Shriram Foundation organised a seminar on the holistic development of pre-primary children on June 8 at Vijayawada to mark the launch of our pre-primary training initiative in partnership with Andhra Mahila Sabha, Hyderabad. The seminar that ran between 10 am and 5 pm was well attended by an audience of School Correspondents, pre-primary teachers and members of the parent communities of our schools in Krishna District.   

The Chief Guest was Mrs Chenupati Vidya, veteran Gandhian, twice Lok Sabha M.P and President, Vasavya Mahila Mandali, an established NGO in Vijayawada. She called for moral and ethical education for children and reminded the audience that schools needed to play a more active role in raising a responsible citizenry for the country. 

Dr. T. Madhu, paediatrician, of Surakshita Children's Hospital, Vijayawada, spoke on the physical growth and development of children in the early years. 

Ms. Jamuna Kakarla, clinical psychologist at Indlas Child Guidance Clinic, Vijayawada, spoke on emotional and psychological development of pre-primary children. She also addressed the issue of early identification of disabilities and developmental delays in very young children. 

Prof. K. Lakshmi, Chairperson, State Resource Centre, Early Childhood Education Program, Andhra Mahila Sabha, spoke on the importance of appropriate Early Childhood Education practices to ensure real education and cognitive development.

Mrs Maya Gaitonde, Honorary Secretary General, Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust, Chennai, spoke on the importance of active and wise parenting during the early years.

Mrs Sumathi Sudhakar, Program Director, Shriram Foundation, welcoming the Chief Guest and speakers.

 Mrs Jayashree Mahesh, Director-Operations, Shriram Foundation, presenting a memento to the Chief Guest, Mrs Chenupati Vidya.

Children from Vasavya Mahila Mandali Children’s Home who performed a welcome dance

Dr Keerthi of Vasavya Mahila Mandali and the children receiving a memento

Chief Guest Mrs Chenupati Vidya, President, Vasavya Mahila Mandali, addressing the participants

The participants comprising Correspondents, pre-primary teachers and parents of the Krishna District schools

Dr. T.Madhu addressing the gathering.

Mrs Sumathi Sudhakar, Program Director, Shriram Foundation, addressing the participants.

Ms Jamuna Kakarla delivering her presentation.

Prof.Laxmi addressing the gathering

The participants comprising Correspondents, pre-primary teachers and parents of the Krishna

Mrs Maya Gaitonde of Bala Mandir Trust speaks

Prof.Laxmi & Mrs Maya Gaitonde clarifying doubts raised by participants

Mr.Chandrasekar, Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Private School Owners Association, speaks