SELebrating Inclusion Summit (SIS) 2023
An annual gathering for Social Emotional Learning and Inclusion
April 27-29, 2023
April 27-29, 2023
Thank you to all who made this summit a success! |
Change is possible only when all those that are part of the context come together to make systems more inclusive
and conducive to social and emotional wellbeing.
Apni Shala and Ummeed come together once again to advocate for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Inclusion and to create a platform to bring all stakeholders in the world of social emotional learning and inclusion together. The SELebrating Inclusion Summit is envisioned to be an annual SEL and inclusion gathering of organizations, policy makers, schools, educational institutions, families, educators and any individuals working towards making the education system more inclusive, safe and focused on the wellbeing of those accessing it.
The third edition of the SELebrating Inclusion Summit (SIS 2023) will explore “Culture, Policy, and Practices to build Social Emotional Learning informed Inclusive Education”.
SIS 2023 hopes to build on the discussions from the previous summit which revolved around development of inclusive systems, discussion on SEL in public education systems, impact of being inclusive of diverse learners needs on access to SEL, mindsets, resources and support systems, implementing SEL curriculum, and making SEL and inclusion a reality at scale. Moreover, it intends to explore in-depth the intersection of inclusion and SEL and the possibilities that it creates.
Why attend SIS 2023?
The intention of SIS 2023 is to create a space for attendees to:
- Delve deeper to explore the practices underpinning inclusion and SEL
- Foster partnerships for furthering SEL and inclusion
- Experience wellbeing and inclusion
Where and when will SIS 2023 be hosted?
SIS 2023 is a sign-up based event hosted in a hybrid mode (online, offline, live stream).
The event will be spread across 3 days i.e. April 27, 28, and 29, 2023.
The event will be spread across 3 days i.e. April 27, 28, and 29, 2023.
- Day 1 (April 27) will be online.
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Please note delivery modes for each session in the Schedule section.
Who can attend?
Individuals representing organizations or in their individual capacities can sign up to attend SIS 2023.
We welcome all individuals working with organizations/schools/educational institutions, policy makers, families, caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, students and anybody else working towards making the education system more inclusive, safe and focused on the wellbeing of those accessing it.
We welcome all individuals working with organizations/schools/educational institutions, policy makers, families, caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, students and anybody else working towards making the education system more inclusive, safe and focused on the wellbeing of those accessing it.
Themes
SystemsPanel discussions, keynote address, or sessions that focus on the Culture, Policy & Practice that nurture SEL and inclusion. This will include students, teachers, govt. officials, families, school principals, and NGO representatives.
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StoriesSpotlighting the work of organizations, communities, and individuals in the SEL and inclusion landscape in India and the world.
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Spaces of WellbeingWorkshops and experiential spaces that seek to nurture wellbeing, care and inclusion for all participants in practice and highlight inclusive and SEL practices.
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Schedule
A summary of the three days of the summit is given below. A description of each of the sessions will be provided soon.
Delivery modes vary. Please see notes regarding delivery mode (Offline/Online/Live Streaming options) for each session.
SIS 2023: Exploring Culture, Policy, ad Practices to build Social Emotional Learning informed Inclusive Education
Delivery modes vary. Please see notes regarding delivery mode (Offline/Online/Live Streaming options) for each session.
