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Strides Newsletter - December 2024 - Issue 222

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!

December Bazaar and the Games

December is a special month as we observe World Disability Day on 3rd. Dec every year. This year we conducted ‘December Bazaar' - a platform to showcase the products made by our trainees across the units, at our premises. As part of this Mega Event, the Early Intervention unit of V-Excel organized "Games Cart". Several games were tailor made based on therapeutic aspects, and care was taken to make them as interesting as possible. It was open for all our visitors. The whole floor was filled with laughter, and was wonderful to see the young and the old participating in all the games and enjoying them with immense enthusiasm.

Our CSR partner's visit

On 11.12.24 Ms. Kadhija, the CSR head of ATOS visited Olcott School where we are providing services for their Primary section.

The following is a report of the activities done during her visit

Counselling

Grade 5

The students enacted a play to sensitise everyone of how all students need to practice equality. No one can be discriminated based on caste, economic status, or physical differences.

The second play was about team building and its importance.

The day's theme was time- uses and management.

Counsellor Ms. Sumathi told the story of “5 minutes Raju”. The story gave the message that one must respect time- both their own as well as of others.

Managing time helps a person to be successful.

After the story telling Ms. Kadhija interacted with the students.

Grade 4

Started with a breathing exercise. Then the story of the Hare and tortoise was narrated and students were asked some questions. The idea was to tell them that one must understand how to use time effectively. The hare spent his time lazily, so he lost the race.

The students also interacted with Ms. Kadhija and gave her information about the counselling class activities done so far and how they benefitted from that.

Grade 3

The students were asked to do an activity about communication.

They also demonstrated how to learn numerical operations in a fun filled way.

Occupational Therapy.

OT is given to selected students from grades 1 to 5 every fortnight. Mr. Arun, our therapist conducted interesting exercises to help students learn the concept of time. The activity involved exercises of gross motor and cognitive skills.

Remedial session

Ms. Banu, the remedial teacher conducts remedial sessions for a select number of students once in a week. She introduced the concept of time and helped them read an analog clock. She used various strategies and different learning techniques to learn the concepts of time.

We thank our CSR partners for their support and encouragement.

Kaleidoscope Learning Centre

From Shashikala Subramaniam's Desk

December brought the long-awaited day of The December Bazaar, Tuesday 3rd, for which a whole lot of preparation had been happening over the last few months in school by the students and teachers. The days leading to this day were hectic and filled with decorating, preparing the space, planning, setting up the stalls and making last-minute arrangements for a smooth flow of the event.

We had food, games, and the sale of the products made by V-Excel trainees from Chennai and from the other satellite units – Solapur, Nashik, Erode, Srirangam. We also offered space to sell products from The Friends of Camphill, Bengaluru and from parents of our students. It was a hectic day from 11 am till 7.00 pm when almost 85% of the products put on the counters were sold.

The theme of Bethlehem and Ramana Maharishi ran through the building, with the Thiruvannamalai hill on the first floor, the manger with Mary sitting inside it on the second floor.

Most of the people who visited were parents, friends, family, and well-wishers. The products were appreciated for their design and quality and orders were also placed for them. We had the support of staff and trainees of other units throughout the day. Students and teachers from Kolaperumal School visited the Bazaar and spent a lot of time interacting with the trainees. We had experiential counters like the Chakki – which was very popular, the Ayur therapy counter, The Temple and the foot massage room. Handwork and painting were also part of the Bazaar as an experience.

Awareness and Socialisation

Sange Shakthihi, Inclusion is Acceptance, a program for the students of KLC, V-Excel and the students of Bala Vidya Mandir, Adyar was organised by BVM, Adyar on December 5th at their premises. KLC students were warmly welcomed, and they performed the Blue Blue Sky Choir. Following this they had a Buddy Run where each student was accompanied by a buddy from BVM in various races. Special posters and beautiful greeting cards made by the students were given to the KLC students. They painted and created art together. There were questions in their eyes about the KLC students which quickly translated to a whole load of warmth and acceptance.

