St. Bede’s Sports Ground, Mylapore, and won in some of the races.

KLC took on the theme of Fire from the 5 elements given and performed a drill showing the different facets of Fire – Endurance, Destruction, Love and Forbearance on 23rd August. Our teachers helped as volunteers along with the organizing group on both these days.

August 22nd Thursday
August 23rd Friday

Traditions, Festivals and Celebrations:

Aadi Perukku – 18th day of the month of Adi (Ashada) in Tamilnadu is celebrated to pay tribute to water's life-sustaining properties. For the blessing of mankind with peace, prosperity and happiness and nature worship in the form of Amman deities are organized to shower Nature's bountiful grace on human beings. We celebrated it and narrated a story for this celebration.

Raksha Bandhan the celebration of brotherhood among the students, teachers and staff happened with simple Rakhis made by the students and being tied on the wrists, along with applying sandal and kumkum on the forehead, and blessings with flowers and sacred rice, completed with feeding ragi laddoos with jaggery. The promise to protect, cherish, love and care for each other was again reiterated through this process.

Krishna – the eternal friend of our students who brings out joy, naughtiness, caring, and fun filled days arrived in KLC from 19th to 26th August. The classrooms took the form of Krishna’s eventful life – a bedroom for baby Krishna, the throne room, the chariot that he drove, the temple of Guruvayoor, Kaliya Narthanam in the lake, the room where he danced, the place where he was weighed on a Thulabharam with a thulasi leaf and on and on. All these came about with the help of the students and the teacher's untiring work and brought Joy, happiness and fun to the children who experienced it.

A community lunch, the tradition of the cow and calf visiting the school foyer much to the delight of the children, puri Adi (pot breaking), singing Krishna bhajans and songs were interspersed through the week along with the colour coordinated clothes of yellow, green, blue the favourites of Krishna.

Community Lunch

Uri Adi – Pot Breaking

Cow and her Calf

It was a hectic month in Kaleidoscope Learning Centre but filled with learning values, being joyful but careful, being free within boundaries, looking forward to days filled with activities, responsibilities, and a lot of hard work.

Satellite Centers

From Jayanthi Vishwanath at Nashik

V-Excel Nashik was awarded a Certificate as DISHA Implementing School

The DISHA program, initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, focuses on early intervention and school readiness for children with developmental disabilities. By earning this certificate, V-Excel Nashik joins a select group of schools dedicated to empowering students with special needs to achieve their fullest potential.

9th August, 2024

Adivasi Divas was celebrated at VLC. Students learned about tribal communities and their habitats. Few students came dressed in traditional tribal attire.

10th August, 24

NIOS Orientation and General Meeting Held for the Parents of Bridges Learning Academy

NIOS orientation and a general meeting for sharing views and instructions was held on 10th August. The session was led by the coordinator Niliesha Sharrma, Ms. Jayanti and school counselor Pradnya Apte, providing valuable insights to the parents.

Rakshabandhan Celebration

10th August, 24 - Art and Craft Parents Teacher Training workshop

Art and Craft Workshop Held for V-Excel Teachers and Parents of Vocational Training Unit and Bridges Learning Academy.

V-Excel Educational Trust recently organized an art and craft workshop for its teachers and the parents of Bridges Learning Academy and the Vocational Training Unit. The session was led by the guest, a fine art teacher Shubhangi Bairagi. She featured activities like card making, coloring techniques, envelope crafting, and coaster decoration. Participants appreciated the creative techniques shared, making the workshop a resounding success.

August 15, 2024 - 78th Independence Day Celebration

V-Excel, Nashik celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm, beginning with the flag hoisting by the guest of honor, followed by the flag song by all and a patriotic song performed by VLC teacher Veena Ahire.

Students from Bridges Learning Academy sang the group song "Aao Bacchon Tumhe Dikhaye Jhanki Hindustan Ki," accompanied by music sir on guitar and tabla. BLA students also delivered speeches in English and Marathi.

The Vocational Training Unit students sang "Hum Hindustani," while the Learning Centre students performed the group song "Mera Mulk Mera Desh." The event concluded with the distribution of NIOS passing certificates, Skit performance certificates and medals to the students of Bridges Learning Academy by the chief guests.

