Providing lifespan services to individuals with special needs...

KLC Strides for May 2026

Some of the best memories are made in Summer.

Stepping into a New Year

As May draws to a close, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a new academic year. The month began with the continuation of our summer camp activities, where students enjoyed meaningful activities, meeting others, developing friendships, and having many learning opportunities. The camp activities included creative, recreational, and vocational projects. There was a strict structure and rhythm to the day which always helped students to be grounded.

The second half of the month brought a quieter pace as students and staff moved into their annual vacation period. While the campus was relatively silent, there was much activity behind the scenes in preparation for the new academic year. Essential repairs and maintenance work were carried out across the building and classrooms, ensuring that the school would be ready to welcome students back into a safe and refreshed environment. The support staff enjoyed a well-deserved period of rest and respite, recharging themselves for the busy months ahead. The KLC team continued to stay connected with families, reaching out to parents and remaining available to address queries, concerns, and support needs whenever required. For many teachers, this period offered a rare opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities, spend time with their families, and enjoy a much-needed break before returning with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the start of the new academic year.

Meaningful Days, Lasting Memories:

The summer camp with a group of 6 teachers, 11 students, and 5 friends, continued through the first half of May, providing students with a structured yet enjoyable routine that balanced learning, recreation, and social engagement. Each day began at 9.30 a.m. with a familiar rhythm that included circle time, story sessions, practical activities, and opportunities to learn and practice new skills. Students participated in gardening activities, enjoyed outdoor excursions to Tholkappiar Poonga, and even had the opportunity to watch a movie together at school. A special highlight of the camp was a fun-filled Water Day, where students enjoyed splashing, playing, and cooling down from the summer heat, creating much excitement and laughter. The delicious snacks and lunch, lovingly prepared by the senior students / friends from Dwarka, added warmth and community spirit to each day. Games, relaxation, and massage sessions rounded off the afternoons before students returned home at 2.00 p.m., carrying with them happy memories and meaningful experiences. The camp provided an excellent opportunity for students to maintain routines, build friendships, and continue developing skills in a relaxed and supportive environment during the summer break.

Dwarka senior students prepare the snacks and lunch.

Some Handwork done during the summer camp

Process of doing the handwork.

Tholgapiyar Poonga visit.

Water day – fun and cooling down !

As we prepare to welcome students back in June, we do so with a sense of excitement and anticipation. We are particularly happy to have met several new students and families who may soon become part of the KLC community. Each new admission brings new possibilities, new learning journeys, and opportunities for growth for everyone involved.

The year ahead promises to be both exciting and challenging. With growing responsibilities and aspirations for our students, we continue to look for ways to strengthen our programs and expand opportunities for meaningful learning, vocational engagement, and community participation.

We thank our families, donors, well-wishers, and partners for their continued trust and support. Your encouragement enables us to continue creating opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and move towards greater independence and participation in society.

As we begin the new academic year, we look forward to sharing many more milestones and success stories with you in the months ahead.

Annual Documentation and Academic Preparations – May 2026

During May 2026, Ms. Sathya Saravanan, Special Educator, and Mr. Prabu Manivel, Administrator, successfully completed the Annual Progress Reports for all Remedial Students and Vocational Trainees. The reports highlighted the students' achievements, progress, and developmental milestones throughout the academic year.

They also prepared individual photograph sheets for each student and trainee. In addition, a comprehensive compilation of all events, functions, and celebrations conducted during the year was prepared and organized month-wise, with appropriate captions and event names to showcase the centre's activities and memorable moments.

As part of the preparations for the upcoming academic year 2026–2027, they completed the Annual Calendar and Students' Diary, ensuring that all important academic schedules, events, and information were systematically documented for students, trainees, parents, and staff members.

These efforts reflect the team's commitment to effective documentation, recognition of student progress, and careful planning for the new academic year.

In preparation for 2026–2027, the staff undertook extensive cleaning and maintenance across the centre. Classrooms, therapy rooms, vocational training areas, and common spaces were thoroughly cleaned and organized to provide a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for students and trainees.

Learning materials, teaching aids, furniture, and equipment were arranged to ensure readiness for the start of classes.

We are all set to welcome our students and start the new Academic year!

The hottest month of the year, May, began with engaging activities, followed by cleaning initiatives, group sessions in therapy and counselling, and concluded with the summer break by the third week.

Highlights

Therapy Session

Our therapist, Mr. Vasanth, conducted a two-day group therapy session for the VTU trainees.

Day 1:

The session focused on traditional games such as Bambaram, Pondi, Pallankuzhi, and kite flying. The trainees actively participated in all the games, and it was heartwarming to see their smiling faces. Despite the hot climate, the trainees remained energetic, attentive, and fully engaged throughout the activities.

