OUTREACH PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS

September began with a renewed and focused approach to the remedial programmes at Olcott Memorial, Besant Nagar, and Sri Sankara Matriculation School, Thoraipakkam.

The month also brought festive cheer, with Krishna Jayanthi and Ganesh Chaturthi being celebrated across the schools. Children expressed their creativity by drawing and colouring pictures depicting Krishna Jayanthi, while at Olcott Memorial, they took part in creating a special Therapy Ganesha using therapy items. The children under intervention were thrilled to see such a magnificent Ganesha in their resource room, and sought his blessings before beginning their quarterly exams on 16th September.

An orientation session was conducted at K Balaguruva Chettiar Son Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Veerapuram regarding remedial educational needs for teachers and children studying in grades 1 – 5. The session was helmed by Mrs. Lekshmi Ramesh and Prof Anand Jagadeesan on 8th September 2026.

A demo workshop on Cursive writing was attended by the outreach team on 12th September 2026. The demo workshop introduced the team to basic strokes and the role for cursive handwriting in child development.

A demo workshop on technology based occupational therapy and social I interaction for children with Autism, through Virtual Reality (VR) was organised at Olcott Memorial and was attended by the outreach team on 21st September 2026. The demo introduced the idea of using VR as a therapy material for children with autism. The demo was presented by Dr. Tamilselvi of Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai.  

Counselling services commenced at Olcott Memorial for primary grade students on 15th October, introducing the concept of discipline and the importance of rules and regulations in everyday life. The Outreach team also extended their support to the school by assisting students under intervention in Grades 6–8 with their quarterly exams — an experience that proved to be a valuable, hands-on learning opportunity for both the team and the students alike.

An Orientation Programme for teachers was conducted at Olcott Memorial School by Mrs. Lekshmi Ramesh and Mrs. Nitya Venkatesh on 30th September 2026. This interactive session aimed at helping teachers understand the functioning of the resource room, along with the support required from the teachers to ensure its smooth operation.

SEPTEMBER 2026 STRIDES FOR KLC

September is the month of courage and dispelling evil.

September brought celebrations, learning, sharing and moments of looking ahead at KLC. From Krishna and Ganesh Chathurthi to Teachers’ Day, Parents conversations and classroom learning, the month was filled with experiences that brought our community together.

As we moved through the month, we were reminded of the joy of celebrating together, the courage to look ahead, and the strength that comes from walking the journey as a community.

Blue Blue Sky Choir Takes flight

On September 1, the Blue Blue Sky Choir travelled all the way to Siruseri to be part of the inaugural ceremony of LIFT – Leading to the Future Technology, a flagship event of Hexaware’s Future Leaders program.

The Blue Blue Sky Choir is a very special part of KLC. Our students come together because they enjoy music – some sing with great enthusiasm, some join through movements, and some simply enjoy being part of the group. Teachers are part of the choir too, making it a joyful group of voices, movement, and togetherness.

The children patiently waited for their turn and, when the moment came, sang for the gathering. Their performance lasted only about 10–15 minutes, but it was a beautiful moment. The audience enjoyed the performance, appreciated the children, and for some, it was an emotional experience.

For the children, it was another opportunity to share their music and show that when given a space and the time to participate, they have much to offer. We are grateful to Hexaware for inviting the Blue Blue Sky Choir to be part of this special occasion – and, of course, for the wonderful dinner that awaited us after the performance!

Krishna Comes to KLC

From August, when we began preparing for Krishna’s arrival at KLC, the first few days of September were filled with different ways of celebrating Krishna.

Tuesday, 1 September – Uri Adi:

It was the day for our naughty Krishnas! Children, students, trainees, friends and staff all took turns trying to break the hanging pots. The pots were placed at convenient heights, with some needing a little help and others managing on their own. With the sound of the dhol and “Jai Govinda” filling the air, there was plenty of excitement, laughter and cheer.

Wednesday, 2 September – A Visit to ISKCON:

The whole school and staff travelled to the quiet surroundings of the ISKCON temple at Akkarai. We sat together, listened, sang, danced and joined in the chanting. Prasadam was shared with everyone, followed by their own lunch, before we returned to school.

Thursday, 3 September – Pooja and the Cow & Calf:

The celebrations came to a peaceful close with a beautifully decorated altar for little Krishna. The arrival of the cow and her calf was a special moment. Everyone took turns worshipping them and feeding them Agathi keerai.

The final day also brought together stories, devotion, and a beautiful, shared experience. Grade 3 presented a short story of Krishna to the school, while the kindergarten teachers brought Krishna’s story alive through a lovely puppet show.

Three days, three different experiences – the excitement of Uri Adi, the peacefulness of the temple, and the quiet beauty of the pooja. The celebrations brought joy, cheer, and a sense of peace to the whole KLC community, leaving us with many happy memories of Krishna’s visit.

A Day to Celebrate the People Behind the Journey

Teachers’ Day on September 5th, Saturday, took on a special meaning this year as all the Chennai units of V-Excel came together at Coco Retreat Farm, Manamai, to celebrate 25 years of V-Excel and, most importantly, the people who have been part of this journey.

It was a day filled with good food, music, dancing, laughter, surprises and, most of all, appreciation. Twenty-seven awards were presented to different units, individuals and staff members in recognition of their work and contribution to the children, students, and trainees over the years.

We were especially happy and proud when Team KLC received the award for “The Healing Impulse.” Several KLC staff members were also recognised individually for their contribution and commitment.

The day became even more special when some of the staff who have journeyed with V-Excel over the years shared their stories. They spoke about their experiences, the people they had met along the way, and how V-Excel had gradually become much more than a workplace – a second home. Tamizhselvi was one of those who shared her journey.

