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Strides Newsletter - October 2024 - Issue 220

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!

• Navarathri celebrations

As a part of the Navarathri festival from October 3rd to October 11th, the Early Intervention and Remedial Unit put up a display of dolls (Golu). The celebration included prayers led by the staff and children, and parents of the children were invited to view the doll display.

The children were shown rhythmic movements, which gave them the opportunity to try out and enjoy this novel activity.

• A new beginning

V-Excel Educational Trust, in association with Super Auto Forge, has opened an early intervention centre at Unamancheri, Kolapakkam highway on Vijayadasami, the 12th of October 2024. The centre caters to children with special needs free of cost.

The following are some of the conditions which are addressed through the interventions (Special Education, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language development) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Developmental delay, and Specific Learning Disability (SLD).

A ceremonial prayer was conducted and consultations were done followed by the assessments for the children. Those children who were assessed and found eligible for interventions were requested to start coming for their therapy sessions from the following week.

• Diwali celebrations

Diyas were lit and prayers were offered by the staff and children of EI-VRC, marking the occasion of Diwali. The children were gifted a pair of diyas to take home.

• Stories of change – Madhan Krishna and Sasikala Ma'am

Master Madhan Krishna, aged 3 years, was given consultation in the Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Centre on May 5, 2023. The primary concerns with which he was brought in were his speech and level of understanding. On assessment, it was evident that he required occupational therapy to help regulate his behavioural and sensory concerns. He started taking interventions with us from February 19, 2024.

Madhan always keeps a big smile on his face. When Madhan first started coming here for his therapy sessions, he always brought along with him a small toy (a car, or a ball, etc.). He refused to keep it down and cried if it was taken from him. Although he is adamant, his behaviour slowly started shifting, as he began getting used to this new environment, and his guide, Sasi ma'am. Engaging in activities alongside her has helped in regulating his sensory concerns. He has slowly gotten accustomed to not having to hold on to an object in his hand all the time now (he has stopped bringing his toys now). There has been significant improvements in his sitting and waiting tolerances. He is also able to complete given tasks now, which was something that was difficult for him to do earlier.

Sasi ma'am noticed that he is interested in puzzles. Whenever another child / therapist was engaging in solving puzzles, he would always be intrigued by it and pay close attention to how it is being solved. Now, when Sasi ma'am tried giving him the same puzzle, he was able to go at it without having to be told how to solve it. She notes that he is interested in engaging in new activities and that he is able to grasp them fairly quickly just by observing how it is to be carried out.

Kaleidoscope Learning Centre

From Shashikala Subramaniam's Desk

Celebrations and festivals

Vijayadashami, the day of new beginnings, the day where the children start learning was celebrated as the beginning of the second term in KLC, with a small puja and all the students who attended trying their hands on form drawing on rice, some with the help of the teachers.

Diwali celebration -

- the festival of lights, music, being noiseless, environment friendly, with our students and their families and friends of the school, was celebrated on October 29th evening, in the premises. The place took on a festive look with decorations made by the students and teachers. The whole place was lit with diyas and lanterns strung together. Though it rained, most of the parents came and enjoyed the evening with us. Grade 3 students and teachers performed a peacock dance for the audience.

Visit of an Alumnus

Vansh V Jain, one of our students who had moved to Bengaluru to be in a hostel was visiting his parents for Dussehra and Diwali. He came visiting his school, teachers and friends and spent some time with them quietly working. His parents came with him and spent time with the teachers.

Learnings:

Workshop on Development Disorders in Children - "Navigate Their Potential: A Special Awareness Talk" by MIOT International's Child Behavioural and Development Specialists, at MIOT International Hospital was attended by 2 teachers from KLC. This was a more awareness talks about the child with difficulties and how to work with them – to parents, teachers and students who were learning about them.

