CHALK 2026 conference highlights importance of inclusive education; Awards presented to best inclusive schools, teachers

KOCHI: Prayatna Child Development Centre, Kochi, in association with JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) and in collaboration with the Institute for Autism and Behavioural Therapy (IABT) and Bridge Beyond Foundation, hosted the CHALK 2026 (Curating Holistic Approaches to Learning and Knowledge Sharing) State-Level Teacher Development Conference.

Around 100 teachers from various parts of Kerala participated in the conference held at JAIN University. The event focused heavily on the immense importance of inclusive education and highlighted the critical need for providing necessary knowledge and training to all educators.

“After parents, teachers are the first to identify learning disabilities in children. A conference like this, which equips educators to identify and manage these needs within the classroom, is of paramount importance. My heartiest congratulations to Prayatna for once again taking the lead on such a meaningful initiative,” said Uma Thoams, MLA, inaugurating the event. During the event awards were presented for the Best Inclusive Teacher and Best Inclusive School categories: Best Inclusive Pre School - Caterpillarz preschool, Best Inclusive School - Cochin International School, Best Inclusive College - Jain Deemed to be University, Best Inclusive Pre School Teacher - Sheeja Ajayan from spells and Stories, Best Inclusive Upper Primary school Teacher - Nadia Jose from St. Michelle's Higher Secondary School

The conference featured expert-led sessions and interactive panel discussions on various aspects of inclusive education. The primary objective of the conference was to equip teachers with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to effectively support students with diverse learning needs and to seamlessly implement inclusive educational practices in their classrooms. Additionally, specialized scientific sessions were conducted for B.Ed, M.Ed, and Psychology students.

“Over the past year, Prayatna has conducted sensitization programs across 170 schools to help identify neurodivergent children. Following the highly positive reception of these sessions, we launched the CHALK Programme. Today, teachers leave our sessions confident in their ability to identify and manage diverse learning needs, while knowing exactly how to connect families with the right professionals,” said Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry, Founder & Chairman, Prayatna Centre for Child Development, Kochi.