Training for the Wars of Alexander

Grade 5 in their History Block are learning about Alexander the Great, the wars fought, the rigorous training that his army went through to follow Alexander in conquering many countries and civilizations. The students too undertook rigorous physical training in climbing the walls, the jungle gym, snaking through small holes and spaces in the sand pit area under the guidance and supervision of their teachers. Even the most lethargic students were seen moving well and joining in the exercises of the class.

Christmas Times – the time for Loving and giving and sharing gifts

Tatva Primary School, Polachery, invited our students to perform Carols with the Blue Blue Sky Choir. On 13th December, the choir of KLC students gave themselves to the beautiful audience of Grades 1 to 4. The children sang, chatted with Santa and the teachers danced with the group. A few came to sit for a quiet chat with Prasaad, one of our students. The little musical performance from the birth of Christ to the task of Santa, came alive that evening.

Thanks so much to the entire team from V-Excel for making this happen. Our corridors and hearts were filled with joy and hope to see your beautiful group come and sing carols for the season. It is quite an overwhelming experience … every time I see our V Excel children, I feel this. Lots of love to all of you and deep gratitude for your presence today!

(Shared by Smt. R. Vidyalakshmi, Co-Founder of Tatva School)

Christmas is a time to love and give. Our Senior School Students took little coconut shells that had been carefully sown with plants and tended to and shared it with our neighbours, spreading joy warmth and making new friends. Santa Claus was truly in the neighbourhood. The school students in the neighbourhood were very happy and excited to receive this group and interact with them. At the same time some experiences were not so good. More awareness and acceptance of these neuro divergent / special children to be brought about even in the neighbourhood which has been in existence for the last 10 years.

Advent is the season leading up to Christmas, where one is invited to prepare their soul to receive the birth of a new impulse. Typically, a spiral made from the plant and mineral kingdom (leaves and stones) with figurines of the animal kingdom and the human being are arranged. We walk into the spiral, light our own candles, and place it along the spiral as we come back outwards.

This little journey symbolises the many journeys we take in our life in darkness, to find light and hope. As this is a time of the year where the days grow darker with the change of season, we have many light festivals (Diwali, Karthigai Deepam, Christmas) that ask us to go inside and light our own light and bring it into the world.

KLC parents were invited to be part of the Advent Spiral on 3 different days – 16th,17th and 19th of December.

Giving gifts during Christmas to the students is a time honoured tradition in KLC. This year every teacher handmade beautiful gift to their class students and presented it to them just before the school closed. Each grade had different gifts, made with care and love. Exchanging gifts between classes too is a tradition. Students and teachers made gifts for the other classes and went around singing carols before gifting it. Our dedicated group of akkas too got gifts.

Community Lunch

Our support staff in the school have been playing a very important part in the everyday running of it. Through highs and lows, they have always been there to work with the children and teachers – whether in school or when we go out on field trips. To show our appreciation and to thank them, we invited them for lunch, served them and sat along with them to have lunch on the last day of school.This gave a closure to the Christmas celebration in KLC.

KLC closed for Christmas holidays from 21st December and reopened on 2nd January 2025.

Satellite Centers

From Jayanthi Vishwanath at Nashik

World Disability Day Celebration - 3rd December

To mark World Disability Day, the teachers and students of V-Excel organized an awareness walk at Atal Bihari Vajpeyi Nashik Municipal Corporation School—the initiative aimed to promote inclusivity and spread awareness about disabilities.

Teachers provided insightful information about disabilities to the children and teachers of the NMC School, fostering understanding and empathy.

Inclusive Games

Fun, interactive games were organized, where children from both schools participated together, breaking barriers and celebrating inclusivity.

V-Excel students showcased their talents through: Group Singing and Dancing performances

4th December - Asha Workers Spread Awareness on Worm Eradication at BLA

On 4th December, Asha workers visited BLA as part of Jant Nashak Divas to raise awareness about stomach worms. They distributed Albendazole tablets to students to promote better health. The initiative was organized under the Nashik Mahanagar Palika to combat worm infections among children.