It was a beautiful way to celebrate 25 years – by celebrating the people who have made V-Excel what it is today.

Growing Together – Part Two

The second session of “Growing Together: Understanding Children from 0–7 Years” was held on 9 September with Mrs. Gita Bhalla.

Once again, it was a lovely time of sharing and looking at the simple things that make a big difference in a young child’s life – songs, stories, outdoor time, everyday activities, rhythm and, above all, being truly present with our children.

There was a gentle reminder that learning does not always need to happen through a planned activity. A bath, a meal, a walk, a song or simply doing something together can become a beautiful learning experience when we slow down and give the child our attention. A simple thought to take home: sometimes, the best thing we can give our children is our time, our presence and our joy in being with them.

Little Ganeshas, Many Hands

Ganesh Chathurthi at KLC began a day earlier, when beautifully mellowed clay was handed over to the different classes. Teachers, students, trainees and Friends of KLC worked with the clay in their own ways, shaping it into little Ganeshas to be brought together for the celebration.

On 11 September, the school portico was transformed into a colourful pandal, with bright sarees strung overhead like a beautiful umbrella. A special dais was created for the five Ganeshas brought down from the different classes and decorated with flowers, greenery and traditional offerings.

With religious songs, fruits, student performances and plenty of festivity, we came together to celebrate Ganesh Chathurthi. It was a simple, joyful celebration – made all the more special because many hands had helped create it.

Seeing Through New Eyes

On 16 September, a group of Class 12 students studying Psychology from Kola Perumal Chetty Vaishnav Senior Secondary School, Arumbakkam, spent a morning at KLC.

The session gave them an opportunity to understand KLC, observe our students and see how we work with them. They interacted with our counsellor and learnt about the way she supports the students, asked questions and tried to understand the children beyond what they saw on the surface.

They also spent time watching our vocational trainees rehearse their term-end play, “Ponniyin Selvan,” along with their teachers. Their questions and curiosity led to some meaningful conversations about the students, their abilities, and the way we approach their learning and development.

We also spoke about what KLC focuses on and, ultimately, what we hope for every student – to grow in their own way and move towards greater independence and participation in life.

The students left with a feeling of warmth and care, and, perhaps most importantly, with a different way of looking at children with special needs – seeing not just their challenges, but also their abilities and possibilities.

Looking Ahead: “After Me, What?”

On 26 September, V-Excel brought together parents from across its different units for an open conversation around a question that is often at the back of every parent's mind – “After me, what?”

The discussion focused on the future of our adult trainees and possibilities for independent living. Different options were shared, including the hope for a space that is safe, friendly and follows the V-Excel/KLC way of working, where young adults can continue to be understood, supported and cared for.

Parents of both adult trainees and younger children took part, sharing their worries, hopes and questions. Legal guardianship was also discussed, and a WhatsApp group has been created so that the conversation can continue, and the next steps can be explored together. There may not be all the answers yet, but coming together to ask the questions and begin looking ahead was an important first step.

Walking Together with Our Parents

September also saw the beginning of our Individual Parent Review Meetings. These meetings give teachers and parents time to sit together, look at each child’s journey during the term, share observations, and think about what can support the child in the months ahead.

With the term drawing to a close, the meetings will take a short break as we get ready for our end-of-term celebrations and performances. We will continue these conversations when we return after the holidays.

Looking Ahead

As September comes to a close, we carry with us many moments of celebration, learning, sharing and togetherness. October begins with the last few days of the term – class plays, Dussehra and Grandparents’ Day – before we take a short break.

We look forward to returning on 20 October, refreshed and ready for another term of learning, growing and walking together.

Nashik 4, September, 2026

Gopal Kala Celebration

Gopal Kala was celebrated with great enthusiasm at all three centres of V-Excel Nashik. Dahi Handi celebrations brought great excitement as children danced, cheered and joyfully chased the handi. Prasad was distributed to everyone, making it a fun and memorable festival for all the children.

Yi Conference Nashik 4, September, 2026

Our Regional Director (West) Mrs Jayanthi Vishwanath invited as a member of the Jury at YUVA Future 6.0 Grand Finale

Mrs. Jayanthi Vishwanath was invited to serve as a jury member at the YUVA Future 6.0 Grand Finale, organised by the Young Indians (Yi), Nashik Chapter, on 4th September 2026 at Dr. M. S. Gosavi Hall, Gokhale Education Society, Nashik.

YUVA Future 6.0 is a 90-day mentored youth policy and solutions journey in which college students work on pressing societal challenges and develop practical solutions. Students presented ideas related to Climate Change, Road Safety,

She was the jury member of the “Accessibility Pentagon” category and she witnessed the presentation made by six teams representing various Engineering colleges of Nashik. The teams of students presented their Projects on the topic “Improving the accessibility for the Physically challenged people in Public spaces”. The team selected by Mrs. Jayanthi Viswanath as the winner, represented at the National level competition and once again this team from Govt Polytechnic were declared as the first runner-up in the National Level competition.

Special Awards Nashik 5, September, 2026

V-Excel Chennai Celebrates 25 Years with Special Awards

V-Excel Chennai celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a special awards ceremony honouring individuals and teams for their dedicated contribution to the V-Excel mission.

Our Regional Director (West) Mrs. Jayanthi Vishwanath was honoured with the prestigious “One Woman Army” Award, recognising her remarkable dedication and commitment to the Organization for over two decades.

Nashik Centre’s Counselling Psychologist Mrs. Pradnya Apte received the “Frontline Heroines and Heroes” awards for her individual contribution for over a decade for the development of the Nashik Centre of V-Excel.