Exhibitions:

TATTVA 2024 the third annual art and photograph exhibition of V-Excel Educational Trust was conducted in a huge scale at Alliance Francaise on October 26th. This year the theme given to the artists was "The 5 Elements of Nature". We submitted 10 paintings and 1 photograph to the exhibition from KLC. Teachers – Mahalakshmi Rajan and Kavitha S guided the students in their paintings. It was a wonderful experience for them to be part of this, exhibit their talents and be recognised for it. Most of the paintings submitted were sold at the venue. 2 of them were selected by an eminent artist to be auctioned.

Experiential Learning:

The students of Grade 5 began their journey with chemistry this month. The very basis of chemistry is ‘transformation'. So, they were introduced to combustion as their first chemistry lesson, and the source being FIRE. They observed transformation of wood, bamboo and coconut shell as the fire transformed the wood into ash under direct fire and charcoal under indirect fire. Through these experiments they, who are in between the transformative ages of 14 – 16 understand the transformation they experience at their soul level.

In keeping with this observation, they also visited the Sai Baba Temple where the Udhi – continuous burning of fire happens and observed the space and the phenomena.

Grade 3 have started their Geography Block which involves mapping and learning of places in Chennai and they visited the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore. They learnt about the story of the temple, Mylapore getting its name, and also learnt and performed a peacock dance for the Diwali celebration.

Showing solidarity

The awareness walk organised by the Madras Dyslexic Association on the Besant Nagar Beach was supported by many staff and students of V-Excel units in Chennai. A few of the teachers, parents, and students from KLC joined this walk. This walk aimed to raise awareness among the locals, parents and schools about the facts on dyslexia and individuals with dyslexia.

Satellite Centers

From Jayanthi Vishwanath at Nashik

Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated at VLC

2nd October is marked as the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. VLC students celebrated by learning about his principles of truth and non-violence in a simple way. They also sang the song "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram," which is one of his favourites. The event helped the students understand some important values of Truth and nonviolence preached by Gandhiji.

Navratri Celebration at Nashik centres - 11th October

Navratri was celebrated with devotion and energy at all the 3 centers in Nashik. The event saw beautiful decorations, followed by a grand Maha Aarti performed by the staff and students. Prasad was distributed to everyone present. The celebration was further enlivened by the students' vibrant Garba and Dandiya performances, bringing festive joy to all attendees.

Navratri Celebration at VLC
Navratri Celebration at BLA

A session on mental health at work - 16th October

For this year, the WHO has declared "Mental Health at Work" as the theme for Mental Health week- 2024.

On 16th October, a session on mental health awareness was held for all the teaching and admin staff, led by the school counsellor, Mrs. Pradnya Apte. The session focused on the well-being of teachers, addressing the importance of recognizing and managing their own stress. Teachers were guided on strategies to maintain mental health, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being, emphasizing the need for self-care in their demanding roles.

Workshop for Parents - 19th October

Art and Craft workshop at VTU Art was conducted for parents, taken by Mr Samadhan Hire, Art and Craft teacher at V- Excel, Nashik. He demonstrated the making of ‘Aakash Kandil' (Paper Lantern), which is an important decoration for the forthcoming Diwali festival.

Dance performance - 21st October

A special program on performing arts was organized by Bal Rangabhumi Nashik for special children, where students from BLA, VTU, and VLC showcased their talents. The students performed a group dance on the theme "Stress Busters," captivating the audience with their energy and creativity. Themes like "Circus," "Child Labour," and "Mangalyaan" were also beautifully portrayed by the children. In recognition of their dedication, our school principal Mrs. Swati Gaikwad and Senior Educator Mrs. Niliesha Sharma were awarded for their contributions. The event highlighted the remarkable abilities of special children, leaving the audience inspired.

Special schools showcased their handmade products for sale, with VTU staff presenting a variety of items made at VTU center. The products were displayed on a table, highlighting the creativity and skills of the students and staff involved.