6th December - Constitution Reading Day

On 6th December, students observed Constitution Reading Day by taking an oath and reading the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. The event highlighted the importance of constitutional values and aimed to instil a sense of patriotism and responsibility among the students.

14th December - Annual Sports Day

V-Excel Nashik Celebrates Annual Sports Day

The Annual Sports Day of V-Excel Nashik was held on 14th December at Ashoka Universal School. Children enthusiastically participated in age-appropriate games like soft ball throw, spot jump, bucket ball, seven-stones, running, and sack race.

The event was inaugurated by the chief guest, Mr. Narendra Bhai Damodardas Thakkar from Thakkar Builders, Nashik. Students were thrilled to receive medals and certificates from the chief guest and other special guests, making the day memorable.

1. Annual Staff Sports Day at V-Excel Nashik

V-Excel Nashik organized its Annual Staff Sports Day at Kridabhumi Turf, where all staff participated enthusiastically. Four teams—Blue (A), White (B), Red (C), and Yellow (D)—competed in cricket matches. The Blue team, comprising Sagar Gawande, Deepak Dhule, Nilisha Sharma, Meena Vispute, Vaishali Sonawane, Mugdha Athalye, Jayashri Chaudhari, Swati Gaikwad, and Varsha Dandge (Aunty) emerged victorious with 2 out of 2 points.

This was the first time all staff engaged in a sports activity together, creating a cheerful and energetic atmosphere. The event, held from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, was a memorable and unifying experience for everyone.

2. Afternoon Training Session for V-Excel Staff

In the afternoon, teachers who attended the training session from Chennai conducted a presentation for V-Excel Nashik staff. Key highlights included:

Swati Gaikwad And Mahesh Explained the 12 qualities of a special educator.

Nilisha Sharma: Presented on the holistic approach to education, focusing on the four bodies and temperaments, along with relevant activities.

Prerna Kale discussed activities, games, and sports for children across various age groups.

The session also included interactive activities for teachers by Veena, Prerna, and Swati.

Niliesha led a small activity on affirmations to inspire confidence, love, and hope among teachers.

25th December - Christmas

Christmas Celebration at Nashik Centers

Christmas was celebrated with joy across all three Nashik centers. Children dressed in colorful outfits, decorated Christmas trees and enjoyed plum cakes and chocolates.

At Bridges Learning Academy, the celebration was extra special with a visit from teachers and the Principal of Ryan International School, along with members of a local church. They sang Christmas carols, narrated the story of Jesus' birth, and distributed goodies, cakes, and chocolates. Two students from Ryan School added to the festive spirit by playing the guitar and drums during the carols.

The children danced with Santa Claus, sang along, and had a memorable Christmas party filled with fun and laughter.

From Therapy & Learning Centre, Pandharpur

Bazar Day - 20/12/2024

V-Excel Pandharpur organized a vibrant Bazar Day for the center's children on 20th December 2024. The event was graced by the honorable chief guest, Mrs. Shailaja Anil Savant. The Visionar's Group of D.H. Kavathekar Prashala, Pandharpur, joined as volunteers, working collaboratively with the V-Excel Pandharpur team.

Parents actively participated in helping the children prepare for the event, while volunteers worked alongside the children, fostering inclusion. Together, they strategized on effective ways for the children to sell their products. Citizens from the local community were invited to attend Bazar Day to encourage the children, interact with them, and support their efforts by purchasing items.

The event also included a friendly competition for the "Best Seller" award, with first and second prizes up for grabs. Teachers evaluated the stalls, of which there were 13 in total, all beautifully decorated. Each child gave their best effort, excelling in social interactions and displaying remarkable enthusiasm.

The objectives of the event—socialization, integration, inclusion, money transactions, group activities, and fun—were thoroughly achieved, making the Bazar Day a resounding success.

Outing Visit to Kavathekar Mall - 17/12/2024

The children visited Kavathekar Mall along with the center staff. During the visit, they engaged in shopping with the assistance of the staff. They made their own choices of items, used shopping baskets and trolleys, placed the selected items in them, and participated in the billing process at the counter. After completing their shopping, they packed the purchased items into their carrying bags and returned the trolleys to their designated places.

