Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
Moving Ahead
MNC’s annual Moving Ahead celebration is a proud and momentous occasion for everyone at the centre. This event marks the transition of children with developmental delays and intellectual disabilities from our Early Intervention Programs to further education in mainstream or special schools, as well as our Jivikam Skill Development Unit. Over the past 18 years since the program’s inception, the ceremony has celebrated the graduation of over 200 children who have successfully enrolled in mainstream or special schools.
Each child at MNC faces unique developmental delays, varying in type, level, and degree. Managing their disabilities has been their greatest challenge, making it a source of immense pride for our teachers and parents to witness these children overcome obstacles and become eligible for further education.
Our Early Intervention programs focus on bridging developmental gaps by teaching age-appropriate daily living skills and helping children achieve individually set goals at their own pace. Throughout the early years, our children have been guided by special educators and therapists who utilize music, yoga, and play therapies among others to harness their individual strengths.
The support system behind the Moving Ahead ceremony, known as Sanmargam (meaning “good direction”), aims to provide essential building blocks for each child’s advancement while also guiding mainstream school teachers on how to include and accommodate our children as they transition into new educational environments.
For those enrolling in special schools, the system offers specialized education in functional academics and prepares them for vocational training in later school years. This educational pathway equips children with the necessary skills for suitable and meaningful occupations in adulthood, fostering greater independence in their daily living activities.
The Moving Ahead ceremony takes place on the last day of each academic year, allowing children to don graduation gowns, receive gifts, and showcase their talents through plays and songs.
Parent Testimonials from the Moving Ahead Ceremony
Mrs. Jayalakshmi, mother of student Kirthik B., expressed her gratitude to MNC, highlighting the dedication and sincerity of the special educators at the centre. She noted that it was here that her child first became verbal and developed the skills needed to enter mainstream schooling, where he is now thriving in Standard 4.
Mrs. Sudha, mother of student Partha – who is now employed at a private firm – shared that MNC empowered her to become an effective carry-over agent for her child’s learning and effectively support his development.