18th August, 24 - Muskaan Season 5 District-Level dance competition

Students from Bridges Learning Academy, Vocational Unit, and Learning Centre came together to perform a group dance on the theme of Mental Stress Awareness, featuring a medley of songs like "All is Well," "Fikar Not," and "Love You Zindagi." The powerful performance earned them second place in the competition, marking a hat-trick of trophies for the academy over the past three years.

In addition to the team's success, Aarisha Iyer and Himanshu Gupta from Bridges Learning Academy were awarded special medals for their outstanding performances. The achievement highlights the students' talent and V-Excel's continued commitment to addressing important social issues through creative expression.

27th August, 24 - Dahi Handi and Gopal Kala Celebrated Across Nashik Centres

The festive spirit was in full swing as students from all three centres in Nashik celebrated Dahi Handi and Gopal Kala with great enthusiasm. The event was marked by energetic performances as students danced and sang to the melodious tunes dedicated to Lord Krishna. The joyous occasion was further highlighted by the distribution of Prasad among the children. The event not only brought the students closer to their cultural roots but also spread a sense of unity and joy across the centres.

31st August, 24 - Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idol-Making Workshop Held at VTU

An eco-friendly Ganesh idol-making workshop was recently conducted at VTU, bringing together selected students and teachers from all three centres. Led by Sonali Jadhav Madam, the workshop provided a hands-on experience in crafting idols from clay. The participants, both students and teachers, thoroughly enjoyed the creative process, expressing a deep sense of fulfilment as they shaped their own eco-friendly idols. The workshop not only fostered creativity but also emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, leaving everyone involved, with a memorable experience.

Erode

Colour Day

We celebrated pre Independance day on 14th Aug that included various programs by our school students. "Kodi Katha Kumaran " drama was performed by a prevocational student. A small briefing about Kodi Katha Kumaran:

Tiruppur Kumaran also known as Kodi Kaatha Kumaran (4 October 1904 – 11 January 1932) was an Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter who participated in the Indian independence movement.

Kumaran was born as Kumaraswamy Mudaliyar. He founded the Desa Bandhu Youth Association and led protests against the British. He died from injuries sustained from a police assault on the banks of Noyyal River in Tiruppur during a protest march against the British government At the time of his death, he was holding the flag of the Indian nationalists, which had been banned by the British giving rise to the epithet kodi Kaatha Kumaran in Tamil which means "Kumaran who protected the flag".

A small speech about our independence was given by our pre voc student Sivarajan. We had Fancy dress, dance and Yoga followed by a Song by our primary student. The children who are non verbal also got a chance to exhibit their talents through craft and colouring work. Overall , all the children had a chance to participate in this event.

Krishna Jayanthi was celebrated on 23rd Aug in a simple manner. Pooja was done and prasadam ( sweet and savouries) for krishna was offered and was distributed to the children and staff. This time our staff gave a beautiful krishna leela dance performance in front of Krishna. All the children enjoyed it.

Outdoor learning : Outdoor learning is an active way to learn that involves being outside and engaging with the natural environment. It can help student develop skills, attitudes, behaviours and socialization. Outdoor learning can help children learn to work together and solve problems in a team

With this goal in mind, our pre vocational students were taken to a near by park and were engaged in different types of games like coco, tennikoit, badminton. The joy expressed by the children has given us the confidence to plan such outdoor activities every month.

Every month, we select a colour to be dealt for the whole month. For this month we selected blue colour. Through out this month we worked with the children by highlighting blue and the things we used for teaching also was connected with this colour. On 30th Aug both staff and student wore blue colour dress and exhibited all blue colour things in our OT hall. Children also shared their knowledge about this colour.

Staff training program

We conducted a staff training program on 29th June. Ms. Janani, our physiotherapist, gave a training session on sensory integration. It was a very informative session.

Tirunelveli

Lekshmi Mam visited Nellai unit and was there from 6.08.2024 to 09.08.2024. A free screening camp was conducted in Reddiyarpatti government primary school where our special educator and therapist were also engaged. An orientation camp program for 8 teachers was done and screening done for 254 students. Discussions on the goals and other aspects of interventions were discussed with the special educators and therapist in the center.