Vocational Test Conducted at BLA - 24th October

After the NIOS (OBE) academic tests, the Senior students of BLA were evaluated for their vocational skills, focusing on functional academics, housekeeping, and kitchen activities. The students demonstrated skills such as peeling, cutting, chopping, mixing, measuring, and churning by preparing salad, sandwiches, bhel, and buttermilk, which they served to students and teachers. This test helped assess their practical self-help skills in these important areas.

Diwali Celebration - 24th October

The VTU staff and students celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm by beautifying the center with vibrant rangolis and attractive handmade decorations. They also prepared festive goodies and enjoyed the day by lighting sparklers, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere for everyone.nts and teachers. This test helped assess their practical self-help skills in these important areas.

Diwali Celebration at VTU
Rangoli for Diwali At VTU

Diwali Celebration - 25th October

A Diwali party for the students and staff of V-Excel Nashik was held at Udupi Tadka High Garden Hotel. All the students and staff came dressed in colourful dresses and accessories. Everyone enjoyed dancing and relished a variety of dishes, including Punjabi cuisine, Chinese, South Indian food, desserts, and juice.

Sweets were distributed to all the staff, making the event festive and memorable.

Mental Health Awareness Session for Support Staff - 26th October

A mental health awareness session was conducted by school counsellor, Mrs. Pradnya Apte for support staff and drivers, at VLC. The session focused on raising awareness about coping mechanisms to deal with mental stress and teaching effective handling mechanisms to help manage their well-being.

Erode

Nandha college event

Our students participated in the Sports and Cultural events organized by Nandha College of Physiotherapy on account of World Cerebral Palsy Day on Oct 5th 2024.

We participated in the following events

(i) sports - Lemon and spoon, running, throw ball and ball transferring

(ii) culturals - dance programme performed by pre vocational student. Fancy dress (various fruits as theme) by primary group children and Master Mohd. Uwais participated in Talent show and drew Bharathiar image as reverse drawing pattern. All the participants were given certificates for their performances as this year they decided not to rank but to honor all. Special appreciation was made by the Head of Dept. for the students and teachers for participating and presenting for the second consecutive year.

Parent review:

This month, we reviewed parents of every student and discussed about their child. We had a review of the first term goals and activities done for the past four months and also explained about the second term goals and activities planned for the next four months. Parent counselling was given to those who required that. We also discussed about the challenges in handling the child at home and provided home program accordingly.

Ayudha pooja:

On oct 10th we celebrated Ayudha pooja in our school, decorated the school with mango leaves thoranam and offered pori and sundal as prasadam. Distributed prasadam to staff, students and parents. The students recited some shlokas and spiritual songs and enjoyed the day.

Diwali celebration:

On Oct 30th, we celebrated Diwali with all the students and staff. This year we celebrated Diwali without crackers, lighted the holy lamp and sang few devotional songs . Students enjoyed lighting the lamps and listening to the history of Diwali.

Colours Day:

On Oct 25th We had black and white day. Decorated the therapy hall with black and white objects and the art and craft done throughout this month.

Tirunelveli

Ayuda Pooja Celeberation

We have celebrated Vijayadashami and Ayudhapooja at the centre on 10.10.2024. Parents were invited and children participated, made arrangements and decorated the centre. This made the day more auspicious and blessed.

Solapur

Divyang Mohatsav - 15th October

On 15 October Divyang Kala Mahotsav gave an opportunity for disabled children to perform their talent in front of society. The V-Excel Trust students grabbed this opportunity and performed dance on stage. They also organised Diwali exhibitions. There we exhibited Diwali items which were made by our V-Excel vocational students, like colorful diya n other decoration items. Got good response for it.

Visit of teachers from Sundarji Institution - 24th October

On 24th October special school teachers of Sundarji Institution, Arwa and Massarat mam visited our V-Excel Centre. They gave a lecture on early intervention, how to build interest in a child for going to school, how to make a child adjust or handle a child in school. They observed classes conducted by our teachers and visited the Vocational training Centre. Dr Sunil Godbole and Ms. Ashwini Godbole were present there.