The Solapur Team was honoured with “The Grit Gurus”, while the Pandharpur Team received “The Rising Star” award in the special team categories.

V-Excel Nashik congratulates all the awardees on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates their inspiring contribution to the V-Excel family.

Nashik staff Excursion:

All the teachers and staff of the Nashik Centre went on a day trip to Astoria Lagoon resort at Igatpuri, near Nashik. The day was spent amidst the scenic landscape of mountains and a peaceful lake. The resort offered an assortment of exciting adventure activities, fun moments in the infinity pool, delicious food and long walkways.

It was truly a very memorable experience for all the staff of the centre.

Teacher's day Celebration Nashik 7 September, 2026

Teacher's day Celebration Teacher’s Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across all three centres of V-Excel Nashik. Students expressed their gratitude by presenting flowers and handmade cards to their teachers. Adding to the joy, students also stepped into the role of teachers for the day, conducting activities and interacting with their peers. The celebration was filled with confidence, creativity, fun and appreciation, making the day memorable for both students and teachers.

Bail-Pola Celebration at VTU Nashik 10 September, 2026

"Bail-Pola is a festival celebrated by rural farmers to honour their loyal companions, oxen and bulls. It was recently celebrated at the VTU centre of the Nashik unit, helping children understand the deep bond of friendship between farmers and their cattle."

Sexuality Education Workshop for Parents Nashik 12 September, 2026

V-Excel Educational Trust, Nashik, in collaboration with Maitra Foundation, Pune, organised the first four-hour session of a 12-hour Sexuality Education Workshop for parents of pre-adolescent and adolescent children with special needs at the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Centre.

The workshop focused on sexuality education, privacy, safe and unsafe touch, personal boundaries, safety and the role of parents in preparing children for adolescence. The facilitators highlighted the importance of beginning these conversations early so that children can better understand and respond to situations as they grow.

Parents were given hypothetical case situations and encouraged to discuss how they would handle different challenges. They actively participated, openly shared their concerns and experiences, and exchanged practical solutions, making the session highly interactive and two-way.

The workshop was informative, meaningful and an important step towards creating greater awareness, safety and confidence among parents of children with special needs. V-Excel looks forward to conducting the upcoming sessions of this valuable programme.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Ideal Teacher Award Nashik, 13 September 2026

Congratulations to   Mrs.Manisha Kamble, a Special Educator at our Vocational Centre, on receiving the Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Ideal Teacher Award from the Rashtriya Adarsh Shikshan Sanstha. We are proud of her achievement and wish her continued success! 💐

Ganesh festival Naahik 15, September, 2026

Ganesh festival at V-Excel Nashik

The Ganpati Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm and energy across all three V-Excel Nashik centres from 15th to 17th September. As one of Maharashtra’s most cherished festivals, the celebration brought together students and teachers in a spirit of joy, devotion and togetherness.

Teachers and students enthusiastically made a beautiful eco-friendly Ganpati idol, which was coloured using eco-friendly colours. The idol was installed on Tuesday, 15th September, marking the beginning of the celebrations.

The children participated joyfully in Ganpati Puja, Aarti and Prasad distribution. They enjoyed dancing to devotional songs, chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya, listening to and singing Ganesha bhajans together. At BMS, students shared stories about Lord Ganesha, sang bhajans and danced with great enthusiasm.

The celebrations concluded on 17th September with Ganpati Visarjan. With prayers, Aarti and Prasad, the children and teachers bid a heartfelt farewell to Bappa, chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!” The eco-friendly idols were respectfully immersed in water, marking the end of a joyful and meaningful celebration.

The three V-Excel Nashik centres came together to celebrate the festival with devotion, enthusiasm and full energy, creating beautiful memories for everyone.

Nashik 24, September, 2026

Joyful Visit by Jain Social Group – Crystal Jupiter Group

Nashik, 24 September: Bridges Learning Academy welcomed Seema Vora and her team from Jain Social Group – Crystal Jupiter Group for a joyful interaction with the children.

The team gifted puzzles to the students and participated in puzzle-solving, diya painting, colouring, worksheets and games with them. A fun balloon game and dancing added to the excitement, with the team joining the children in the celebrations.

The visit ended with the distribution of snacks to the children, making it a happy and memorable afternoon for everyone.

Ganesh Idols Making Workshop

On 1st September 2026, Creativity took centre stage at the Ganpati Idol Making Workshop conducted at V-Excel Solapur, under the guidance of Smt. Meenakshi Rampure. Through hands-on crafting and decoration, the children joyfully explored their imagination while engaging with the traditions of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The workshop became a vibrant platform for experiential learning, creative expression, and active participation, with the children enthusiastically involved throughout the session. Mrs. Meenakshi Rampure Madam guided the children through the process, providing practical demonstrations on how to craft the idols. With the help of their teachers, the children enthusiastically created eco-friendly Ganpati idols. This workshop offered the children a unique experience.

Janmashtami Celebration

On 4th September Friday at our V-Excel centre Janmashtami with cultural programs, fancy dress, art and craft activities, Dahihandi, storytelling, and devotional songs to honor Lord Krishna's birth and impart cultural values. The festive atmosphere includes decorated school premises, traditional food, and students dressed as Krishna and Radha, creating a joyous and educational experience focused on teamwork, devotion, and respect for tradition. Dahihandi function was conducted in the Vocational training Centre, the food that is Gopalkala was prepared by students. Students in Radha Krishna costume enjoyed the Dahihandi function.

