Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
Joint Initiative between Madhuram Narayanan Centre (MNC) and Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) (2018-2019) for Training Special Educators & Therapists
Introduction
A joint initiative was launched on 05 March 2018 between the Office of the Project Director, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), Tamil Nadu, and Madhuram Narayanan Centre for Exceptional Children (MNC), aimed at training over 600 special educators and therapists working in Early Intervention Centers across 32 districts in Tamil Nadu under the SSA banner. This initiative was funded by UNICEF.
Key Objectives
The main objectives of the initiative include
- Enhancing Teaching Skills – To improve the teaching and training skills of special educators attached to Early Intervention Centres under SSA, Tamil Nadu.
- Coordinating with Therapists – To train special educators in collaborating effectively with therapists to create holistic and impactful intervention programs at each centre.
- Outreach Planning – To work with parents to identify and reach out to every child in need of services within their communities.
- Engaging Parents – To motivate educators in developing innovative techniques that make the learning process more engaging for parents, thereby enhancing their role as active carryover agents in their child’s development.
- Identifying Future Leaders – Identifying suitable candidates during training to take on the role of ‘Aasaans’, who will counsel, guide, and coordinate with other staff members at each centre, and promote practical application of theoretical insights gained during training.
Training Implementation
Training commenced on 02 April 2018, with a total of 16 batches comprising 40 participants each, including both special educators and therapists, receiving training over the course of one year. The project was executed with enthusiasm from both parties and successfully concluded in July 2019.