SIS 2023: Exploring Culture, Policy, ad Practices to build Social Emotional Learning informed Inclusive Education
Time |
Session |
Details |
How you can Join |
9:30 am - 10:00 am |
Introduction, Intention Setting, and Welcome to the Summit |
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Online on Zoom + Livestream available |
10:30 am - 10:45 am |
Experiential Activity |
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Online on Zoom + Livestream available |
11:00 am - 12:15 pm |
Role of Culture, Policies and Practices in building SEL informed inclusive schools (Panel Discussion) |
Topics
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Online on Zoom + Livestream available |
12:15 pm - 12:45 pm |
Reflection Groups |
- |
Online on Zoom + Livestream available |
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm |
Lunch Break |
- |
- |
1:45 pm - 3:00 pm |
SEL-Informed Inclusive Policies for Schools |
Topics
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Online on Zoom + Livestream available |
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm |
Who and what is missing from the conversation around SEL and Inclusion? |
Topics
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Online on Zoom + Livestream available |
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm |
Reflection and Closure | Key takeaways from today and hope for the future |
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Online on Zoom + Livestream available |
Time |
Session |
Details |
How you can join |
9:00 am - 10:00 am |
Registration |
- |
In-person |
10:00 am - 10:30 am |
Welcome/ Intention Setting |
- |
In-person |
10:30 am - 11:30 am |
What if... :Stories of hope from the field |
Topics
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In-person (Accessible on Apni Shala and Ummeed Child Development Center's YouTube Livestream for online participants) |
11:30 am - 12:00 pm |
Reflection groups |
- |
In-person |
12:10 pm - 1:20 pm |
Stories 1: What does Inclusion look like in the Classroom? |
Topic Role of teachers and students in creating inclusive classrooms Panelists
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In-person (Accessible on Apni Shala and Ummeed Child Development Center's YouTube Livestream for online participants) |
12:10 pm - 1:20 pm |
Stories 2: Revisiting Policies & Practices after the Pandemic |
Topic Post pandemic changes and challenges in implementing SEL informed inclusive policies and practices Panelists
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In-person (Accessible on Apni Shala and Ummeed Child Development Center's YouTube Livestream for online participants) |
12:10 pm - 1:20 pm |
Stories 3: My Journey of driving SEL & Inclusive Culture |
Topic Journey of individuals in driving organisation/team wide SEL and inclusive culture. Panelists
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In-person (Accessible on Apni Shala and Ummeed Child Development Center's YouTube Livestream for online participants) |
1:20 pm - 1:30 pm |
Reflection groups |
- |
In-person |
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm |
Lunch Break |
- |
- |
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
Spaces of Wellbeing Workshop 1: The Shor: Exploring Wellbeing using Poetry |
About the workshop Shor is a poetry gathering group where different people come to express their stories through poetry, storytelling, rap, and many other different forms of expression. It is an open community where anyone can come and share their story. They hope to create a safe place for expression where people can seek healing and come together for the magic of stories. Facilitators
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Only for in-person participants |
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
Spaces of Wellbeing Workshop 2: The Play Quest: Rediscovering the value of Play for adults |
About the workshop The Play Quest is an initiative for adults to rediscover the value of play in their lives. Through the workshop, they hope for individuals to find a way to connect to their playful inner self, to others and to the world around them. Facilitators
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Only for in-person participants |
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
Spaces of Wellbeing Workshop 3: Seeds of Awareness |
About the workshop This will be a Dance Movement workshop Facilitator
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Only for in-person participants |
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm |
Spaces of Wellbeing 1 by Mental Health Team - Ummeed Child Development Center |
Topic Ummeed’s Mental Health Team uses Narrative Ideas to navigate conversations around wellbeing and Mental Health wish communities, disabled children and their families. Facilitators
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Only for online participants via Zoom |
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm |
Spaces of Wellbeing 2 by Apni Shala Foundation |
Topic A wellbeing session on co- creating wellbeing spaces in classrooms, using experiential learning Facilitators
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Only for online participants via Zoom |
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm |
Closure |
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Time |
Session |
Details |
How you can join |
9:00 am - 9:30 am |
Registrations |
- |
In-person |
9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Jaan- Pehchaan: Let’s get to know each other! |
- |
In-person |
10:30 am - 11:30 am |
Community Of Practice |
About A community of people that emerged from SELebrating Inclusion Summit 2021 and 2022, meeting online several times to share and facilitate spaces based on their journey and experience of making Social Emotional Learning and Inclusion possible in their context. Facilitators
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In-person |
11:30 am - 12:00 pm |
Reflection Groups |
- |
In-person |
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm |
Gallery: A showcase of best practices in the field of Education for SEL and Inclusion for different stakeholders |
Presenters
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In-person |
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm |
Lunch Break |
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2:30 pm - 4:00 pm |
SEL and Inclusion Community - A discussion Key takeaways and hopes for next year |
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In-person |
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
Dance and music to SELebrate Inclusion! |
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In-person and livestreaming |
*A Wellbeing Corner will be open on 28th April and 29th April from 11.30 am to 5:00 pm.