Teacher’s Day Celebration

Teacher is a friend, philosopher, and guide who holds our hand, opens our mind, and touches our heart. The contribution of a teacher cannot be ignored at all. In many countries across the world. At our V-Excel Centre we celebrated teacher’s day on the occasion of 5th September Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan's birthday. 5th September is celebrated as “Teacher’s Day” in India because of his lifelong dedication to education and his request that the day be observed to honor all teachers rather than as a personal celebration. Students made greeting cards for their teachers and fun activities like painting, and sticking activities were conducted. On the occasion of this day, some children took up the task of teaching other children.

Teacher’s One Day Trip

On the occasion of 5th September Teachers' Day, the entire staff of the Solapur Center was taken on a one-day outing at Saisa Resort & Adventure Park. During the trip, some staff members were presented with Appreciation Letter. The staff thoroughly enjoyed the day, taking part in water and adventure activities and sharing a meal together to celebrate Teachers' Day.

Disha Visit

Mr. Manoj Shethe visited our V-Excel Learning centre on 9th September. He is District co-ordinate. He observed classes while taking class by our teachers. During this, classroom observations were conducted, and important guidance was provided regarding classroom management, timetables, the use of workbooks, and lesson planning.

Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Ganesha. The elephant headed deity revered as the embodiment of prosperity and wisdom, and the remover of obstacles. The festival begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of Bhadrapada, the sixth month of the Hindu calendar. It spans ten days and concludes with the immersion of the Ganesha idols in water. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in two ways as a small family gathering in homes and as a grand celebration in public places.

Ganeshotsav was celebrated at our 'V-Excel' center on September 24th. Students wore traditional attire, and decorations were put up across all three sections of the center; additionally, teachers and students performed the Pooja together. A procession of Lord Ganesha was also taken out. During the procession, the children performed Lezim, a traditional folk dance. All the students participated in this with great enthusiasm. Finally, everyone performed the Aarti of Lord Ganesha, and the idol was immersed on the same day.

Event: Teacher’s Day Celebration Report Date: 05/09/2026

V-Excel Educational Trust, Learning Centre Pandharpur, celebrated Teacher’s Day with great enthusiasm and gratitude to acknowledge the sincere efforts and dedication of all teachers and staff members.

As a part of the celebration, the centre arranged refreshments and delicious food for all the teachers and staff members. Everyone enjoyed the gathering in a joyful and warm atmosphere.

The celebration also provided an opportunity for all team members to spend meaningful time together and experience a spiritual journey, creating a sense of peace, togetherness, and positive energy among the staff.

As a token of appreciation and gratitude for their valuable contribution, office bags were presented to all employees. The gesture was warmly appreciated by everyone.

The celebration concluded with happy memories, a feeling of togetherness, and renewed enthusiasm to continue working together for the growth and development of the children at V-Excel Learning Centre, Pandharpur.

“Teachers are the guiding lights who inspire, nurture, and empower every child to reach their potential.”

Event: Activity Report – Parent Coaching Programme Date: 08/09/2026

Topic: Role of Parents in Daily Living Activities

Conducted by: Rashmi Diwan, Special Educator, Autism Handling Therapist & Centre Coordinator

Venue: V-Excel Learning Centre, Pandharpur

Introduction

V-Excel Educational Trust, Learning Centre Pandharpur, organised a Parent Coaching Programme focusing on the “Role of Parents in Daily Living Activities.” The programme was conducted by Ms. Rashmi Diwan, Special Educator, Autism Handling Therapist and Centre Coordinator, with the objective of strengthening parents’ understanding and active involvement in developing their child’s independence in daily life.

Programme Details

During the session, parents were provided with parent coaching and practical guidance on various aspects of daily living skills. Previous analysis and observations of the children’s daily living skills were discussed to help parents understand their child’s current abilities, difficulties, and areas of progress.

The importance of breaking a daily activity into small, manageable steps was explained through the concept of task analysis. Parents were guided on how to provide appropriate prompts, allow sufficient time for the child to respond, gradually reduce assistance, and encourage independence.

Parent Participation

The participation of parents throughout the programme was very good and encouraging. Parents actively observed the demonstrations, participated in the practical activities, and showed interest in understanding effective ways of supporting their children at home.

The interactive nature of the session helped parents gain a better understanding of how everyday activities can become meaningful learning opportunities for their children.

Event: Eco-friendly Shri Ganesh Utsav 2026 – Celebration Report Date: 16/09/2026

V-Excel Educational Trust, Learning Centre, Pandharpur, celebrated Ganesh Utsav 2026 with great enthusiasm and active participation of children, parents, and teachers.

As part of the celebration, the children, with the guidance and support of the teaching staff, participated in preparing an eco-friendly Shri Ganesh idol. They also took part in the welcoming, Pranpratishtha, worship, and eco-friendly immersion of the idol.

During the Ganesh Visarjan, children, parents, and teachers enthusiastically participated in a traditional Maharashtrian Lezim performance, making the celebration joyful and inclusive.

The entire activity was designed as experiential learning through rituals and traditions. It provided opportunities for children to develop sensory awareness, motor skills, coordination, social interaction, cooperation, confidence, and awareness of environmental responsibility.

The celebration was a meaningful blend of culture, environmental awareness, experiential learning, and inclusion, reflecting the Centre's commitment to the holistic development and active participation of children with special needs.

Krishna Jayanthi Celebration

On 3rd September 2026, our students and staff came together to celebrate Krishna Jayanthi with great devotion and cultural spirit. The programme began with a special pooja for Lord Krishna, during which prayers were offered for the well-being and happiness of all. The students actively participated in the celebrations by singing devotional songs and bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna. They also performed delightful dances to Krishna songs, adding colour and joy to the occasion. The celebration provided an opportunity for the children to learn about the life and teachings of Lord Krishna and to appreciate the rich cultural traditions associated with the festival. The event concluded with the distribution of prasadam, which was received by everyone present.