Solapur

Nag Panchami Celebration - 9-August

An important festival in Maharashtra, Nag Panchami is celebrated in the honor of the Snake God Shesha nag on the fifth day of the holy month of Shravan. Worship of snake is an important ritual in Maharashtra, and on this festival, cobras made of clay are venerated in homes.

We celebrated Naag Panchami at the Centre on 9th August. Snake nest was made by the students n later all with the teachers did pooja or worshipped the snake that was made of mud. On this occassion students did activities like painting or snake making by clay or craft paper.

Celebration Of Independence Day - 15th August

We celebrated the 78th Independence Day with great patriotism and by conducting various activities.

Tricolor of the flag was the theme of this week for artwork activities. Teacher's, with their creativity and enthusiasm selected the craft and children created beautiful picture of Bharat Mata, badges, balloon, flag, salad decorations and flower decoration.

Chief Guest Dr. Vidya Deshpande (Senior paediatrician) and Mrs. Rohini Bawane (Yoga Trainer) hoisted the flag.

Children participated in different freedom fighter's attire. Children and teachers sang patriotic songs.

The students, parents and teachers attended the program enthusiastically.

Rakhi Celebration - 22nd August

We celebrated Rakhi Pornima on 19th August. All students were wearing color full dresses for celebration on that day. On this occasion Rakhi making workshop was conducted in our vocational Centre. At our Centre rakhi making activities were also conducted by teachers. Later the girls tied Rakhi to boys and got gifts from them. Lastly sweets were distributed to all.

Gokul Ashtami Celebration - 25th August

Janmashtami, Hindu festival celebrating the birth (Janam) of God Krishna on the eighth (ashtami) day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). The number eight has another significance in the Krishna legend - in that he is the eighth child of his mother, Devaki. We celebrated Gokul Ashtami on 25th August. Some students dressed as Lord Krishna n Radha. Dahi handi was the attraction of the celebration. Dahi matka was decorated by our students and the kala was prepared by students. Dahi handi was broken by students and enjoyed kala later as prasad was distributed.

Workshop On Adolescence - 31st August

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, V-Excel Educational Trust and Maitra Foundation organized a workshop for parents on the topic of adolescence. Psychologist Prajakta Dhumal from the Tathapi Trust in Pune provided guidance to parents on topics such as body literacy, the physical and mental changes children undergo during adolescence, physical hygiene, and the necessary care to be taken. She also discussed how to address these issues when raising special children. Sujata Lohokare, Sunita Vaidya, and Prajakta Dhumal answered the parents' questions.

Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam

Independence day Celebrations

We celebrated 78th Independence day at Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam on the 16th of August, 2024. Teachers and students have cleaned the classrooms and decorated them for the occasion. Teachers made paper flags (Floral Type) for all the staff. Before that all were doing a dance rehearsal for Vande Mataram's song. On the day, all the teachers and students assembled in one of the classrooms, Finally, distributed sweets to all our students and staff.

We celebrated Krishna Jeyanthi on 23rd August 2024 at Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam. Teachers and students had cleaned the classrooms and decorated them for the occasion. Before the celebration, teachers and students prepared for Neivethyam. Purchased flower, apple, orange, Pomegranate, Coconut, Vettrilai Pakku, Pori, Aval, and Vellam.

Mr. Venkatesan – Bhagavathar and one Volunteer Ms. Akila came to join the Pooja and sang bhajan songs with the children. After the bhajans, he was chanting mantras and did the Pooja, after which prasadham was distributed to all our students, teachers and akkas.

From Outreach Remedial Center, Pollachi

Early Intervention Group Therapy Sessions

Our Early intervention students along with parents were given group therapy activities like , color matching, cut and paste, fine motor, sensory tactile activities as part of a group session therapy. Grouping objects by colour, size or shape is a developmental milestone for cognition – which is learning, thinking and problem solving. Sorting and matching things helps develop visual perceptual skills, thinking and memory skills.

Independence Day Celebrations

Our school celebrated 78th Independence Day and Sports day, with pride, enthusiasm, and patriotism. The Independence Day celebration began with the solemn raising of the national flag, accompanied by the Tamil Thai Vazhthu. It was an honor to have to have Mr. Balakumar Chinnusamy, Sr. Vice President – HR at VVDN Technologies, to hoist the flag. The event featured a vibrant assembly, where students performed songs and recited stories honoring our nation's history and heroes. The day concluded with a series of sports and games to kindle team work and sportsman spirit of our students. Parents participated in the celebrations and extended their support. It was a memorable occasion that brought the school community together in a spirit of national pride.