Day 2:

The second session included activities such as rolling cycle tyres, filling water into glasses using hands, stick games, Aadu Puli Aattam, and hide-and-seek. These activities were designed to improve focus, concentration, balance, coordination, and physical fitness.

Overall, the two-day session was a meaningful experience that supported both the emotional well-being and cognitive engagement of our trainees.

Cleaning Initiative by Trainees

With the support and guidance of teachers, trainees participated in cleaning activities that included organising cupboards, cleaning the kitchen, rooms, and windows. The activities were carried out with a strong sense of teamwork and responsibility.

Summer Break

• First group: 1st May to 15th May 2026

• Second group: 16th May to 30th May 2026

Trainees were given summer holidays from 23rd May 2026 to 10th June 2026.

Deep Cleaning and Whitewash

Deep cleaning and whitewashing work at Sreyes commenced on 23rd May 2026 in preparation for the upcoming academic year.

Counselling & Therapy

Counsellor Ms. Jayadevi was unable to conduct sessions this month due to family commitments.

Mr. Vasanth continued providing both individual and group therapy sessions for the trainees.

Functional Academics

Ms. Uma continued both group and individual sessions with the trainees.

Group Sessions Included:

1. Recap of Election Results

Discussion on the present Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Trainees were able to relate to actor Vijay during the discussion.

2. Being Independent and Self-Sufficient

Trainees were encouraged to learn daily household chores and assist their parents with activities such as:

o Setting the table for dinner

o Filling water bottles

o Loading the washing machine

o Hanging clothes to dry

o Folding clothes

o Washing plates after eating

3. Importance of Following a Routine During Summer Holidays

o Exercise through yoga or walking

o Limiting screen time

o Taking precautions during summer:

 Drinking plenty of water

 Bathing twice daily

 Eating foods that help cool the body

Trainees were also encouraged to maintain a simple daily record of their activities during the holidays.

Movement Session

Mr. Ganesh Ram continued conducting movement sessions on all Saturdays.

Key highlights for the month of May 2026

• Team outing to Blue Lagoon Resort

• Grundfos employer visit

• Intern activities

• Movie day

• Closing day

Team outing to Blue Lagoon Resort:

On 10 May, 35 members from YES and 20 volunteers from Hexaware went on a one-day trip to Blue Lagoon Resort. We had a wonderful day filled with fun, excitement, and interactive activities. Several games and team-building sessions were planned throughout the day, encouraging participation, collaboration, and enjoyment among everyone. The trip provided a great opportunity to relax, connect with one another, and create memorable experiences together.

Grundfos employer visit

On 15 May, 25 employees from Grundfos visited YES as part of an employee engagement program. Following an orientation session, they were introduced to the various vocational training activities conducted at YES. The visitors actively participated in hands-on training sessions along with the trainees across different vocations. This interaction provided them with valuable insights into the skills development programs at YES and fostered meaningful engagement between the employees and trainees.

Intern Activities

During the month of May, YES had 8 interns from different colleges. Four interns were from Madras Music College, one intern was from the Psychology Department of M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, and three interns were from MSSW.

The interns planned and conducted various one-on-one and group activities for the trainees. They handled sessions on different topics related to social skills training and helped the trainees improve their communication and interpersonal skills through interactive activities.

At the end of their internship, the interns shared their learning experiences through presentations and a video highlighting their activities and key takeaways. On their final day, they organized and performed a movement activity, an art-based activity, and a skit for all the trainees. These activities were well received and brought the internship program to a meaningful and enjoyable conclusion.

Movie day

On 20 May, a movie Mahavatar Narsimha was screened for the trainees at YES. The trainees watched the movie with great interest and enjoyed the epic mythological story. They were able to follow the storyline, understand the characters, and engage with the movie throughout the screening. During the interval, popcorn and panagam were distributed to all the trainees, which added to their enjoyment of the movie day. The movie day provided a pleasant and entertaining experience, giving the trainees an opportunity to relax and enjoy.

Closing day and annual maintenance

As the academic year came to an end, inventory, purchase planning and maintenance planning were done to ensure a smooth start to the new academic year. The schedule and program for each trainee were revisited. Based on the inputs from the parents and the observations at the centre, program was restructured.

All the trainees were given a brief session on how to manage a disciplined routine during the holidays and a few important tips to follow to manage the summer heat. Trainees were also given a few tasks and assignments to do to spend the holidays more useful and meaningful.

The YES was closed for operations from 23rd May and resumed on 03 June for the trainers and 10 June for the trainees.