Vinayagar Chathurthi Celebration

On 11th September 2026, the school celebrated Vinayagar Chathurthi in a simple yet meaningful manner. The celebration aimed to help students understand the significance of Lord Vinayagar, who is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the symbol of wisdom and knowledge. A special pooja was conducted with devotion, and students participated respectfully in the prayers and rituals. The occasion encouraged values such as faith, gratitude, and togetherness among the children. Following the pooja, sundal prasadam was distributed to all students and staff.

Outdoor Educational Trip to Tex Valley Textile Shop

On 30th September 2026, as part of our Experiential Learning Programme, an educational visit was organised to Tex Valley Textile Shop, Chithode. Texvalley is one of South India's largest textile marketplaces, located near Chithode, Erode. It serves as a major hub for textile manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and customers, offering a wide variety of garments, fabrics, home textiles, and related products under one roof. The spacious shopping complex provides visitors with an opportunity to explore different types of textile products

During the visit, the students had the opportunity to observe different sections of the textile store, understand how products are displayed and organised, and learn about the process of purchasing items in a real-world setting.

The children actively participated in selecting the required items, interacting with staff, and making purchasing decisions with appropriate guidance. The visit also helped enhance their communication, observation, and money-handling skills while promoting independence and confidence. The hands-on experience made learning meaningful and enjoyable for the students. Both the children and their parents expressed great satisfaction with the outing, as it provided valuable learning opportunities .

Krishna Jayanthi Celebration – 4th September 2026

Krishna Jayanthi was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam. The occasion was made special by the presence of Mr. Venkatesa Bhagavathar and his friend, who conducted a soulful bhajan session. The devotional songs created a serene and festive atmosphere, filling the centre with joy and spirituality.

Our staff, students, and vocational trainees participated wholeheartedly, singing along and enjoying the celebrations. The event fostered a sense of togetherness and devotion, making it a memorable occasion for everyone.

World Physiotherapy Day Celebration – 8th September 2026

World Physiotherapy Day was celebrated with enthusiasm through a range of creative and movement-based activities. Vocational trainees and staff participated in engaging sessions that included leaf painting, toothbrush spray painting, oil pastel art, and simple movement activities using umbrellas.

The celebration encouraged creativity, coordination, sensory experiences, and physical activity while providing opportunities for joyful interaction and teamwork. The event was both fun-filled and meaningful, highlighting the importance of movement and overall well-being.

Vinayagar Chathurthi Celebration – 11th September 2026

Vinayagar Chathurthi was celebrated with devotion and active participation at Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam. As part of the festivities, vocational trainees and staff enthusiastically engaged in making Vinayagar idols and other clay creations.

The activity not only encouraged creativity and fine motor development but also promoted teamwork and cultural learning. The celebrations continued the following day with the display and appreciation of the clay idols lovingly crafted by the trainees. The occasion beautifully blended tradition, creativity, and participation, making it a truly enriching experience for all.

Monthly Birthday Celebration – 30th September 2026

The monthly birthday celebration was held with warmth and joy to honour the birthdays of our Special Educator, Ms. Sathya Saravanan, and vocational trainees Sriramadesikan and Thiruselvan.

Staff and trainees gathered together to celebrate the special occasion with cheerful wishes, laughter, and shared moments of happiness. The celebration created a sense of belonging and appreciation, strengthening the bonds within the Abhyasa Kendra family and making the day memorable for everyone involved.

Vinayagar Chathurthi Celebration – 15th September 2026

Vinayagar Chathurthi was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm at our Nellai Unit. As part of the celebration, the children actively participated in performing pooja for Lord Vinayagar and offered traditional prasadam including kozhukattai, aval, pori, and sundal. The trainees were introduced to the significance of the festival and learned about Lord Vinayagar, his parents, and the stories associated with him, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual values connected with the occasion.

A special highlight of the celebration was the making of Vinayagar idols using clay. Through this hands-on activity, the children explored their creativity while developing fine motor skills and concentration. They also learned the significance of using clay idols, which symbolize our connection with nature and the importance of respecting the environment. The activity helped them understand that the idols are created from natural materials and are later returned to nature through immersion, representing the cycle of creation and renewal.

The children and parents joyfully participated in the celebrations and shared the prasadam together. On the following day, the trainees were taught about the tradition of immersing the clay Vinayagar idol and the meaning behind this practice. The celebration provided a valuable opportunity for cultural learning, creativity, environmental awareness, and joyful participation, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

EARLY INTERVENTION

BALL SORTING AND FINE ACTIVITY

Our students enthusiastically participated in the Ball Sorting and Fine Motor Activity. This activity helped the children develop hand-eye coordination, colour recognition, concentration, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Through fun and interactive learning experiences, the students improved their skills while building confidence and independence.

GROUP THERAPY ACTIVITIES

A group therapy session was conducted by our team for students and their parents. The session focused on improving motor skills, cognitive abilities, eye-hand coordination, communication, social interaction, and participation through fun and engaging activities. Parents actively participated alongside their children and supported them throughout the session.

REMEDIAL EDUCATION

TATTVA ART 2026

We were proud and happy to share that our talented students participated in the TATTVA Art Competition 2026. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to explore their creativity, express their imagination, and showcase their artistic talents. Each masterpiece reflected their unique ideas, effort, and confidence. We congratulated all our wonderful participants for their enthusiastic participation and creative efforts.

