A not-for-profit initiative to help special needs students is a trendsetter in the tutoring industry
Achievers Academy heralded a new era in tutoring by launching their Special Needs unit titled Abilities Empowered, a not-for-profit initiative on March 15. “This is the culmination of a long cherished dream and we are excited at the opportunity of reaching out and helping the community in our own small way”, said Prof Kajol Sen, Founder and Educationist of the Academy where the initiative was launched on their first ever Open Day.
Abilities Empowered is envisaged to be a one stop shop for Special Needs students and its success is dependent on close and active engagement and partnership with schools, health practitioners and special needs experts. Prof Sen is determined to take on this challenge, and her sheer passion, drive and commitment to this cause can be clearly evidenced.
Attending the launch was the Mayor of Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Bryne and Mr Mohan Dhall, CEO of the Australian Tutoring Association, as guests of honour. Dr Byrne who shares Prof Sen’s deep interest in mental health and disability education, lauded her efforts and spoke encouragingly about the future of Abilities Empowered and Achievers Academy, appreciating the vision and great work being carried out in this direction.
Mr Dhall inspired everyone with his talk, outlining the difference between ‘what you achieve as opposed to what you are’, and the need to find yourself.
Mr John Glover, CEO of Pendragon who was also present on the occasion, motivated and encouraged the Academy’s efforts in building up this initiative.
“Abilities Empowered will use a 3 pronged approach to achieve (1) timely identification, diagnosis and early intervention; (2) special needs education through personalised and individualised tutoring; and (3) job assistance and employable skills development opportunities to enhance work prospects, leaving the special needs person with a much needed sense of self worth and self actualisation”, stated Prof Sen, outlined her team’s vision for the future of the organisation.
The event ended with presentation of awards to Young Achievers of the Academy, by Dr Byrne and Mr Dhall. A high ATAR score was not the only criteria for these unique awards; they were also in recognition of the students achievements in their ability to overcome barriers and cross boundaries.
In an industry generally perceived as commercialising education, the Academy has proved to be a trendsetter with Abilities Empowered. Achievers Academy is a boutique tutoring institute that strongly advocates and uses an Interactive Application Based Teaching Model to foster students’ critical thinking, understanding and analysis, as opposed to mere rote memorisation and cramming.