Project Pamper – 0-8 years (Early Childhood Care & Education)
The first eight years of a child’s life are critical due to the rapid rate of her development. Children coming to SKHM’s Safe Centre benefit from a child–friendly environment stimulating learning and early-mind growth. They are given a safe space where they can catch up on sleep, learn a little, relax a lot and eat to their heart’s content.
The first three years of a child's life is also when she develops a sense of self. Parents can be seen as a child's first teacher: which is why SKHM has a Mothers’ Group comprising mums to these children who receive counselling and guidance from Mental Health Counsellor and Specialist Jolly Laha (Samikkhani). With guidance children can become comfortable with their environment—if they have that steady relationship. SKHM guides mothers and parents towards proper techniques that they and our caregivers can use to establish these relationships that allow children to be comfortable in their environment
Services
Play & Art-based Therapy: Play and Art-based Therapy is based upon the premises that play and art are natural mediums of self-expression. These therapies give an opportunity to the child to “play out” feelings. It helps in the following areas:
• Helps identify if a child is being subjected to abuse / trauma / neglect
• Helps reduce anxiety
• Facilitates a child’s emotional expression
• Promotes self-confidence and a sense of competence
• Develops a sense of trust in self (and others)
• Defines healthy boundaries
• Creates and enhances healthy relationships
• Enhances creativity and playfulness
Early education: Shape, colour, number and alphabet identification with an emphasis on Spoken English. But all this is carried out with the help of cue cards, audio-visual methods, etc.
Nutrition: Three meals / day– along with a health drink in the evening
Arts: Age appropriate music, dance and fine arts sessions
Story-telling & story-making (oral) sessions: Story-telling and making up stories are integral parts of growing up. Such processes introduce new vocabulary, enhance listening skills, help stay in touch with cultural roots and storytelling encourages development of emotions and feelings.
Project Nurture – 8-18 years
Play & Art-based Therapy & Group Counselling: As our students get older, group counselling starts from the age of 11 years, known in short as “group”. These private / confidential sessions are managed by Mental Health Counsellor and Specialist Suparna Rudra. Children lead these sessions themselves. Art therapy via workshops continues during vacations. Play therapy stops around the pre-teen period (11 years).
Education Programme: SKHM prepares children above 6 years to gain admission into mainstream schools. Emphasis is upon the transition of every child from a non-formal educational background to a formal government-run school. This process includes initiating and maintaining necessary paper work, liaising and networking with private and government schools; securing admission to schools and academic support once they secure admission. Post-admission, SKHM helps children and youth tackle home & class work as most of them are first-generation learners. SKHM follows-up on a regular basis with schoolteachers to keep up with a child’s progress. SKHM also encourages mothers to be a part of their children’s development process by visiting schools regularly. SKHM has a Mothers’ Group with which it works closely and in a participatory way to ensure continuation of education. Education program also includes digital literacy along with Spoken English classes.
Nutrition Programme: SKHM provides nutritional support for betterment of physical health. Besides providing three square meals a day and an energy drink, SKHM engages an occasional Paediatrician to keep an eye on children’s growth.
Extracurricular Activities:
• Karate Classes
• Drama Classes
• Creative-writing Classes (including a wall magazine—Ujaan)
• Photography Classes
• Music Class (Vocal)
• Dance Classes
• Alternative Art Classes (with Mustard Seeds Kolkata)
• Art Classes/Fine Arts Classes
Extra Sports Classes:
• Cricket Coaching (at Devang Gandhi Cricket Academy)
• Football Coaching (Bagha Shome Football Institute)