BALANCE AND COORDINATION ACTIVITY

Our remedial students participated in a fun and engaging Balance and Coordination Activity. The activity was designed to improve their balance, hand-eye coordination, motor planning, and concentration. Through various ball-based movements, the students practised maintaining body balance while controlling and passing the ball. The activity encouraged gross motor development, body awareness, coordination, and confidence in an enjoyable and supportive environment.

CUP STACKING ACTIVITY

The Cup Stacking Activity helped improve students’ attention, concentration, and hand-eye coordination. It also developed their memory, sequencing skills, and ability to follow instructions. As a fun and engaging activity, it promoted focus, self-control, and active participation among the students.

PHONICS ACTIVITY

The Phonics Activity helped students connect sounds with letters and visual symbols. It improved their phonemic awareness, attention, memory, and pronunciation skills. The activity made learning clear, structured, and multisensory while also supporting children who experienced difficulties with traditional reading instruction.

10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

We were delighted to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of OutReach Special School, marking a decade of beautiful memories, learning, achievements, and countless smiles. We expressed our gratitude for the continuous support of our students, parents, teachers, therapists, staff, and well-wishers throughout this journey. We were blessed by the presence of Sri Jegathatmanandha Saraswati Swamy, along with Prof. Anand Jegadesan, Mrs. Ponniswari, and Mrs. Lavanya Ashok.

As we stepped into another year, we looked forward to nurturing talents, creating opportunities, and empowering every child to reach their fullest potential.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

MONEY CONCEPT ACTIVITY

The Money Concept Activity was designed to develop students’ understanding of coins, currency notes, values, and basic money transactions. Through practical and hands-on activities, students with Intellectual Disability learned to identify different denominations, count money, match coins and notes with their values, and understand simple buying and selling situations.

This activity helped strengthen their numeracy skills, decision-making, problem-solving abilities, and real-life functional skills.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

A vocational training programme on soap making was provided for our young adult students to enhance their independence and practical life skills. This hands-on training helped the students develop vocational competencies, practical skills, and self-reliance.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING SESSION

A knowledge-sharing session was conducted for our staff by Ms.S.Saranya, Psychologist, to enhance our staffs understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Specific Learning Disorders( Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia).

The session covered the key characteristics, common challenges, learning needs, and appropriate support strategies for children with different developmental and learning difficulties. The session helped strengthen the staff’s knowledge and understanding of effective ways to support children.

KRISHNA JAYANTHI CELEBRATION

Krishna Jayanthi was celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness. The celebration included beautiful traditional activities, Krishna-themed decorations, songs, and fun-filled moments.

Our students actively participated in the celebrations and enjoyed learning about the values and traditions associated with Lord Krishna. The celebration created a joyful atmosphere and helped our students experience and appreciate the beauty of Indian culture and festivals.

MSW STUDENTS’ FIELD VISIT

Students from STC College, Pollachi, participated in an educational field visit to gain practical exposure and understand the functioning of our special education and rehabilitation setting.

The visit enhanced the students’ knowledge of inclusive education, rehabilitation services, and the professional role of social workers in empowering children with disabilities and supporting their families.

INCLUSION AWARENESS WEEK

The programme was conducted by Dr. S. Manju, Managing Trustee of OutReach Special School. As part of our inclusion awareness drive, “Build Trust. Navigate Change,” OutReach Special School successfully conducted VARNA 2026, a drawing competition at RISE Matriculation School, on the theme “A School Where Everyone Belongs.”The programme aimed to create awareness about inclusion among students and encouraged them to appreciate and celebrate diversity.

We expressed our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Neha Routher, Director, and Ms. Jyothi, Principal, of RISE Matriculation School for extending their full support and cooperation in making the programme meaningful and successful

3 DAY ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS - HATTON ZONE, SRILANKA

OutReach Special School successfully conducted a 3-day online training programme for school teachers in the Hatton Zone, Sri Lanka, on the topic of “Learning Disabilities and Strategies to Support Students.”

The programme was conducted by Dr. S. Manju, Educational Psychologist, who provided practical insights and effective strategies to help teachers identify and support students with learning disabilities in inclusive classroom settings. Through these sessions, around 45 school teachers benefited by gaining practical knowledge and skills to better understand and support students with learning disabilities.

We sincerely expressed our heartfelt gratitude to the Zonal Head of Education, Hatton Zone, and Mrs. Nithyakalyani, Principal of Victory School, for their immense support and cooperation in making the programme possible and ensuring its successful completion.

Krishna Jayanthi Celebrations:

On September 3rd, 2026, we joyfully celebrated Krishna Jayanthi at Kolapakkam. The children looked adorable in their vibrant Krishna and Radha costumes, adding colour and cheer to the day. The celebration included prayers, a delightful ramp walk and other engaging activities. The event was graced by SAF Staff members and HR officials.

Vinayaka Chathurthi Celebrations:

We celebrated Vinayaka Chathurthi on 11th September 2026. The children brought handmade Vinayagar idols for the pooja, adding a personal and creative touch. Traditional sweets and sundal prasadam were lovingly prepared and shared with the children and SAF HR team.

AHA Moments:From gestures to words- Mitreswaran’s journey

We are delighted to share the progress of Mithreshwaran (6 years), who joined V-Excel, Kolapakkam in March 2025.

His mother shares: "We had visited more than 7 therapy centres before, but we were not satisfied with the progress. After joining V-Excel Kolapakkam, we saw real changes."

Today, Mithreshwaran has improved in waiting, sitting tolerance, eye contact and responding to his name. He is learning to recognize emotions, follow simple instructions at home, and communicate his needs through gestures. He now greets and engages with his peers, can scribble, join dots, play ball and manages daily routines like dressing himself. The biggest AHA moment is that he has started imitating sounds and has begun to speak.