Gallery: Showcase your SEL-Informed Practice
What is the gallery?
The Gallery space aims to bring together different organisations working towards making SEL and Inclusion possible not just with children, but with different stakeholders that they are working with. The subjects/ topics that we are hoping to explore are:
There will be about six to seven individuals/ organisations that will be presenting their work in the Gallery space. The presentations can be in any form that the presenters want it to be in; for example- it can be in the form of a verbal presentation, a powerpoint presentation, posters/ charts, songs, poems, and/ or it can be an experiential space as well. A part of the room will be allotted for each presentation.
The duration of each presentation will be around 20 minutes, and 10 minutes will be given for addressing any questions and answers from the participants.
The participants will be given an option to choose any 3 presentations to explore during the 1.5 hours of the gallery presentations.
- SEL & Inclusion practice with Student ( Elementary )
- SEL & Inclusion practice with higher grade students
- SEL & Inclusion practice with Youth
- SEL & Inclusion practice with Caregivers
- SEL & Inclusion practice with Teachers
- SEL & Inclusion practice with Team
- SEL & Inclusion practice with Supporting staff
There will be about six to seven individuals/ organisations that will be presenting their work in the Gallery space. The presentations can be in any form that the presenters want it to be in; for example- it can be in the form of a verbal presentation, a powerpoint presentation, posters/ charts, songs, poems, and/ or it can be an experiential space as well. A part of the room will be allotted for each presentation.
The duration of each presentation will be around 20 minutes, and 10 minutes will be given for addressing any questions and answers from the participants.
The participants will be given an option to choose any 3 presentations to explore during the 1.5 hours of the gallery presentations.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO SHOWCASE YOUR PRACTICE - by April 9, 2023
The individuals/ organisations who are interested in being a part of the gallery space and present the practices around the given themes are required to fill- up the google form below as an Expression of their Interest starting 24th February 2023.
There might be a small discussion for which the SIS Team will contact the Individual/ organisations who have expressed interest in presenting at the summit. This will be aimed at knowing more about the practices that they are hoping to showcase.
We hope to have representations for all the different themes mentioned earlier, hence, only a few Individuals/ Organisations might be contacted for presenting based on the other responses received. The same will be communicated through email.
Last date to fill the form and express your interest to be a part of the gallery space: April 9, 2023
There might be a small discussion for which the SIS Team will contact the Individual/ organisations who have expressed interest in presenting at the summit. This will be aimed at knowing more about the practices that they are hoping to showcase.
We hope to have representations for all the different themes mentioned earlier, hence, only a few Individuals/ Organisations might be contacted for presenting based on the other responses received. The same will be communicated through email.