Parent Teacher Meetings - 25th October

A parent-teacher meeting (PTM) is a scheduled discussion between a student's parent and their teacher to discuss the student's academic progress, behavior, and overall development. On 26th October in our V-Excel Centre parents teachers meeting was held. In this meeting, teachers discussed about academic progress, self-skills progress and about home plans. Parents got to know about their children in various development and discussed about doubts and questions related to child development.

Diwali Celebration - 26th October

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world. Diwali, commonly referred to as Deepavali holds a special place among India's most revered and widely observed festivals. Its name originates from the Sanskrit terms "deepa" (meaning lamp) and "avali" (indicating rows), symbolizing the radiant rows of lamps. The festival usually lasts for five days, with the main celebration occurring on the third. Diwali is celebrated by lighting oil lamps, decorating homes, bursting fireworks, and exchanging gifts. This is a time for prayers, reflection, and spending quality time with family and friends.

At our V-Excel center on 26th October we celebrated Diwali festival with lighting Diyas, Decoration, lots of fun and information about why Diwali is celebrated up to 5 days. As we organised Diwali festival celebration evening at our centre, our teachers gave information about 5 days of Diwali festival like Vasubaras, Dhanteras, Narakachatrdashi, Laxmi poojan, Diwali padwa and Bhahubeej. Also, the fort Gharkul was made by our students with help of teachers, and fun games like jumping in Tyre and jump and eat biscuits and painting, fire crackers are attractions of celebration. All the students and their parents enjoyed it. Lastly snacks were served.

Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam

The Navarathri celebrations started for us with the usual setting up of Golu. The practice of keeping Golu during the festival of Navaratri in South India has several cultural reasons:

• Celebrating Diversity: Golu brings together a diverse array of dolls and figurines, representing various aspects of Indian culture, mythology, and history. This reflects the rich cultural diversity of India and showcases the country's pluralistic traditions.

• Storytelling and Education: Golu displays often depict scenes from Hindu mythology, historical events, and everyday life. This serves as a visual and educational tool, allowing parents and elders to share stories and teachings with younger generations, passing on cultural and religious knowledge.

• Community Bonding: Golu is a social practice that fosters a sense of community and togetherness. Families and neighbors visit each other's homes to view the displays, exchange greetings, and engage in conversations. This strengthens community ties and promotes harmony.

• Artistic Expression: Designing and arranging Golu displays is a creative endeavor. People put thought into selecting dolls, arranging them on different levels, and decorating the display area with vibrant colors and traditional elements.

• Preserving Tradition: Golu is a tradition that has been passed down through generations. By continuing this practice, individuals and families contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and customs, ensuring that important traditions are not forgotten.

• Festival Spirit: Navaratri is a festive season that brings joy and positivity to the community. Golu serves as a central aspect of Navaratri celebrations, creating an atmosphere of festivity and merriment.

• Inclusivity: Golu is not limited to depicting only religious scenes. People often incorporate dolls representing different professions, ethnicities, and cultures. This inclusivity promotes the idea of unity in diversity.

We, the staff, and children of Abyasa Kendra made a golu consisting of five steps and dolls were placed as per the custom and tradition. The trainees were all very enthusiastic in helping the staff.

Pooja was performed twice a day. Every day we offered Prasadam that was distributed among the staff and students.

Our Staff and Parents also participated in the Golu, offered gifts to the children, and we gave thamboolam to staff and parents.

Every day, we had bhajans either by the staff or the parent in the afternoon during the Pooja time.

We were invited to visit Sankara Mutt located at T V Koil on Vijayadashami on 9th October 2024. We Visited Sankara Mutt and Panchamukeshwarar Tripurasundari Amman Temple located next to the Sankara Mutt. The trainees were given bags, Notebooks, Sketch pens and Prasadam. Our trainees enjoyed the day and behaved well.