Throughout the visit, the children displayed excellent behavior. The owner of Kavathekar Mall provided great support and assistance during the entire activity.

This outing provided the children with a comprehensive experience of purchasing and billing. The primary goals of the visit were to promote socialization, interaction, and pragmatic knowledge. These objectives were largely achieved through the activity.

Solapur

Celebration of World Disability Day - 3rd December

The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of their situation in political, social, economic, and cultural life reinforcing the importance of securing their rights so they could participate fully, equally, and effectively in society with others, and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives.

On the 3rd December International day of person with Disability. On the occasion of that day Our V-Excel Centre we organized a rally with children. The written slogan was held by the students, who then walked on the road and spread awareness of rights and equality about disability. Our motive was to reach people, create awareness and to promote accepting disability and ensure that they are not different from society.

Lecture on Health of special Children - 6th December

In the world disability month, we organized a lecture by Dr Amruta Sathe (pediatric endocrinologist). She addressed various aspects of a special child - Like parent acceptance regarding child issues. She asked parents to work on them and not hesitate about their disability. She mentioned harmonic change, OBCT, PCOD, Thyroid, Diabetes, Drooling. She also discussed how medication effects make harmonic disbalance, calcium intake, vitamin D. She mentioned how to be hygienic during periods for girls. Also discussed about child abuse and how to take precautions. Lastly she was gave satisfying answers to questions asked by parents.

Home Visits - 14th December

Many activities were conducted by our V-Excel Centre. Home visits were also part of it. To know about a special child school is not only a boundary, teachers visited every child's home too. To know about the home atmosphere, what are the difficulties that come in daily life, how parents and grandparents handle their special child, and how they face difficulties while understanding the challenging behaviors of a child. Parents and grandparents also need counseling some time to know and understand the situation. The main purpose of the visit is counseling parents and grandparents where needed. Also discussion and suggestions made them happy to talk openly with teachers.

Dental Checkup Camp - 23rd December

V-Excel Educational Trust, Solapur conducted a free dental checkup on 23rd December 2024 by Dr. Neha Joshi Tamabake. 25 students have benefitted from this camp at our Indira Nagar Centre.

Christmas Celebration - 24th December

Christmas brings cheer and love and we celebrated this with the same fervour, spreading the message of love and joy among our children. On 24th December we celebrated Christmas and all the children were in colorful clothes. Students were involved in various activities like making snowman, greetings cards, decoration of Christmas tree, lighting. Some students became Santa Claus and gave gifts to all. Students enjoyed dancing on melodious Christmas songs. Lastly chocolates were distributed to all the students.

From Anandam Special School, Ambattur

Greetings from Anandam Special School!

December 2:

Our students participated in the state level cultural competitions & won 1st place.

December 3:

World Differently abled day was celebrated at Anandam Special School.

December 7:

CEO of MIZUHO Bank Ltd Japan, Mr. Masakazu Hyodo visited our school & Interacted with our students.

December 10:

Margazhi music Utsavam started on 10th December 2024 at our school & concluded on 9th January 2025. Many of our students attended Kutcheri on various days during the evening session, since music is a therapeutic intervention for our students.

December 19:

Participants & program coordinator Mrs. Suguna from the care giver course of Vidhya Sagar visited the school.

December 20:

On account of Children’s Day Mrs. Vidhya a freelance story teller entertained our students with dance movements & story

December 21:

Various vegetable seeds were sowed by students for the second harvest.

December 23:

Christmas celebration at our school.

December 25:

Last Square Chess Academy - Christmas Celebration Chess Tournament where students participated in District level competition & won prizes.

December 29:

Acchani Chess Academy - 2nd District level chess tournament students participated in District level competition & won prizes.

School closed for Christmas holidays from 24.12.2024 to 01.01.2025.

