MIRM's Parents Briefing on Immersion Programme for Divergent Learners

In November 2022, the Make It Right Movement (MIRM) hosted a Parents Briefing as part of its Immersion Programme for Divergent Learners. The briefing, held at MIRM’s headquarters, brought together parents and guardians of participants enrolled in the programme to provide them with a deeper understanding of the initiative, its objectives and how they can actively support their children’s development.

The Immersion Programme is MIRM’s flagship initiative aimed at empowering people with disabilities (PWDs) by providing them with hands-on vocational training, skills development and real-world experience in a supportive environment. The Parents Briefing was designed to give families insights into how the programme can help their children build the skills, confidence and independence needed to succeed in the workplace and society. This event emphasised the crucial role parents and guardians play in the success of divergent learners and encouraged them to engage actively with their children’s progress in the programme. It also provided an opportunity for parents to meet MIRM’s trainers, staff and mentors, creating a collaborative and supportive network for the participants.

The Importance of the Parents Briefing

The Parents Briefing was a key component of MIRM’s holistic approach to supporting divergent learners. Recognising that family support is essential to the development and well-being of individuals with disabilities, the briefing aimed to equip parents with the knowledge and resources they need to encourage their children’s growth.

The event had several important objectives:

Providing an Overview of the Immersion Programme: The briefing gave parents a comprehensive understanding of the Immersion Programme, including its goals, structure and key components. Parents learned about the vocational training opportunities available, the skills being developed and the support systems in place to help their children succeed.

Empowering Parents with Practical Tools: The event provided parents with practical advice and strategies for supporting their children’s progress throughout the programme. This included tips on fostering independence, encouraging skill development at home and reinforcing positive behaviors.

Building a Supportive Community: The Parents Briefing fostered a sense of community among families, trainers and MIRM staff. By connecting parents with one another and with the programme’s facilitators, the event helped create a strong support network for the participants, ensuring that families feel empowered and included in their children’s development.

Encouraging Open Communication: The briefing also emphasised the importance of maintaining open communication between parents and the programme’s trainers and mentors. Parents were encouraged to ask questions, share their concerns and provide feedback to ensure that their children receive the best possible support.

The Parents Briefing was an engaging and interactive event that included presentations, Q&A sessions and discussions on how families can contribute to their children’s growth and development.

The event began with a detailed presentation on the Immersion Programme, led by Brian Lariche, CEO of MIRM and the programme’s lead trainers. Parents were given an overview of the programme’s structure, which focuses on providing vocational training in areas such as customer service, administrative work and barista skills. The presentation also outlined the programme’s goals of helping participants build confidence, develop practical skills and gain workplace experience.

The briefing included an open Q&A session where parents had the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts with MIRM’s trainers and staff. This session fostered an open dialogue, allowing parents to express their concerns, seek clarification on certain aspects of the programme and gain a deeper understanding of how their children’s progress is being tracked. Parents were also encouraged to provide feedback on how the programme can be improved to better meet the needs of the participants. The trainers emphasised that ongoing communication between families and MIRM staff is essential to ensuring that the programme remains responsive to the needs of each individual.

Success Stories and Encouragement

The Parents Briefing concluded with testimonials from families whose children have successfully completed the Immersion Programme. These success stories served as a source of inspiration and encouragement for parents currently supporting their children through the programme. Several parents shared their experiences of witnessing their children grow in confidence, develop practical skills and transition into meaningful employment after completing the programme. These stories highlighted the transformative impact of the Immersion Programme and reinforced the message that with the right support, divergent learners can achieve their full potential.

Looking Ahead: Continuing Family Engagement

Following the success of the Parents Briefing, MIRM plans to hold regular sessions to keep parents informed and engaged throughout their children’s journey in the Immersion Programme. These sessions will provide ongoing support for families, ensuring that parents have the tools and resources they need to continue playing an active role in their children’s development.

The Immersion Programme – Parents Briefing, hosted by MIRM, was an invaluable event that provided families with the knowledge, tools and support they need to help their children succeed in the programme and beyond. By fostering open communication, offering practical advice and building a strong community of support, the briefing empowered parents to actively contribute to their children’s growth and development.