He is also watering plants at home, a skill learned at the centre. A recent field trip helped him learn to navigate public spaces, which has given us the confidence to take him out more regularly.

We are truly grateful to the entire V-Excel Kolapakkam team.

September is always a festive month. start with OTA pass out parade, teacher’s day celebration, Grundfos Staff Visit, Tarang and implementation of orders for Navaratri.

OTA Passing out Parade on 1st September, 2026

We sincerely thank our Trustee, Shri Anand Jagadeesan, for arranging the special entry passes for our VTU trainees and teachers. We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity and support, which enabled our trainees and others to have a meaningful and memorable experience.

Getting a front-row seat at the OTA Passing Out Parade is a rare privilege, and reaching the venue at 4:45 AM definitely paid off—securing those prime seats makes a world of difference for the trainees to see every bit of the action up close.

The formal military parade commenced sharply on schedule at 6:30 AM, featuring precision drill displays, military music, and the historic marching over the Antim Pag (Final Step)An assigned OTA staff member guided the group throughout the event and coordinated refreshments for everyone.

Despite the early start, the trainees were exceptionally cooperative, disciplined, and enthusiastic throughout the morning. Witnessing the dedication and grandeur of the newly commissioned officers served as a deeply motivating and memorable experience for both trainees and staff alike.

Teacher’s Day on 5th September 2026

Teacher’s Day was celebrated on 5th September 2026 at Coco Retreat Farm, ECR. All teachers, staff, and support staff participated enthusiastically in this special event organised by the V-Excel Management.

As part of V-Excel’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, the Lions Club of Chennai honored the teachers, staff, and support staff of V-Excel in recognition of their valuable contributions and dedicated service.

The Lions Club presented an award to the V-Excel team and distributed medals to all employees. The celebration was a memorable occasion that recognised and appreciated the commitment and contribution of every member of the V-Excel family.

Navaratri Orders:

We began receiving orders for Navaratri. Few persons visited us and purchased from our existing stock.

VISIT BY GRUNDFOS DELEGATES – 17th SEPTEMBER 2026

The visit by the Grundfos delegates was a positive and enriching experience for both the visitors and our trainees.

Our trainees warmly welcomed the guests and confidently interacted and socialised with them. Mr. Vasanth organised a interesting games, which encouraged active participation and teamwork.

The session provided a valuable opportunity for our trainees to develop their social interaction, communication and participation skills. It was an enjoyable and meaningful experience for everyone involved.

TARANG ON 17th SEPT 2026 @ BVB

VTU attended September month Tarang at BVB on Thursday, 17th Sept.  It was a wonderful program and theme of Shiva Thandavam performed by Kum. Manish Vasan & Team.  The performance of the dance was enjoyable. Her expressions especially for the dance about different kinds of ‘laughter’ was appreciated by the trainees.

TATTVA 2026

Self and Usha Mam discussed and internally finalised the participation of three trainees in the TATTVA 2026 event. Mr. Vasanth was assigned the responsibility of training and preparing the trainees to create paintings based on the theme provided by the TATTVA team.

VOCATIONAL ACTIVITIES/FUNCTIONAL ACADEMICS/THERAPY/COUNSELLING/MOVEMENT DANCE THERAPY

VOCATIONAL ACTIVITIES:

ART & CRAFT

• Trainee Sousan has shown good progress and independently worked on making bead strips for mobile pouches.

• Quilling activities were carried out by Adrian with guidance from Trainer Jayanthi.

• Sambrani making was undertaken by Veerasekar, Allwin, Rohan and Adrian, with the support of Ms. Bhavani, to fulfil the Navaratri order.

TAILORING

• Sousan independently stitched Ramanashram bags.

• Vishal, Rohan and Varun continued their tailoring training under the guidance of Ms. Bagavathi.

BLOCK PRINTING

• The design and colour combinations for block printing on Gada material were received from SNEH.

• During the month, 10 metres of Gada material were printed using a three-colour design by Rithvik and Ashwin, under the guidance of Teacher Bagavathi.

KITCHEN ACTIVITIES

• Raghavendra, Rithvik and Meenakshi participated in tea and kanji preparation under the guidance of the teachers.

• Veerasekar, Vishal and Adrian independently served kanji to the trainees and tea to the staff on a rotational basis.

MUSIC SESSION

• Mr. Anand continued conducting music classes every Thursday.

FUNCTIONAL ACADEMICS

• Ms. Uma oriented the trainees about the significance of the Navaratri festival.

• Trainees were engaged in tagging, labelling and trimming activities.

• Trainees participated in preparing props for TATTVA 2026 under the guidance of Mr. Vasanth.

COUNSELLING / THERAPY / MOVEMENT

• Mr. Vasanth and Ms. Jayadevi conducted regular therapy and counselling sessions respectively.

Key highlights for the month of September 2026

·         Internship interviews at Astra Zeneca campus – 04 September

·         Teacher’s Day – V-Excel's 25th anniversary celebration – 05 September

·         Product stall at Grundfos, Chennai – 09 September

·         Students Visit to YES – Shree Niketan Patasala Group of Schools – 16 September

·         Presentation at the Stakeholders conference – 22 September

·         Celebrations

o                  Krishna Jayanthi – 04 September

o                  Ganesh Chathurthi – 11 September

Internship interviews at Astra Zeneca

Six trainees were identified for the possible internship opportunity at the Astra Zeneca (AZ). Post their visit to YES in June, possibility of an internship of a few YES trainees was considered, and profiles of 6 trainees were shared. The process included detailed conversations and discussions regarding the action plan and the way forward. On 04 September, all 6 trainees were taken for a visit to their campus, and this also was combined with a brief interview of each one of them. Annette, Eshvar, Jeevan, Mithran, Srigayathri and Harishkumar, accompanied by Gayathri Suryanarayanan and John Moses went to the AZ office. Interviews of all the trainees went well, and the outcome is expected by October

Teacher's Day – V-Excel's 25th year celebration

This year's V-Excel's Teacher's Day celebration was very special as it also marked its journey of 25 years. On 05 September, a beautiful get-together was organised at the Coco Retreat Farms near Mahabalipuram in association with the Lions Club. Many staff members were recognised for their sincerity, dedication, commitment, and hard work. Gayathri Suryanarayanan and Yuvaraj from YES got awards and all the other staff members got medals for their service to the cause. The day was filled with fun, food, laughter, music, dance, and celebration. The awards, venue, and the food, were sponsored by the Lions Club.