From Outreach Remedial Center, Pollachi

Ayudha pooja and Saraswathi Pooja

We joyfully celebrated Saraswathi Pooja and Ayudha Pooja, honoring knowledge, wisdom, and the tools of our trade. These festivities brought our community together, fostering a spirit of gratitude and creativity. The vibrant rituals and activities allowed our children to engage with tradition while appreciating the importance of learning and growth. It was a heartwarming experience that highlighted the unique talents of each child and the collective strength of our community.

TATTVA Event

For the TATTVA event, we proudly submitted ten stunning artworks and ten captivating photographs created by our talented students. Each piece reflected their creativity and unique perspectives, showcasing the incredible abilities of our children. This opportunity allowed them to express themselves and share their artistic voices with a wider audience, celebrating their achievements and the joy of self-expression. We are excited to see their work being recognized and appreciated at this vibrant event!

Group session for Early Intervention Student's Parents - 3

We successfully conducted a group session for the parents of our Early Intervention students. The session focused on vital areas such as social skills, visual perception, body awareness, fine motor skills, and prewriting skills. Parents engaged in hands-on activities and discussions, gaining valuable insights and strategies to support their children's development at home. The collaborative atmosphere fostered a sense of community and provided a platform for sharing experiences and resources. Overall, the session was a meaningful opportunity for parents to enhance their understanding and involvement in their children's growth.

Diwali Gift Hampers

Our young adult children took the initiative to prepare Diwali gift hampers, which we were excited to distribute to our donors, staff, and well-wishers. Each hamper featured a thoughtful assortment of handmade products created by them, including sambrani mixture, herbal soaps, and tea light candles. This project not only showcased their creativity but also expresseed our gratitude to those who supported us.

Diwali Celeberation

This year, our school celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm and joy. Students were allowed to light fire crackers under the guidance of teachers, ensuring safety while enjoying the festivities. Safety and importance of parental guidance, precaution activities were explained to students. Fun activities were organized for the staff, fostering camaraderie and a festive spirit. Additionally, delicious Diwali sweets were distributed, allowing everyone to share in the joy of the occasion. The celebration brought the entire school community together, creating memorable moments for students and staff alike.

From Anandam Special School, Ambattur

Greetings from Anandam Special School!

September 30 & October 1:

Ananda Navaratri celebration was inaugurated by Smt. Yogambal Sundhar in the presence of the management trustees with Puthyugam TV Channel to telecast episodes during Navaratri.

October 3 :

Students preparing for Tattva art competition "Freedom of expression" organised by V-Excel Educational Trust.

October 3rd To 12th :

Several Carnatic music, instrumental, and dance performance took place during the Navaratri festival. Students, teachers, and elders enjoyed the programme every day.

October 14 :

Vijayadashami pooja was performed by our management trustee shri. Narayanan. Trustees, students, teachers, parents and all ECA staffs participated in the pooja. As a part of new beginning of learning Silambam class was flagged of by our correspondent Smt. Sumathy Santhanam.

October 17:

As part of pre-vocational training, candle making classes were started by Mrs. Saya Devi and team from Jeyam Special School. Students & teachers took active participation in learning the art.

October 18:

Some of the pre-vocational students, handed over the medicine envelope cover made by them to our Dr. Kamala.

October 21:

Chutti Tv celebrated Diwali with our students, teachers, and elders by giving variety of programs & gifts to all. Children & Thatha Patti actively participated in the programme.

October 22:

Vasanth Tv celebrated Diwali with our students, teachers and elders by giving variety of programs & gifts to all. Children & Thatha Patti actively participated in the programme.

October 24:

Students and staff Birthday's was celebrated in the presence of our correspondent Smt. Sumathy Santhanam.

October 25:

Athletic Sports event held at Bharathi Arts College, Vepery was organised by Special Olympic Bharat Tamil Nadu Chennai North District.

October 25:

Diwali celebration gift card Distribution to all students.

October 25:

Diwali celebration saree and gift box Distribution to all teachers.