Erode

National Disability Day Celebration

On 3rd Dec , we had participated in the sports event and cultural conducted by DDAWO department in Nandha college of Physiotherapy on the account of N0ational Disability Day celebration. Our children gave a group dance performance in front of the honorable District Collector. He distributed prizes to our children who won in various sports events

Parents Meeting

Play time

We have started taking student to playground (which is nearby from our school) every week from this month. Scheduled our school time table as every Monday for Pre vocational students and every Friday for Primary and secondary group students. Students enjoy to play in sand and learn games with rules. Overall, this play is effective for our school students.

Christmas celebration

On 24th Dec , This year Christmas was joyful with the arrival of Santa Claus to our school (our staff Mr. Raghuraman played the role Secretly). Students enjoyed dancing and getting wishes from him. We distributed snacks to all staff and students.

Tuck Shop

We started tuck shop in our school on every Thursday in a week. Our pre vocational students made fresh and healthy snacks and other products like turmeric powder, paper bags and coloured Diyas during this month. Our students can now measure and pack the items with the help of our trainees. It is been successfully followed and parents also welcome it.

From Outreach Remedial Center, Pollachi

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

We celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2024 with great enthusiasm. The event featured a variety of performances, including energetic dance routines and a dramatic presentation raising awareness about the importance of including children with disabilities in our communities. Students showcased their individual talents, with musical performances and songs that highlighted their creativity and determination. The celebration also served as a reminder of the value of every person, regardless of their abilities. The event concluded with the presentation of thoughtful gifts to the students, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere for all involved. It was a heartwarming day that honored the spirit of unity and empowerment.

TATTVA Event – Certificate Distribution

The Tattva event was conducted on October 26, 2024, where our students had the opportunity to showcase their creativity. They submitted their artworks and photographs, which were displayed during the event. The works received a positive response, and several pieces were sold at a reasonable price. To recognize their hard work and dedication, certificates of appreciation were awarded to all participating students and the staffs who helped Students. This event provided a wonderful platform for our students to express themselves and gain recognition for their artistic talents.

Group Therapy Session 5

In our 5th group therapy session, we focused on a variety of activities aimed at supporting the development of early intervention students. Social skills exercises were incorporated to encourage communication, turn-taking, and cooperation. Visual perception tasks helped students improve their ability to process and interpret visual information, while speech activities targeted language development and articulation. Gross motor exercises were designed to enhance large muscle coordination, and sensory activities provided opportunities for students to engage with different textures and stimuli. Academic tasks, such as sorting and categorizing objects, were included to reinforce learning and cognitive skills.

Pollachi Thiruvizha – Torch Light Rally

On behalf of OutReach Special School, we proudly participated as a sponsor in the Pollachi Thiruvizha event. Dr. S. Manju, our Managing Trustee, had the honor of inaugurating the Torch Light Rally, marking the commencement of this vibrant event. Special kids from our school, Susanth and Dharineesh, were privileged to have the opportunity to carry and hand over the torch during the rally, adding a heartfelt touch to the occasion. This event highlighted the spirit of inclusion and community, with our school's involvement being a significant part of its success.

Christmas Day Celebration

we celebrated Christmas with great excitement. Students dressed as Santa Claus, bringing joy and festive cheer to the event. The celebration featured a cake cutting ceremony and the decoration of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Gifts were distributed to all the students, spreading happiness among them. The day ended with fun dance performances and group photos, creating lasting memories of the joyful occasion.

Board member – Rathinam College

Our Managing Trustee, Dr. Manju, has served as a board member for curriculum development in the Department of Clinical Psychology at Rathinam College, Coimbatore. Her expertise and contributions have played a key role in shaping the academic framework and enhancing the quality of education in the department.

Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam

Our Special Educator and Therapist were busy with report writing and planning goals for all our Remedial and Vocational Trainees. We prepare the progress report once in 3 months. Goals for the next three months are also planned and documented.

Members from the Chennai center visited our center on 30th December 2024. This visit was mainly to meet our Special Educator and Therapist, have discussions with parents regarding their child’s goals and reports. The Remedial Unit Parents and Vocational Unit Parents were also met to discuss about their child’s progress.