Last date to fill the form and express your interest to be a part of the gallery space: April 9, 2023
Panelists, Facilitators, and Moderators
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ABHIJEET DHURVE
PROGRAM LEAD, APNI SHALA FOUNDATION bio
Abhijeet Dhurve has completed his Master’s Degree in community organization and development practice (MSW) from the Tata Institute Of Social Science. He has been in the field of social work since 2011. He works at Apni Shala as a Program Lead. When Abhijeet is not working he is busy playing cricket or traveling to places. |
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ADITI JHA
SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER, UMMEED CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Bio
Aditi Jha is part of the Social Work Services team & associated with Ummeed Child Development Center since 10 years. She has done her Masters in Social Work - specialised in Disability Studies & Action from Tata Institute of Social Studies. Aditi guides caregivers of children with disabilities about their Rights & Entitlements & supports them in availing it. |
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ADWAIT DANDWATE
CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VARDISHNU Bio
Adwait is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Vardhishnu, a Jalgaon, Maharashtra based not-for-profit trying to create an eco-system of learning and support for children from vulnerable backgrounds. Through its program Anandghar, Vardhishnu creates safe and joyful spaces in the form of community learning centers for the children from vulnerable backgrounds. These centres aims at providing holistic education including nurturing reading writing comprehension, social-emotional well-being, health & physical wellbeing with an aim to take children out of the clutches of child labour and enrol & sustain them in schools. |
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AKASH GAIKWAD
CO-FOUNDER, THE SHOR Bio
Akash Gaikwad is a co-founder of Shor. His poetries are often influenced by music. He loves to write about the day to day life observations and about the well-being of self. He has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Mumbai. He is Social-emotional learning(SEL) facilitator and a visual art facilitator. He has facilitated SEL and visual arts with the different age groups of children, parents, and teachers/educators. |
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AMAN SHARMA
CO-FOUNDER, TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER FOR HEARING IMPAIRED Bio
Aman has an MBA Degree and corporate experience of 8+ years. He has been part of Special Schools for Hearing & Speech Impaired Children. He co-founded TEACH in 2016 and has impacted more than 200 children to date. TEACH aspires to build a holistic ecosystem for students with speech & hearing impairment. |
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AMANYA SAHNEY
STUDENT, BOMBAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL bio
Hi, I'm Amanya Sahney. I’m a 12th grade student at the Bombay International School. I interned with Ummeed in the summer of 2022 and attended a socio-emotional learning session at the Vanita Vishram School where I first understood the importance of SEL learning. |
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AMRITA NAIR
DIRECTOR OF R&D AND ADVOCACY, APNI SHALA FOUNDATION bio
Amrita Nair has completed her Bachelors’ degree in Psychology from Mumbai University, and a Masters’ degree in Social Entrepreneurship from TISS. Before cofounding Apni Shala in 2013, Amrita worked with the Akanksha Foundation and Aasara Home for boys. She has also been trained in personal counseling and Rational emotive behaviour therapy. Since 2013, she has been a facilitator of Theatre of the Oppressed. In 2016, she attended the New Leader’s Week with the National SEED project and has been facilitating Mumbai based groups on Diversity and Inclusion. She is a Library Educator trained at Bookworm Goa in 2019 and currently, she is working as the Director of R&D and Advocacy at Apni Shala. |
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ARVA KAPASI
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR, PATHWAYS FOUNDATION bio
Arva holds a masters in Psychological counseling and psychotherapy and has a diploma in special education. She is the founder director of an NGO called Pathways Foundation through which they are helping various aided and non aid schools working for underprivileged children by identifying children with Learning difficulties to start early intervention and do counseling and remediation for them, they also try to guide the teachers on Inclusion and SEL practices in the classroom where in each child feels secure and comfortable. Arva along with her team is working on developing a curriculum for school teachers based on active and experiential learning to accommodate all children of the class and simultaneously develop their core skills for future life. |
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ASHISH SHRIVASTAV
FOUNDER, SHIKSHARTH Bio