October 26:

Students who participated in Tattva art competition conducted by V-Excel were felicitated at alliance franchise cultural centre. There was an Expo of the art and photography by our special kids.

October 29:

Sweets, crackers and new dresses were distributed to all the students by an NGO. one of our trustees Smt. and Shri. Ravindran's Grandson Adhridh's Birthday was celebrated at Anandam Special school. Teachers, students and staffs celebrated Diwali at our school. Our physiotherapist was given a grand send off on her duty relieving day. Management Trustees, teachers and parents appreciated about her Dedicated service to the children of special Needs.

From Therapy & Learning Centre, Pandharpur

Teacher's Day Date: 5/Sep/2024

On 5th September 2024, the students at V-Excel, Pandharpur Center, honoured the teachers and staff on the occasion of Teachers Day, by presenting them with Shreefal ,Rose and Pen.

Ganapati Festival Date: 7/Sep/2024

On 6th September students and staff together, welcomed God Ganesh. Students did participate in decoration preparation. Students with the help of parents worshiped God Ganesh and distributed prasad.

Vocational Training Unit

From Charumathi Sriram's Desk

The month began with Dussehra, puja, Air Show by IAF, execution of gift bags for Tattva, artwork and photography for TATTVA and ended with Diwali celebrations.

Navarathri Celebrations 3rd to 12th Oct 2024

• Trainees cleaned the dolls, block printed on cloth for decorations and with help of teachers and staff Golu dolls were set up at VTU.

• All other Unit Head’s, staff, parents, and well-wishers visited our Golu on 10th Oct 2024. Trainees were trained to serve prasadam and tambulam to the guests.

• On 12th Oct 2024, Vijayadashami puja was organised and the vadhyar performed and blessed the trainees.

Air Show By Indian Air Force On 4th Oct 2024 At Marina Beach

VTU trainees, staff and teachers had the privilege of participating and witnessing the Air Show Organised by Indian Air Force after 8 yrs in Marina Beach, Chennai. Despite the scorching heat, we all headed to the Marina Beach and took special permission to be seated near the VIP enclosure. Uma our FA teacher prepared them and explained them with videos online about the IAF and Air show. Trainees enjoyed watching it live and were very calm and composed in the scorching heat. IAF officials took care of us and even clicked photos with our trainees.

Walkathon On 20th Oct 2024 At Elliots Beach

VTU participated along with YES unit in the Walkathon organised by Madras Dyslexia Association and GOLD parents Support Group. 10 trainees and 4 staff participated and walked for 2 kms in the morning at 7 am.

Chettinad School Pschology Students Of 12th Grade Visit On 22nd And 23rd Oct 2024

It is the 3rd consecutive year, that Chettinad school approached us to send their 12th grade psychology students for their practical lessons on observation and case study of our trainees and activities. 70 students visited us, were split over two days, they observed all the activities in groups and then discussed various cases with Charu and Usha. They also purchased few products being impressed with our trainee’s work.

TATTVA 2024 On 26th Oct 2024:

• Six trainees were selected to be part of Tattva 2024. They were all trained by Vasanth, Rishi and Abee Wakaas in art work and photography. 10 artwork and 5 photos were selected and uploaded in the Tattva Google link. >

• Trainees were felicitated on the 26th of Oct 2024 at the TATTVA event.

Diwali Celebrations On 30th Oct 2024 At Sreyes VTU

VTU trainees and staff celebrated Diwali by lighting villakku and bursting of crackers like flower pots, chakrams, sparklers etc., Trainees volunteered to light them. Some who were anxious enjoyed holding sparklers and other noiseless crackers.

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

Vocational Activities

Art & craft:

• SNEH sent job order of painting of terracotta mugs. Trainees painted after the teacher made the outlines. It was also packed with care and delivered.

• Paper bags for Thula have been made by trainees by splitting the process. One trainee has become independent and a target has been set up.

