From 6-15 October 2023, Sarmaya conducted its first on-ground engagement as expert facilitators in collaboration with Pratham Education Foundation. This was part of the PraDigi Creativity Club initiative, designed for kids aged 10 to 14.
The Sarmaya team facilitated a series of three camps, each spanning a two-day residential experience in Kanpur and Gaya. These camps were designed to introduce children to the intriguing world of fiscal value and diverse perspectives in art through the lens of historical objects and artworks from the Sarmaya Arts Foundation.
The camps were preceded by the 'All' level creativity challenge rolled out in 1000 communities, including 800 villages in Kanpur and 200 in Gaya. As part of this challenge, children watched the numismatics videos made by Pratham and Sarmaya and were tasked with designing/drawing their own coins. We received more than 4,000 entries, from which these children were selected for the creativity camp.
Each camp consisted of a program with four interlinked hands-on activities, incorporating individual and group tasks. The children got to create personalised currency, understand storytelling techniques, collaborate on making art and participate in a fun auction where they placed bids. Using tactile play and interactive cues, the Sarmaya team drew out the students' interest in Indian art and history.
Goals of our engagement:
- Enable participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of how value is attributed to objects in our immediate environment.
- Foster an appreciation for diverse artistic traditions.
- Enable participants to grasp the significant role of museums in preserving and showcasing cultural heritage.
- Cultivate a deeper and enduring connection with art.
- Stimulate creativity among participants.