Ashish is the founder of Shiksharth, designing contextually relevant education solutions for children coming from spaces of conflict and adverse geography. Working for 18+ years, He is an engineer turned education sector contributor with 16+ years of experience in information technology and education. After working with Infosys and NIIT Ltd, he has been contributing in the space of education in Sukma and Bastar, Chhattisgarh for more than a decade now. Prior to Shiksharth,he has been an entrepreneur with Prarambh, Bachpan Banao and AwakIND. He is also an Acumen India Fellow, Teach For India Fellow and is a practitioner of giving as a way of life and is a volunteer for DaanUtsav. |
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CHINTANJEET KAUR
CHILD AND DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS ACTIVIST, ADMINISTRATOR, CHOTAY TARAY FOUNDATION Bio
Child and Disabilities Rights Activist Administrator Chotay Taray Foundation, Organization working for children with special needs Since 2000. Working for children with disabilities and Inclusion in the various outreach areas of Kashmir specifically pertaining to the needs of Children with disabilities regarding Inclusion, accessibility, educational facilities in Jammu and Kashmir in liaising with the state agencies and jn the communities. |
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CHILDREN IN PROGRESS (CHIP) MUMBAI: RAYNA AND NAIRAH
ABOUT
CHIP (Children in Progress) Mumbai is an NGO providing holistic education to children studying in BMC schools. The parent organization was started by a group of Educationists and Doctors in Kolkata in 1997. The Mumbai chapter has been active since 2004. Our primary goal is to promote quality education in government schools, giving the students an opportunity to realize their potential and acquire knowledge, new skills, and an attitude that will help them become successful citizens and lifelong learners. |
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DEEPTI ADSULE
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OUTREACH SERVICES, UMMEED CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Bio
Deepti works with the School Outreach Services at Ummeed Child Development Center. She has been working in the education/development sector for more than 8 years now. In these 8 years, Deepti has taught students from government school and has worked very closely with school leadership and teachers to develop their leadership skills and improve teaching leaning in schools. In her current role and capacity, her focus has been on making mainstream schools inclusive of ALL children and stakeholders and focused on their wellbeing. Prior to joining this sector, she worked in the corporate setup for more than 4 years after completing her Masters in Business Administration |
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DHIRA PEER
NETWORK LEAD - COUNSELLING AND SEL, THE AKANKSHA FOUNDATION Bio
Dhira Peer has been connected to the field of psychology for 13 years with her contribution to research projects as a fellow, moving on to becoming a school counselor and team lead for 9 years. Currently, she is working as the Network Lead for Student well-being at The Akanksha Foundation, overlooking the Counseling and PE teams in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur. Apart from being a Play Therapist and an Arts Based Therapy Practioner, she has been certified by The Emory University as a trainer for CBCT (Cognitively based Compassion Training) and leads the SEE Learning Program at Akanksha. She strongly believes that children are born with multiple strengths and our role as adults is to just provide them with the right space to explore themselves! |
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HITANSHI SHARMA
SEL FACILITATOR AND PROGRAMME COORDINATOR, APNI SHALA Bio
Hitanshi is currently working with Apni shala as a facilitator of social emotional learning and a programme coordinator with school partners and team. She believes that mental health wellness should be accessible to all at a young age, and creating safe spaces is the first step to wellbeing. She is passionate about creating awareness in the mental health field and would always strive to learn and update herself with inner work, to reflect and improve. After work you can locate her at a cafe with a book! |
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INAYA ANSARI
STUDENT, UMMAR RAJJAB MUMBAI PUBLIC SCHOOL Bio
Inaya Shakeel Ansari is a Grade 3 student at Md. Umar Rajjab Mumbai Public School. |
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INDERJIT KAUR
HEAD MISTRESS, CHEMBUR NAKA MUMBAI PUBLIC SCHOOL Bio
Inderjit is an educator by profession and holds 16+ years experience in the education field. Currently working in MCGM as Head Mistress of Chembur Naka Mumbai Public school, she loves reading & researching about children and their behaviour traits. Recently inclined to respectful discipline and gentle parenting, she believes in growing as an individual and challenging traditional society conditionings which no longer serves towards betterment. She loves to surround herself with like-minded people and wishes to bring reform in education system. |
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INDIA AUTISM CENTRE: DIVYA SOMANI
OUTREACH COORDINATOR Bio
DIVYA'S BIO TO BE PUBLISHED SOON ABOUT INDIA AUTISM CENTER: India Autism Center is a not-for-profit organisation based in the city of Kolkata. We envision a world-class ecosystem dedicated to the service of neurodiverse individuals and their family members. To turn this vision into reality, we have three initiatives: A Residential Campus, A Training Academy for Support Professionals, and a Digital Ecosystem. Our hope is that, cumulatively, our work will create a life of greater freedom and joy for neurodivergent people and their families. Hello Tomorrow is our motto and the spirit with which we do what we do. Tomorrow should be welcomed not feared by you and yours. |
