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The Practical Class was established in March 2013. Young adults discharged from school are placed in the Practical Class at the Association in order to accommodate the acquisition of vocational skills that suit their specific abilities. Currently, there are seven trainees in the class from the age of 18 to 36 years. They attend training sessions three days a week. We provide training in certain areas in order to equip them for future vocational endeavors. The more adaptable they are, the better they will be able to handle problems and be more resilient regardless of the environment.
In this class, everyday tasks are divided into 5 main areas. They are:
GARDENING
Here the trainees are required to water the plants and do the weeding. Along the way, they are taught about different types of plants and how to nurture them.
BAKING
Trainees learn about various types of ingredients, how to measure them correctly, and become familiar with units of measurement like liters, grams, and kilograms. They are also briefed about the functions of a baking oven, but this appliance is operated only by the teacher and parents.
SEWING
A few trainees show great interest in this activity and it is carried out under the supervision of a teacher and parents. We make patched blankets, pillowcases, and floor mats. Using the sewing machine and hand stitching helps to improve gross and fine motor skills. A few of the trainees are also assigned the task of cutting fabrics into smaller pieces for use as chair back and pillow stuffing.
RECYCLING AND LAUNDRY
Trainees are guided to sort out used clothes, wash, iron, and then fold and pack them for sale. Use of electrical equipment is under strict supervision from the teacher or parents.
CONTRACTED WORK
The trainees are required to remove the stickers and rubber stoppage plugs from anti-static plastic tubes.
In addition to sewing and cutting, trainees are instructed in washing soft toys, curtains, and patchwork blankets. After washing, they undertake the drying process and, upon completion, are taught how to iron the fabrics using either cold or hot irons. Some trainees also learn how to fold clothes, with the ultimate goal of selling these items.
To maintain the cleanliness of the classroom, trainees are supervised in doing the housekeeping in the baking area and sewing room once a week. At the same time, we also focus on personal hygiene practices such as hand washing before and after meals, as well as prior to any cooking activities.