Tailoring: • For TATTVA jute double color bags materials were measured using a template and were cut by the trainees. Two trainees engaged in stitching the bags. Tags were done by all the trainees and delivered.

Block Printing: Trainees did block printing on dhotis which was used as decoration for the golu.

Music session: • Radha started training bhajans for Navaratri.

Functional academics:

• Uma oriented about the Air Show, Golu, and Diwali celebrations

Counselling/therapy/movement

• Vasanth and Jaya had regular sessions of therapy and counselling respectively.

Youth Empowerment Services

From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk

Key highlights for the month of October 2024

• YES Golu– Navratri celebrations at YES

• Choir performance

• Visit by students from MOP Vaishnav College

• Video shoot for the Documentary film for Doordarshan Tamil channel.

• Vijayadasami and Anniversary celebrations

• TATTVA 2024

• Diwali celebrations

• SNEH order

• Triple certification from Asian College of Teaching

YES Golu – Navratri celebrations at YES

As like every year, YES team had arranged a grand golu at the centre. This year the theme for the golu was ‘Creation, Preservation and Destruction’. Navratri started on 03 October 2024. The dolls were arranged beautifully and the models for the theme were made exclusively by the team of volunteers from Take A Step. Every day chanting was done and prasadham were made and distributed. Bhajan team was also invited to sing a few devotional songs and the trainees participated with great enthusiasm. All the activities involved the whole team of trainers and trainees. Special return gifts were made and given to all the visitors. YES Golu 2024 saw many guests including well-wishers, parents and friends.

Choir performance

As part of Navratri festival, on 05 October, trainees participated in the choir performance organised by Sargam choir at the Samuchitha Vinayagar temple in Adyar.

Visit by students from MOP Vaishnav College

A group of 15 psychology students from MOP Vaishnav College visited YES on 07 October. This field visit was part of their curriculum. The students, accompanied by their professor, took a tour around the centre after a 15-minute briefing session by Gayathri Suryanarayanan. They interacted with a few trainees and appreciated their efforts and capabilities.

Video shooting for the documentary film for Doordarshan Tamil channel

On 10 October, a team from DD Tamil, visited YES for a video shoot on all the vocations and the vocational training. This was part of an awareness program to educate people on special needs and the need to give them support and opportunities. Few of YES trainees spoke to the team and in fact explained about the activities that they are part of. The 25 minutes documentary film was telecasted on 14 October at 10.05 am on Doordarshan Tamil channel.

Participation in the Walkathon

4 trainees and 2 trainers from YES participated in the Walkathon organised by MDA as part of the Dyslexia Awareness Month on 20 October. The event happened at Besant Nagar, Chennai. The event was well organised and saw good support despite the odd weather. All the participants were given certificates.

TATTVA 2024

The highlight of October was TATTVA, an art exhibition curated by V-Excel. TATTVA 2024 was completely organised by the YES team. The planning and preparations started in August. This year there were quite a few new initiatives and ideas that were incorporated right at the beginning. TATTVA 2024 had participation from 11 special schools, apart from 3 centres of V-Excel. There were 128 special artists and 178 artwork and photographs displayed at Alliance Francaise on 26 October 2024. Hightlights of TATTVA 2024 are inclusion of individual artists, a proper gallery set up, daylong event, auctioning of select artwork and creation of volunteer groups from corporates. It was a huge success and totally 160 artwork/photographs got sold. YES team is quite thrilled with all the appreciation and words of praises from all.

Diwali celebrations

Diwali was celebrated at YES with usual energy on 29 October. Trainees had come in traditional outfits and enjoyed the day with music and dance. Fireworks were also done.

Triple certification

Gayathri Suryanarayanan from YES successfully completed a triple certification course from Asian College of Teachers. This course includes Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education, Certificate in Teaching and Certificate in Counselling for Teachers.

SNEH order

YES successfully completed a mug painting order from SNEH as part of their festive hamper collection. 200 terracotta mugs were painted beautifully by the trainees and carefully packed and delivered on 22 October.