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JAYA JADHAV
TEACHER, VANITA VISHRAM PRIMARY SCHOOL Bio
Jaya Jadhav, a Grade 4 teacher at Vanita Vishram Primary School. She believes that all children are innocent, and they have the right to quality education. She hopes that there should be equality amongst us and opportunities should be given to everyone. She loves to sing songs, dance, have conversations, and play with her students. |
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KIRAN BELGE
DISTRICT COORDINATOR, SAMAGRA SHIKSHA ABHIYAAN, MUMBAI Bio
Kiran Belge- District Co-ordinator,Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan,Mumbai. He has been working with MCGM, Mumbai for the past 17 years. He has worked in inclusion and inclusive education extensively. He has an MA in History and B.Ed in special education. He has previously worked as a special educator with Panvel Panchayat Samiti. |
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MAHIMA VEDANT
JUNIOR THERAPIST, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, UMMEED CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Bio
Mahima Vedant is a therapist working with the Mental Health team at Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai. She works with young people with disabilities and their caregivers using narrative ideas & practices. She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from S.N.D.T. University, Mumbai. She enjoys being a co-traveller in journeys of people she works with and awaits for the magic that they bring in through their expertise. She loves to explore new foods and places and finds chai breaks to connect over with people. |
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MANJUSHREE PATIL
FOUNDER DIRECTOR, AATMAN ACADEMY Bio
Ms. Manjushree Patil is the Founder Director of Aatman Academy and a specialized instruction inclusive learning programme, recognized by the Divyang Ayuktalaya, for children with diverse learning needs that has been ranked among the top ten schools in the same category for six consecutive years. The school has been certified as a Great Place to Work, by the Great Place to Work Institute (India). |
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MAYURI GOLAMBDE
GOVT. PARTNERSHIPS & ADVOCACY LEAD, APNI SHALA FOUNDATION Bio
Mayuri Golambde, Senior Programme Manager, leads the operations for School SEL Programmes at Apni Shala. She also heads the partnerships with MGCM and supports government liaison for SEL at various levels. Mayuri is a Gandhi Fellow and holds a Bachelor of Arts. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work. |
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MEDHANSH DHOLAKIA
STUDENT, RIVERSIDE SCHOOL Bio
My name is Medhansh Dholakia and I have just graduated to Gr 7. My hobbies and interests include: outdoor sports , Playing the Guitar, and science and animal's. I have joined Riverside in Grade 4, but i have already established a connection with the processes here.I have participated in setting up stalls for our street smart in AProCh, have designed and created the menu for the Prabhat cafe -and bagged the first prize for the best Sci Pi invention in school. |
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NAMITA
TRAINER Bio
Namita has had over 20 years of experience primarily in the service industry with International Airlines, hotels and the retail industry. She has also been a freelance trainer, conducting workshops on soft skills and product training for the front-line staff of some of the best known premium and Luxury Retail brands in India. |
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NANDITA DE SOUZA
DIRECTOR, SETU - CENTRE FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY GUIDANCE Bio
Nandita de Souza is an eternal child at heart. She is also a developmental pediatrician and the Director of Sethu Centre for Child Development & Family Guidance in Goa. Inclusive education is a priority theme of Sethu's work, which is firmly founded on family centred care. Sethu believes that all carers of children, including families, teachers and child care professionals are valuable inhabitants of the village it seeks to build around every child. |
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PAVITHRA KL
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - DIRECT IMPACT, DREAM A DREAM Bio
Pavithra joined Dream a Dream’s life skills programme as a young adolescent girl. She was part of the mentoring programme and other life skills initiatives. At the age of 16, she joined as an intern and has grown within Dream a Dream since then. Pavithra is passionate about working with young people and believes in creating the support systems for young people that she didn’t have access to. She completed her graduation in commerce from Bangalore University while working with Dream a Dream. Her mission is to work with young people and transform their lives using the life skills approach. Pavithra also works as a Lead Facilitator training teachers/community workers across Karnataka as part of the Teacher. |
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POOJA GATE
SEL FACILITATOR AND PROGRAMME COORDINATOR, APNI SHALA FOUNDATION |