DDWO Inspection

During the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer's inspection at the school, key observations were made regarding the accessibility and support systems in place for special students. The officer noted the adequacy of ramps, specialized teaching aids, and the implementation of individualized education plans. Areas for improvement were identified, including the need for additional staff training and more inclusive classroom materials. The inspection concluded with recommendations for enhancing overall inclusivity and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. The officer was presented with a memento of vocational training products made by our special young adults.

Dr.Vasudha Prakash Visit

Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Founder Trustee and Ms. Lekshmi Ramesh, Unit Head, Early Intervention, V-Excel Educational Trust, Chennai recently visited our school and conducted an insightful session. They also visited our School Adoption Programme. During the visit, the founder shared valuable expertise on inclusive educational practices and explored potential collaborations. The session engaged both staff and students, providing practical strategies to enhance educational outcomes. The visit proved to be a significant opportunity for our school to deepen its commitment to inclusive education and foster new initiatives.

They also visited our School Adoption Programme. Their presence here was both inspiring and insightful for students as well as the staff, as they shared valuable perspectives on educating kids and engaged students with educational, playful activities. We deeply appreciate their commitment and the meaningful contributions they continue to make in the field of education.

From Anandam Special School, Ambattur

Greetings from Anandam Special School!

August 5

Friendship day celebrated with our students. Students made colourful friendship bands and then tied to teachers and all their brothers and sisters.

August 8

An open house was organized for the parents for the monthly PTA meeting A thematic presentation of the working system of Anandam Special School was displayed and explained. Walk-in-for admission to the therapist curriculum and all other activities by the teachers, how they work on each child with different materials, parents walked through the conceptual displays and were happy about what we are giving to the students. Our managing trustee madam Bhageerathi visited the school and saw the exhibition on 10th August.

August 8

Media Mason TV with cook Cheruba and Moofa mam visited the school they cooked the lunch at Anandam home and served to the students and teachers. Children enjoyed the food very much.

August 13

Students & teachers visited Vasantham Special School for the Science Exhibition and enjoyed it well.

August 13

Independence-day celebration was a grand success.

August 16

Preliminary rounds of the games were conducted at our school for the participants of SANGAM 24", sports event by V-Excel.

August 19

A was presentation was made by Dr. Vaidehi Arulselvam, Consultant Physiotherapist, Anandam Medical Care Unit (AMCC) on the impact of the pulse Tron electro-magnetic therapy given to the special needs children. With the inputs of therapist, teachers & parents, the effects of the therapy given with in the stipulated period was explained with authentic reports. Difference of the child’s performance was noted before and after the therapy.

August 19

Sisters and brothers from the Brahma kumaris samaj visited and tied Rakhi to all the staff and students.

August 20

Children sowed new seeds for the next cultivation at Anandam field.

August 21

Birthday celebrations for the month of August 2024.

August 22

Students participated in the "Sangam 24" sports event meet at St. Bedels School organised by V-Excel Educational Trust.

August 22

Some 20 students participated in special sports meet organised by Special children sports academy, Chennai at Perambur Railway Stadium.

August 24

A Motivational talk given and interaction done by the philanthropist Sri. Ragothaman ji -for our students & teachers.

August 26

We celebrated Krishna Jayanthi at our school. Colourful Radhe’s and Krishnas were present during the Pooja

August 27

Preliminary rounds of the event organised by MDA was done online and offline. The recorded videos were sent to MDA.

From Therapy & Learning Centre, Pandharpur

Independance day celebration - 15-Aug-2024

Pandharpur center celebrated 78th Independence day enthusiastically. Kids and teachers coloured the national flag Tiranga. At the Center Tiranga was hoisted under "Har Ghar Tiranga abhiyan".

Rakshabandhan - 20-Aug-2024

At V-Excel Pandharpur center, children celebrated Rakshabandhan by making beautiful Rakhis with the help of teachers and tied them to the boys of the center. When children took interest and participated in Rakhi making activity, teachers made more Rakhi and sold them to the Inner Wheel club members.

