MADRAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

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Empowerment Through Expression Workshop - A commitment to empowering differently-abled students by fostering their creative expression

“Creative Writing Workshop for the Visually Challenged by the Student Service for the Differently Abled (SSDA), a unit of MCC.”

INTRODUCTION

MCC-SSDA is organizing a workshop on Creative Writing Skills for visually challenged students from MCC and other nearby institutions. This initiative is led by Student Service for the Differently Abled (SSDA), a unit of MCC.

The purpose of the workshop is to educate and inspire visually impaired students to create unique pieces of writing. Participants include students from various universities and colleges in Chennai, such as MCC, Loyola College, and the University of Madras. The workshop aims to equip them with skills for careers in teaching, storytelling, poetry, and novel writing.

A key outcome of this initiative is the publication of a book featuring creative contributions from the participants. This will be the first-ever book released with an ISBN authored by visually impaired students.

Workshop Details

• Organized by: Madras Christian College's Student Service for the Differently Abled (MCC-SSDA)

• Duration: Two Days

• Workshop Theme: Transforming Natural Emotions into Writing

• Dates: March 3rd & 4th, 2025

• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Venue: Madras Christian College

• Expected Participants: 50 visually challenged students & 50 scribes from MCC

PROBLEM STATEMENT

While the workshop has immense potential to benefit visually challenged students, its execution requires financial support. MCC aims to leverage its alumni network and well-wishers to crowdfund Rs. 47,000 for conducting the workshop effectively through this dedicated payment gateway-enabled crowdfunding webpage on the MCC Alumni website 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Objective

• To provide visually challenged students with structured creative writing training.

• To encourage students to express themselves through writing in their natural language.

• To ensure that by the end of the workshop, each participant has written at least 10-12 pages of creative content.

Methodology

The workshop will incorporate discussions from sociological, psychological, ecological, and cultural perspectives to help students refine their creative skills. 

Activity Based Learning Sessions: 

1. Interpretation and storytelling by Reading passages

2. Group discussions on Leadership

3. Weaving words into stories – Storytelling and Poetry, 

4. Multiple Tamil Dialects – Practice Session

5. The Meaning of Words (Forms & Perspectives) – Exercises & Reflection

6. Melodic Narration of Stories – Performance

7. Translating Thoughts into Words – A Writing Exercise

8. Understanding Visual Storytelling Without Sight – Creative Discussion

9. Writing in Darkness – Exploring Emotions Through Words

10. Narrating Stories Through Sound – Writing without Visuals

Expected Outcome

• Empower visually challenged students to explore careers in content writing, storytelling, poetry, and novel writing.

• Certification of completion endorsing students' proficiency in creative writing.

• First-ever ISBN-authorized book authored by visually challenged students.

• Equipping participants with skills to secure employment in content creation fields.

IMPACT

The Direct Impact on the visually challenged student-beneficiaries include:

• Structured Learning: Exposure to creative writing techniques and literary skills.

• Career Development: Opportunities in teaching, storytelling, content writing, poetry, and novel writing.

• Publication Recognition: Their creative contributions will be published in an ISBN-authorized book.

• Confidence Building: Empowerment through self-expression and networking opportunities.

• Skill Enhancement: Training in non-visual storytelling, memory, and spatial awareness.

• Enhanced Non-Visual Senses: Ability to describe experiences with heightened sensory perception.

• Improved Memory & Spatial Awareness: Ability to create detailed settings and narratives.

• Expression of Creativity: Development of strong storytelling and writing abilities.

• Emotional Well-Being: Writing as a medium to express and process emotions.

• Networking Opportunities: Exposure to various literary communities and writing groups.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT & REPORTING

A pre- and post-assessment will be conducted using a scale of 1-10 on the following parameters:

• Non-visual sensory perception

• Self expression through Creative Writing skills

• Confidence and self-expression

• Memory and spatial awareness

• Familiarity with New-Gen assistive writing tools

• Reduction in frustration levels related to visual impairment

Evaluation Methods

• Student Surveys: Gather feedback on program effectiveness and satisfaction.

• Trainer Evaluations: Quantitative Evaluation of student interest & participation, engagement, progress.& impact. 

• Assessment of Written Work: Evaluate language development and storytelling skills.

• Beneficiary Feedback & Testimonials: Messages from visually challenged student beneficiaries of this program.

• Final Reports: Analysing the pre-post study data to track student progress and identify scope for further enhancement & areas for improvement. 

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

BENEFICIARIES 

The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are the visually challenged students and is aimed to nurture their quality of life and education. With the support of the alumni community, these students can pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the society.

• Students from universities and colleges around Chennai will participate in this training, including:

• Madras Christian College (MCC)

• Loyola College

• Presidency College

• Nandanam Government College

• Ethiraj College

• Queen Mary’s College

• Stella Maris College

• University of Madras

• Sathyabama University

• A total of 50 visually challenged students, including MCC students, will take part in this training.

• 50 scribes from MCC will assist the participants throughout the workshop.

SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE

The MCC-SSDA Creative Writing Workshop is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering visually impaired students providing a platform to express their creativity through writing.  

This workshop is a stepping stone towards a future where visually impaired students can explore careers in storytelling, poetry, content writing, and teaching.

By contributing to this initiative, you are helping to make this vision a reality. 

Your generous support will enable us to provide essential resources such as expert trainers, stationery, the publishing costs, and refreshments for the participants. With just Rs. 47,000, we can successfully conduct this workshop and publish an ISBN-authorized book featuring creative works of these talented students.

How You Can Help

• Donate through our secure payment gateway on the MCC Alumni website.

• Spread the word among fellow alumni and well-wishers.

• Become a part of this initiative by supporting visually challenged students in their literary journey.

Every contribution, big or small, will help us empower these students with the skills and confidence to share their stories with the world. 

Join us in making a difference today! By creating a crowdfunding webpage with a payment gateway, MCC seeks to mobilize financial support from its alumni network and well-wishers.  

We invite you to contribute generously and support this unique initiative that nurtures creativity and inclusivity. Your support can change lives, create opportunities, and leave a lasting impact.

Tax Benefit: Contributions are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

For further details or assistance, please contact:

Shree
Manager, Alumni and Development Office (A&DO)

ado@mcc.edu.in
+91 89258 37344