Author: Laxmi Pillai | Jul 20, 2016
At Sethu, we believe that it takes a village to raise a child. For our work to be most effective, we need to empower parents, teachers, professionals and anyone who works with children. In order to achieve this goal, we conduct many training programs and workshops throughout the year in a wide area of subjects.
Workshops and trainings help Sethu to effectively connect with the community of people and professionals who care for children and enhance the awareness levels about different disabilities like Autism, ADHD and Learning Disabilities.
As Sethu’s recently appointed Training Coordinator, I am trying my best to streamline the entire process of implementation of our training program and ensure that it chugs along, full steam ahead like a smooth, efficient and effective Sethu Express Train (ing)! Over the last 3 months, Sethu has reached out to children with autism and their families, through the Aarambh and Asha programs. We had the Gnyandeep workshop for the Aanganwadi teachers wherein they strengthened their skills in offering inclusive education and learnt how to make visual teaching aids with limited resources. During April, many teachers attended Class Act – our annual workshop for primary teachers which focused on respectful discipline, phonological awareness and phonics, sensory integration and multi-sensory learning.
To be good teachers, we strive to first be good learners at Sethu and continuously attempt to expand our knowledge base in keeping with new information and technology. We have been using AVAZ, an AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) application that works on smart phones and tablet devices for children with limited or no verbal communication. A workshop was conducted for parents and professionals on the features of AVAZ and how parents can customize it to suit their child.
Some of our other popular workshops are: All about growing up, Childhood sexuality, Parenting teenagers, Classroom Management and many more. Our workshops have always been well received and we constantly try to change and adapt our course content, design and execution to increase effectiveness. Please visit our web site for further information regarding our upcoming workshops and let us know if you have any suggestions on how Sethu’s Express Train (ing) could go further.