Product Stall at Grundfos, Chennai

As every year, on 09 September, we had V-Excel's product stall at Grundfos campus, Chennai. YES participated along with the other vocational training unit, VTU. Sam Immanuel and Shenbagam from YES along with the trainee N. Hariharan manned the stall for the first half and then handed it over to VTU post lunch. All products were received with a lot of appreciation and in particular, YES's Millet laddus, Handmade notebooks, Laptop sleeves, Pizza sauce and Pasta sauce were a huge hit.

Students Visit to YES – Shree Niketan Patashala Group of Schools

On 16 September, 14 students from Grade 12, Psychology, of Shree Niketan Patashala Group of Schools, visited YES for practical learning experiences and case study-based projects as part of their academic work. They came along with 2 of their teachers. They spent nearly 2.5 hours at YES, understanding the vocational skill development program. They were also given a briefing about the disability sector, training methodologies, and specifically about the intellectually challenged community. They were also given an opportunity to interact with YES trainees for their better understanding.

Presentation at the Stakeholders Conference

Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), with the Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled and CoE Autism, hosted a workshop on inclusive skilling and employment for persons with hearing impairment and cognitive disabilities. The 2-day workshop was held at the Anna Centenary Library, Kotturpuram, Chennai on September 22-23, 2026.

Discussions emphasized the pathway from skill development to career growth, highlighting the need for industry‑aligned training and stronger partnerships. Ms. Gayathri Suryanarayanan, from YES, highlighted the need for a structured yet individualized pathway for persons with special needs covering skill development, life and communication skills, and family counselling while also addressing employer challenges such as misconceptions, CSR‑driven hiring, and safety concerns. Vikasith was conceived as a gateway to bridge these gaps and support sustainable employment.

Krishna Jayanthi

On 04 September, Krishna Jayanthi was celebrated at YES with the usual joy and cheer. A beautiful rangoli was made and everyone at YES wore blue colour, the colour of Lord Krishna. A small pooja was done and yummy payasam and seedai were distributed to all.

Ganesh Chathurthi

On 11 September, Ganesh Chathurthi was celebrated at YES. A grand pooja was done both for the Lord Ganesha temple at the premise and inside YES as well. The trainees made Lord Ganesha with leaves, and a few even made a beautiful Ganesha idol.

Key highlights for the month of September 2026

• Training sessions and Activities

• Assessments

• Assignments

Vikasith – Training sessions and activities

During September 2026, Vikasith began the new Quarter 2 Integration for the period of September to November 2026, with a strong focus on Computer Skills, Social Behaviour, and Communication Skills. The month was primarily dedicated to practical computer-based learning, covering Email, video meetings using Google Meet and Zoom, Google Drive, Online Safety and Cyber Awareness, Digital Payments and Services, and an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Trainees participated in numerous hands-on activities and practical assessments, providing opportunities to apply their learning through real-life digital tasks and strengthen their confidence, independence, accuracy, and ability to follow instructions.

Alongside digital learning, special Life Skills sessions were conducted focusing on personal grooming and appropriate professionalism. Trainees were guided on personal hygiene, neat appearance, appropriate dressing, workplace grooming, professional behaviour, and presenting themselves appropriately in social and work environments. Social Behaviour and Communication sessions further supported listening skills, respectful interaction, appropriate communication, confidence, and workplace etiquette. Overall, September established a strong foundation for the new quarter by combining practical digital learning, assessments, communication development, grooming, and professional behaviour to support greater independence and workplace readiness.

Assessments

During September, trainees participated in practical assessments covering key Computer Skills introduced during the month. The assessments focused on Email, Video Meetings using Google Meet and Zoom, and Cloud Tools such as Google Drive, allowing trainees to demonstrate their ability to perform digital tasks independently and follow instructions accurately.

Alongside, Life Skills assessments were also conducted to evaluate the trainees’ understanding and application of the skills covered during the month. The assessments included practical activities and simple tasks designed to assess their confidence, independence, communication, and ability to apply learned skills in everyday and professional situations.

Assignments

Class assignments and activities were an integral part of the September training, providing trainees with regular opportunities to practise and reinforce the skills taught during sessions. The 30-Day Challenge continued throughout the month, encouraging trainees to follow daily routines, maintain personal habits, take responsibility, and develop consistency, discipline, and independence. Various classroom activities, demonstrations, role plays, and practical tasks were also conducted to support active participation and real-life application of learning.

As part of the Computer Skills sessions, trainees were given class assignments and practical activities related to Email, Google Meet, Zoom, Google Drive, online safety and cyber awareness, digital payments and services, and the introduction to AI. These activities included creating and managing emails, joining online meetings, uploading and organising files in Drive, identifying safe and unsafe online practices, and exploring basic AI-based tasks. Regular hands-on activities helped trainees strengthen their digital skills, confidence, task completion, and ability to work independently.