Vocational Training Unit

From Charumathi Sriram's Desk

This was a hectic month

Beginning with the Independence Day celebration, going on to the Walkathon, Tarang, Sports Practice followed by the final Sports Event Sangam 2024.

• Charu attended the homam held at YES on 9th Aug 2024. She had a meeting with Dr. Vasudha and Gayathri and discussed about plans for Disha Parents meet and Teacher’s.

Disha Parents Meet On 10th Aug 2024 At The Mylapore Club

• Charu along with Gayathri conducted Disha Parents Meet on 10th Aug 2024 at The Mylapore Club. 35 parents from across the units participated and from VTU 10 parents attended. Ms. Radha Ramesh, Proprietor of Twin Twigs and mother of special need young adults was the speaker. Charu gave the welcome address followed by speech from Dr. Vasudha and the guest. Gayathri conducted the panel discussion with parents. It was a wonderful start for this year. Parents were very happy, lot of information and details were discussed. Prof. Anand spoke about legal guardianship and Government schemes.

Independence Day On 15th Aug 2024

78th Independence Day, 2024 - 3 Units but one echo across "Vande Mataram". We celebrated with enthusiasm and a lot of thought was put in to planning to see how best we could portray freedom...

@VTU the flag was hoisted by a well-wisher of V-Excel, Ms. Rekha Murthy Rangarajan, Whole-Time Director of Data Patterns India Ltd.

Vande Mataram was rendered in both Tamil and Bengali. VTU trainee Sousan presented a speech on T20, World Cup. Ms.Sushama, our counsellor and consultant gave the welcome speech.

Team YES showcased Unity in Diversity. The trainees with teachers showcased different states (Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala) - dance, language, and costume of each state. It was wonderful to see trainees dance and sing.

@KLC Prasad, Preethi, Neha(teacher) and Ms. Gita Bhalla (Principal KLC) scripted the performance. They believe that the thoughts and spirits of the children soar high like free birds. The children's body and constitution may pose challenges, but their spirit have glimpses of freedom in different expressions. The various performances and patriotic songs moved everyone in Sharada, and all sang together with love and respect for INDIA.

Jai Hind!

Practice Sessions For Sports Event Games

Trainees practiced for sports day games and yoga performance. Srija our yoga instructor came weekly twice and made them practice Yoga. It was a very busy month. For three weeks they were trained in these activities.

Sangam 2024 – VTU Trainees Selection For Finals

Team from Sangam 2024, Mr. Rahman and Mr. Arun visited VTU and conducted the games for all trainees. Based on their speed and time, they selected trainees for the finals. They conducted two games, Tumbak Tumba and Hurry up, which was practiced at the unit daily the past month. Four trainees were selected for the final. Each participant received a certificate of participation.

Interview Of Bhagawathy In The Hindu, For The Madras Day –A Day With Skill Trainer For Young Adults With Special Needs

Reporter Meenakshi from The Hindu approached Charu for an interview with a skill trainer who works with special needs. This was for the Madras Week and the topic was ‘A Day with Skill trainer/Special Educator’. Bhagawathi was recommended and Meenakshi interviewed her. The article was published in The Hindu on 24th Aug 2024.

V-Excel Sports Event – SANGAM 2024 on 22nd & 23rd Sug 2024 at St. Bede’s Ground

V-Excel Sports day, was a wonderful event over two days. VTU trainees who were selected had final round of competition. Trainee’s Priya, Aqueeb, Ashwin and Prerna were runner up in two events - Thumbaka Thumba and Hurry Up. Medals and certificate were given to them.

On 23rd Aug, the main event was conducted by the team and VTU trainees, staff, teachers, volunteers were all part of the March Past. Our trainees performed Yoga. It was a wonderful show where prize, medals and certificates were distributed for all the winners and participants.

Good Company On All Saturdays

This month Good Company had artwork and photography learning sessions for our trainees, and it was conducted by Sreyes Farm Coordinator, Mr. Rishi.

Vocational Activities/Functional Academics/Therapy/Counselling/Movement Dance Therapy

Vocational Activities

Art & Craft

Aqueeb was introduced to the bead work and he started showing interest. He was able to pick up the activity very fast.

