LIFESKILLS TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

life Skills Development through Indian Theatre" Project (Last Three Months)

This report outlines the activities and outcomes achieved through the "Elife Skills Development through Indian Theatre" project over the last three months. The project aims to utilize tools of Indian theatre to foster creativity, cultural awareness, and personal development among participants.

Objectives
The primary objectives of the project were to:

1. Enhance engagement and participation among children through storytelling and dramatic play.
2. Foster social skills and teamwork through collaborative activities.
3. Promote physical well-being and creativity through movement-based exercises and visual arts.
4. Increase cultural awareness and personal responsibility through discussions on national symbols and healthy living.

Tools and Methodologies
To achieve these objectives, the following tools and methodologies were employed:

• Storytelling Techniques: Utilized engaging narratives from Indian folklore to captivate the audience and facilitate learning.
• Dramatic Play: Enabled children to embody characters and express emotions, enhancing their understanding of narratives and fostering empathy.
• Music and Dance: Incorporated traditional songs and action songs, alongside Zumba, to encourage physical movement and rhythm, promoting fitness and creativity.
• Visual Arts: Facilitated activities such as fingerprint art and flower painting, which encouraged creativity and developed fine motor skills.
• Cultural Symbols: Conducted discussions around national symbols and healthy food choices to raise awareness of heritage and wellness.

Key Happenings and Outcomes
The project saw significant engagement and positive outcomes during the reporting period:

• Participation: Over 50 children actively participated in the sessions, demonstrating heightened interest and enthusiasm for the activities.
• Social Development: Participants showcased improved collaboration and communication skills, successfully working in teams during group activities.
• Creative Expression: Children exhibited increased creativity through visual arts, with many producing unique and thoughtful artwork.
• Physical Development: Movement-based activities resulted in improved coordination and overall physical fitness, contributing to a more active lifestyle among participants.
• Cultural Awareness: Discussions led to a greater understanding of cultural heritage, with children expressing pride in their national symbols and a commitment to healthy living.

Celebration of Cultural Events
During this period, several key events were celebrated, including:

• Independence Day Artwork: Children engaged in creating patriotic art, which not only fostered a sense of national pride but also enhanced their artistic skills and creativity.
• Onam Kolam Session: Participants learned the traditional art of Kolam, promoting teamwork and fine motor skills while connecting with cultural traditions.
• Gandhi Jayanti Variety Entertainment: This event showcased various talents among the children, encouraging public speaking, performance skills, and confidence in expressing themselves in front of an audience.

Livelihood Training

In addition to the above activities, livelihood training was provided to a select group of students. They were taught to create handcrafted products such as thoranams, spectacle chains, beaded necklaces, coasters, trays, and pen stands. The handcrafted items were sold at two stalls, offering the students an opportunity to practice entrepreneurship, develop practical skills, and gain confidence in their abilities to create marketable products.

These events played a crucial role in enhancing the students' abilities, providing them with opportunities to express their cultural identity, collaborate effectively, and develop a sense of responsibility toward their community.

Links:

• Onam 2024
• Anbudan - Livelihood Division
• Gandhi Jayanti 2024