Several guidelines were suggested by the team. Our Team has decided to add more activity-based learning, outing with children for experiencing new environments, plan playground activities, conduct talent-based show, do home visit and add more vocational activities.

Tirunelveli

Benefits of swimming for people with disabilities

The benefits of swimming for people with disabilities range from muscle strengthening to improved mental health. This is one aerobic activity that people of any ability level can enjoy. Beyond enjoyment, though, getting into the water provides a greater sense of independence and confidence.

As a part of introducing our students to the concept of a swimming pool, we visited one in Perumalpuram called the Excel Swimming Academy on 28.12.2024. The aim was to familiarize our students to an indoor swimming pool, amenities available, precautionary measures to be taken while swimming and how swimming can be very useful and fun. All our students visited alongwith the staff .The children were not allowed to swim, but they could watch others taking sessions and the different swimming strokes. Many of them were excited to try .We are now trying to convince the parents and enroll them.

Vocational Training Unit

From Charumathi Sriram's Desk

Last month of the year ‘December’ 2024 which is always a fun-filled month with celebrations. World Disability Day, Christmas, New Year Eve and overnight stay at centre, a forerunner to our Annual Trip .

December Bazaar On World Disability Day, 3rd Dec 2024 @ Sharada, V-Excel

VTU was part of the December Bazaar where we were given the juice counter and product stall. Trainees were assigned in both the stalls with the teachers. We prepared soup, herbal juice and buttermilk in the morning and sold at the counter. Trainees had good social skills by interacting with the customers who visited our stall. Overall, we had a good response full day.

NGO Conference At Grundfos On 3rd Dec 2024 At Thoraipakkam

Charu and Usha attended the CSR NGO conference in commemoration of World Disability Day 2024 at Grundfos premises organised by Grundfos India Pvt. Ltd our CSR partner. They had panel discussion of differently abled and neuro diverse from various organisation and their experiences were shared. They recognised the V-Excel team along with other NGO’s.

Overnight stay – on 6th dec 2024 @ Sreyes, VTU a trail blazer for annual trip

As our annual trip had to be planned during academic year, we always have a trial overnight stay locally. This year we had planned for 10 new trainees for an overnight stay at our center which is familiar for them to adapt. This project is done every year before we plan for the annual trip. Basically, to observe the trainees’ ADL’s and other possible challenges which would help us to identify any issue before including them for the annual trip.

This year we had selected 10 trainees who attended the usual day at VTU on 6th Dec 2024. They stayed in the center that night. Next day, on 7th morning, they had their morning routine and continued in the training center. On 6th evening they were taken to the award function, by Margazhi Mattram, at BVB, where our Founder Director Dr. Vasudha Prakash, received the prestigious award for her contribution to the community. Trainees and teachers had delicious dinner at Mylai Karpagamabal mess at Mylapore. Trainees who were fussy in eating enjoyed and were able to ask for more items. They slept at the center where all arrangements were made and next day had breakfast and delicious lunch. For most of them it was a first time experience leaving their parents and staying outside with new friends and environment.

* Usha, Charu and Mani coordinated regarding the Annual Trip to OOTY in the month of Feb 2025. They selected trainees based on the report by the teachers during the overnight stay.

* Charu was assigned by Usha to prepare progress report of each trainee. A template was created and Charu started working on the report with the help of IPP.

Christmas And New Year Celebration At VTU On 30th Dec 2024

VTU celebrated Christmas and New Year eve this year in a very different way. We invited Mr. Aditya Kamakshinadha, Music Therapist who came and had an amazing interactive session various variety of percussion like Djembe, Maracas, Congos, Tamborine, Cajon, Timpani and many more. He was able to understand our trainees and made them create natural sounds using their hands. He also spoke about communication through music. Each trainee was made to use the instruments following his body gestures and hand. This increased listening skill and maintained eye contact to follow the rhythm.

Vocational activities/functional academics/therapy/counselling

Vocational activities

Tailoring:

• Tailoring unit team stitched bags and patterns for the December Bazaar. Trainees cut the materials using templates.

