PROGRAMS @ DHAI AKSHAR
At Dhai Akshar, our teachers and volunteers strive to empower and support children through a wide range of programs, which are specially designed to enrich their talents while ensuring they still have loads of fun and enjoy the process of learning.
Our programs are divided into 4 main verticals and benefit over 85 children every day.
VERTICAL I: EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
This vertical focuses on strengthening the children’s academic foundation, particularly in languages, sciences, and mathematics, to help them keep up with their grade-level requirements at school. This is essential since many children struggle due to gaps in their fundamental knowledge, leading to disengagement from learning.
Current Programs (AY 2023-24):
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English, Mathematics and Science tutorials for Stds. I to VIII
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All subjects’ tutorials for Stds. IX and X
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Commerce tutorials for Stds. XI and XII, and when required, support for enrolment in external coaching classes for other subjects
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General Knowledge classes for all students
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Robotics classes
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Resource Room sessions based on Montessori principles to inculcate critical thinking and encourage students to conduct research, prepare (digital) presentations, and confidently present their thoughts and ideas to an audience
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Routine assessments to understand the progress of the children and to tweak program interventions for the children
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Parent-Teacher Meetings to involve parents in their children’s progress and work alongside them to provide supportive and sensitive learning environments, both at the center and at home
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Career counselling for our older students
VERTICAL II: CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
At Dhai Akshar, we provide a range of activities in various art forms, including music, dance, drama, and visual arts, to nurture the children’s creativity and self-expression. These activities help in building confidence, enhancing social skills, and providing a productive outlet for their energy.
CURRENT PROGRAMS (AY 2023-24)
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Arts and Crafts
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Theatre
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Iyengar Yoga
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Martial Arts
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Konnakol (Carnatic vocal percussion)
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Hindustani Classical Singing
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Bharatnatyam
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Modern Dance
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Photography and Visual Storytelling
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Life Skills Workshops
VERTICAL III:
HEALTH, WELLNESS, & LEGAL SUPPORT
At Dhai Akshar, we believe it is crucial to ensure that our students and staff – many of whom come from challenging and unstable environments – feel safe, strong, and healthy. We take utmost care to support the physiological and psychological well-being of our community, and to equip our children with knowledge to empower them in the real world. Providing nutritionally sound meals, health check-ups, legal education, and offering robust mental health support goes hand in hand with our holistic learning approach as it helps our students stay focused, manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Our Interventions Since 2013
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Nutritious daily mid-day meals for all students and snacks for our evening batch, sponsored by the Food Angels group
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In-center psychological counsellors
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Detection and support for students with learning disabilities
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Sanitary napkin distribution
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Yearly health camps for all students and staff, including pathology, ophthalmology, ENT, and dental checks
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Providing case-by-case healthcare support, such as nutritional supplements, medicines, eyeglasses, and trips to the GP if needed
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Sex education for students of all ages
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Career counselling
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Legal education workshops for all ages with an emphasis on the fundamental rights of children and POCSO
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Legal aid if needed on a case-by-case basis
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Weekly provision of rations and essentials to all families during the COVID-19 lockdowns
VERTICAL IV:
EVENTS & OUTINGS FOR ALL
Regular events and gatherings are organized to foster a sense of community for our students, to celebrate their achievements, and expose them to new experiences. These events are important to build social cohesion, create joyful memories, and encourage students’ participation in group activities.
Ongoing Efforts
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Annual Day (Concert)
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Annual Sports Day
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Annual Summer Camp
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Small celebrations for all birthdays and festivals at the center (Independence Day, Republic Day, Children’s Day, Teacher’s Day, Christmas, Diwali, Eid, etc.)
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Art and Robotics exhibitions
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Art & crafts for fundraisers and pop-up events
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Weekly beach cleaning
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Participation in external competitions (Inter-School, Inter-NGO, District-Level, State-Level)
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Public performances
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Sponsored visits to museums, plays and children’s films