Sahayika

Pre-vocational Skill Training Programme 14 to 18 years

Samyukt

Vocational Skill Training Programme
18+ years

SAHAYIKA

Sahayika is a comprehensive pre-vocational skill training programme with a fully developed curriculum for students from 14 to 18 years. This is a structured course conducted focussing towards Job Work in the areas of :

  • Manufacturing
  • Production and packing of corporate gifts
  • Handicrafts
  • Manufacturing
  • Production and packing of corporate gifts
  • Handicrafts

Objectives Of The Course

  • To ensure by the end of the training, the candidate can acquire an adequate amount of skills in a particular vocation
  • To become a socially accepted person in the community and society

Equipment

  • Specially designed aids for skill development
  • Comfortable, Ergonomically designed furniture and free flow of work space
  • Safe materials
  • Machinery and tools with adaptations for trouble free functioning

Methodology

  • The methodology adopted to impart the different skills is particularly appropriate, for candidates whose academic levels may be limited as well as for those whose functional competency is high with a passion to learn applicable skills.
  • The course is based on a cooperative learning method in a simulated setting and is designed to apply practical work skills that enhance learning while working.
  • The trainees are placed in a comfortable, stress-free environment.
  • Students get graded exposure to all the areas of Production/ Manufacture, Assembly and Packing, according to their individual level of performance.

SAMYUKT

We believe that our responsibility as a Special Needs School is to create and sustain an effective training environment for the students, with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities for young adults with Special Needs. Based on the ability of each individual and the consent of their parents, ‘SANKALP – SAMYUKT’ was born in 2018.

In Samyukt we work towards creating a self-sustaining group, of the students together with able-bodied persons who can make products and find a market for them. This gives the students an opportunity to earn an income and become active contributory members of the society.

View our available products here.

Objectives

  • To train young adults with special needs towards sustainable employment opportunities
  • To support innovative projects and training for young adults with Special Needs.
  • To monitor projects and training, leading to income generation and economic independence of the individuals with ASD & IDD.

Training Process

The training methodology is based on an efficient curriculum which involves a work culture, of discipline, pre and post organisational skill, accepted social skills and self-discipline. Various goals are set and students are expected to work in a structured manner. A separate time table is created for each student.

Evaluation

To create more awareness and varied exposure, field visits are organized and on the job training is arranged. Based on the competency level of the student and intensive research done on the employment opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, different models of employment are recommended :
  • Home Based Employment
  • Parents’ Cooperative
  • Family Enterprise
  • Open Placement
  • Part-time Job Opportunities

Course Activities

In order to achieve the objectives of this project the training happens in a working atmosphere thus helping the candidate get accustomed to the expected working culture in society. The various vocations that we provide skill training in are

Diploma in Bakery & Confectionary

It is a self-sustainable model of employment. It has scope for a collaborative work experience, with the help of an able-bodied person. In recent times times more consumers are choosing home bakers, and we hope this will prove beneficial and sustainable for young adults with special needs

Weaving

It teaches many developmental skills while offering a creative and challenging learning experience. As they weave, students develop fine motor skills and learn to create 3-D art, or think in three dimensions. Products and accessories are designed and made with the woven fabric.

Certificate course in Computer Training

Certificate courses are offered in Computer & Office Applications, Data Entry Operations and Desktop Publishing. Students are trained in computer operational skills which also include creating reports, accessing mail, working on Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint, thus equipping them with job skills.

Cutting, Tailoring & Dress-making

Tailoring is a vocation that  when mastered has the scope for the young adults with special needs to work out of home. They can set up a unit with relatively low investment  and this gives them an opportunity to build a career. It is also an outlet for them to develop and express creative ideas.

Embroidery

Embroidery is in the vocational area which is highly skilled and encourages creativity.

Leaf Ware and Eco-friendly Tableware Production

We train students in making eco-friendly leaf-based tableware. The various stages of training include cleaning, cutting, stacking, curing and sealing.

Paper Bag Production

At Sankalp the young adults are trained to use a semi-automatic paper bag making machine. The skills mastered are; measuring, cutting, counting, stacking, recycling and upscaling.

Flour and Masala Production

Trainees are taught to prepare wheat flour and different spice powders like health food mixes, idli powder, sambar powder in a hygienic and safe manner using the commercial roasting machines, mixers and grinders. Weighing, packing and labelling skills are also learnt.

Bead Craft

This craft helps students in improving their eye-hand coordination, concentration and problem-solving skills. Students understand patterns and sequencing, which are essential for their literacy and numeracy development. This activity also calms them down in addition to enhancing their creativity.

Cooking

This is an essential Life Skill. It helps them become more independent and self-reliant.

Gardening

This is yet another life skill that helps in keeping themselves calm and composed.