Meenakshi learnt to sequence the bead, and she was made to create a neck piece.

Tailoring:

• We had received order for saree bags, we stitched bags and were getting ready for the Grundfos sale to be held next month.

Block Printing: Trainees printed on the saree bags.

Kitchen Activities: Trainees prepared groundnut balls for distribution on Independence Day. They were involved in all the process.

Music session: All trainees and staff practiced the songs for Independence-day.

Functional academics:

• • Preparation regarding the Independence Day celebration, for what, why and when. There were discussions too, about freedom fighters and current PM of the country.

• Worked with Aqueeb on wet-on-wet painting and art work with Priya

Counselling/therapy/movement

Counsellor Jayadevi had her session with parents, trainee’s and staff.

Therapist Vasanth had group and individual session.

Youth Empowerment Services

From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk

Key highlights for the month of August 2024

• Dhanvanthri homam at YES

• Participation in Disha forum relaunch

• Independence Day

• Sangam ‘24 - Sports meet

• Krishna Jayanthi

• Walk Along 2.0

• Gestalt certification

• Production

The month of August went in a blink as we had back-to-back events and celebrations. Lots of planning, preparation and practice was happening for all the events. The appreciation badges had a lot of impact on all, particularly trainees, as we have more of them getting the perfect attendance badge for August.

Dhanvanthri homam at YES

On 09 August, we performed Dhanvanthri homam along with Ganapathy and Navagriha homam at YES for the welfare and benefit of all the trainees. This homam has great healing power according to our Hindu tradition and it also gives a good start to all the new beginnings.

Participation in Disha forum relaunch

Disha forum was reinitiated on 10 August 2024 after a short break. 10 parents from YES participated in the event. Dr. Vasudha Prakash, our founder director reinitiated Disha and Ms. Radha Ramesh from Twin Twigs was the guest speaker. Ms. Charumathi Sriram, coordinator, VTU welcomed the guests and parents. The event had a panel discussion with special parents from different units moderated by Ms. Gayathri Suryanarayanan. The event concluded with lunch.

Independence Day

YES, team celebrated Independence Day at the centre on 14 August and there was also a combined celebration along with VTU at Sreyes. Both days trainees participated with a lot of enthusiasm and passion. At YES, volunteers from Take a Step took lead and helped the trainees to have a mock TV channel set up. Through that they expressed their love for India.

At Sreyes, YES trainees made a performance which combined speech, dance, and music. Trainees had to practice and learn languages other than their mother tongue and spoke a few sentences in that.

Sangam '24 - V-Excel Sports meet

Sangam ‘24, sports meet organised by V-Excel was a huge success. Many from YES participated in games and performances. Preliminary rounds were held on 12 August at YES and the games were conducted by the organising team. Finalists were shortlisted and participation certificates were given to all.

On 22 August, final rounds for the all the games were conducted and the shorlisted finalists competed with finalists from other schools. Dhanvanth from YES won the second place in the game Thumbak Thumba and Dhenussa from YES won the second place in Hurry up.

On 23 August the whole YES team participated in the marchpast. As part of the cultural performances trainees and trainers from YES showcased their archery and silambam talents, which was highly appreciated by all.

Krishna Jayanthi Celebration

Krishna Jayanthi was celebrated on 27 August with the usual cheer and energy. A simple puja to Lord Krishna was followed by sharing interesting stories of Krishna and singing songs in praise of Him.

Walk Along 2.0

We were invited by the Young Indians (Yi) to their 2nd edition of ‘Walk Along 2.0’ — an Accessibility Walk on Sunday, 11th August at the Namma Chennai Park. 8 of us from YES participated in the same.

Gestalt certification

Gayathri Suryanarayanan from YES completed the Associate certification in Gestalt Psychology from Anil Thomas Fellowship Program. It was 60 hours virtual program from 15 August to 18 August. The program included self-work, therapy sessions and a written integration. The same was evaluated by moderators and the scoring was done based on those evaluations.

Production

As committed, we completed the order of making a planter kit for Karadi Tales. A terracotta pot was painted and packed with soil and seeds. The kit also included a nicely designed card. We made and delivered 50 such kits on time and the work received lot of appreciation.