Craft:

• Trainees made paper rolls and created pen stand and calendar for gifting all management and unit heads in the new year.

Functional academics/therapy and counselling sessions:

• Uma had group sessions on Christmas and New Year celebrations

Therapy and counselling:

• Vasanth had his group and individual sessions

• Jayadevi met parents for this term and individual sessions for trainees and trainers

Youth Empowerment Services

From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk

Key highlights for the month of December 2024

• Gestalt Certification

• Participation in V-Excel's December Bazaar

• Participation in Star Book of World Records for Silambam

• Choir performances on 06, 10, 13 and 28 December 2024

• Christmas Celebration

• Parents review meeting

Gestalt Certification

Gayathri Suryanarayanan, YES's Center Coordinator, completed the Associate Certification in Gestalt Psychology from Anil Thomas Fellowship Program. The program included self-work, therapy sessions and a written integration.

Participation in V-Excel's December Bazaar

YES, participated in V-Excel's Annual December bazaar. Products from all the vocations of YES were put up for sale in the bazaar. Team YES, were at the event throughout the day along with 7 trainees. Trainees helped man the product stall and they also helped us in preparing bills and packing the products for the customers. All the YES products were very much appreciated and most of the products got sold.

Choir Performances on 06, 10, 13 and 28 December 2024

7 trainees and 2 trainers from YES were part of the inclusive choir group, ‘Sargam’ and performed at various events and occasions at different venues in December 2024.

On 06 December, YES choir group performed at RR Sabha, Mylapore, Chennai at the inaugural function of Margazhimatram organised by Sciartsrus. The event also saw Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Founder Director of V-Excel Educational Trust getting the Trail Blazer Award of the year 2024.

On 10 December, YES choir performed at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, Chennai, to mark the birth anniversary of Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar.

On 13 December the group performed at Sankara Vidyashram Auditorium, Thiruvanmiyur as part of the Margazhi Music Festival.

On 28 December YES choir performed at Sri Hariharan Hall, Adyar at a religious event organised by the Narayaneeyam.

During all the programs, the group performed devotional, Carnatic and patriotic songs along with the members of Sargam Choir group led by Ms. Sudha Raja.

Participation in Art contest

Four trainees from YES participated and won medals and certificates in the art contest conducted by Sciartrus on 06 December. This event was part of the Margazhi Matram program and the trainees were honored by Thiru Nalli Kuppuswamy.

Participation in Silambam Marathon which was part of Star Book of World Records

Eight trainees and two trainers from YES participated in the Silambam Marathon on 08 December at YMCA ground, Nandanam, Chennai. This was an attempt to create a world record in which participants walked 5 kms performing the routines in Silambam. The event was a success, and all the participants were given medals and a certificate mentioning that they were a part of this world record. This was a huge honour and moment of pride for all of us, to know that our trainees were part of Star Book of World Records. There was also a special mention about our trainees on the stage by Mr. Murali, CEO, Star Book of World Records as our trainees successfully completed the task and were called on to the stage for appreciation.

Christmas celebration

On 23 December 16 employees from Caterpillar visited YES and celebrated Christmas with all of us. More than just the participation, each one of them brought a beautiful gift for all the trainees and the trainers also. Following the intro and sharing of gift, they partnered with our trainees and played some fun games. The employee team made the atmosphere so joyful and cheerful that it felt like we had so many Santas coming down to celebrate with the YES team. As a token of gratitude, a beautiful gift hamper comprising of a unique artwork, painted diyas and a chocolate goodie bag was given. Refreshments included a red velvet cupcake and a ragi cookie that were made in-house. We also released the fifth edition of YES newsletter during the celebration.

Parent review meeting

As part of our vocational training process, midyear individual parent review meeting started in December. The parents of all the newly joined trainees were met. The agenda was to share the observations and to get their input. This exercise helps set targets for each trainee and accordingly work on their program and schedules. The discussion also includes the needs for counselling and therapy, and a detailed discussion about vocational and other activities.