Housekeeping

This is yet another life skill that helps in keeping themselves calm and composed.

Sumathi Rajakrishnan

Director – Administration and Vocational Training

The Open School &  The Learning Centre & Special Needs School

Educational Qualification

  • B Sc Home science
  • LD tutor training from Alpha to Omega in 2000 & from Sankalp in 2000
  • Undergone training in IE levels-1,2,3,LPAD
  • Yoga Advanced Training & Therapy Counselling,
  • Diploma in Fashion Designing

Mrs. Sumathi Rajakrishnan is a highly creative and skilled resource for Sankalp. Her experience in teaching as well as planning curriculum and lessons for children with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder is a huge advantage, considering her unbridled service to Sankalp as a teacher and expert consultant for over 20 years.

Her inputs in the past two years as the Director of Administration and Vocational Training have proved her dexterity over various subjects. She has conducted workshops on Instrumental Enrichment Programme and various other vocational skills such as sewing, embroidery and tailoring to name a few.

Subhashini Rao

Founder Director – Emeritus, Sankalp Trust

Educational Qualification

  • M.A History

Mrs. Subhashini started as an Administrator for 5 years in the Special School – Alpha to Omega Learning Centre. She has been instrumental in handling the Administration, including staff welfare, interaction with parents and overall administration of both the schools and its activities efficiently for nearly 20 years. Her contribution to Sankalp’s growth is invaluable. She now continues to be a guiding force as our Emeritus. She is a true inspiration for all of us at Sankalp.

Lakshmi Krishnakumar

Founder Director – Special Education, Sankalp – The Open School

Educational Qualification

  • MA. Psychology University of Calicut, Kerala
  • Teacher Training programme in Learning Disability from Madras Dyslexia Association (Chennai)
  • Tutor Training Programme in Learning Disability from Alpha to Omega Learning Centre (Chennai)
  • First Phase and Advanced Level of Instrumental Enrichment (I.E.) programme by Dr. Reuven Feuerstein, Israel from Alpha to Omega Learning Centre (Chennai)
  • Learning Propensity Assessment Device (LPAD) International Center for the Enhancement of Learning Potential, Jerusalem, Israel, held at Chennai
  • Content Enhancement Series of workshops, based on the Strategies Intervention Model, (SIM) University of Kansas, held in Chennai.
  • Visual Strategies for Improving Communication organised by the Institute for Remedial Intervention Service, Chennai.
  • Workshop on Kinesiology
  • Arts Based Therapy Workshop by Snehadhara Foundation, Bangalore.
  • BSc. Zoology University of Calicut, Kerala

Mrs. Lakshmi Krishnakumar believes in providing a caring and holistic approach to education in order to develop a spiritual well-being in children. She is currently involved with curriculum planning, identification, screening and conducting Psycho-Educational Assessments. She has served and continues to do so as a guest Lecturer for Teacher Training Programs on Learning Disability conducted by other Resource schools in Chennai. Mrs Lakshmi has worked as a Psychologist / Remedial Tutor from 1990 – 1999 in Alpha to Omega Learning Centre Chennai, handling children with Learning Disabilities. 

With her extensive contribution in the field of special education, specifically for children with learning disabilities, she has been a forerunner in introducing one-of-a-kind teaching methodologies for children with Specific Learning Disabilities. Mrs Lakshmi has also conducted many training programmes for teachers and parents on Strategies for enhancing Language & Reading, Comprehension using Visual imagery, Executive Functioning Skills, Remedial Techniques for Math and Conceptual understanding and Teaching Methodology for handling children with “Learning Difficulty”- through a Multi-sensory Approach.

Dr Sulata Ajit

Founder Director – Special Education, Sankalp – The Learning Centre & Special Needs School.

Educational Qualification

  • PhD Doctoral Research from The University of Northampton, UK.
  • MA in Special and Inclusive Education (University of Northampton, UK),
  • B.Ed., (Special Education), (SNDT University, Mumbai)
  • BA Psychology, (Bombay University)

Dr. Sulata Ajit has worked assiduously in the area of Special Education specifically along with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities since 1990. In addition to her experience Dr. Sulata is a pioneer in introducing latest and distinctive teaching methodologies and strategies for teaching children with ASD and IDD.

She has organized & conducted many Teacher & Parent Training workshops on ASD. She has also immensely contributed to Special Projects in planning, assessment and modification of curriculum for children with ASD. She was selected as an Expert faculty for the State Resource Group under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) (Tamil Nadu) to conduct Teacher training towards inclusive education in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the year 2012. She has been a Faculty member for Autism training programmes organized by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

Dr. Sulata has presented papers and published articles on Inclusion of children with Special Educational Needs in many national & international platforms /journals.