Underprivileged children enjoy a creative day out

Brimming with enthusiasm, students of the Samarpan school for underprivileged children, were in for a creative treat Thursday with a team of Australian and Indian writer-illustrators interacting with them.

The 'Children's Literary Innovation Workshop' saw Australian author Ken Spillman, illustrator Chris Nixon along with Indian illustrator Priya Kuriyan engaging with primary and upper primary class students in illustrative and creative activities.

"The idea is to open a creative window to them. Such exposures help them know that there is a world beyond what they see and where they live," Samarpan Foundation member Shradha Vedbrat told IANS.

The workshop focussed on innovative and interactive ways to engage children and help generate their interest in books and education at large.

While Nixon taught the children to draw characters from the 'Jake' series of children's books, Kuriyan engaged them in reading and drawing exercises.

"The idea is to get them to read more. Every exercise does not necessarily have to show instant results, but it should leave them feeling inspired. Hopefully, it will help them someday in the future," Kuriyan told IANS.

The children also put together a cultural performance to welcome Bernard Philip, Australia's deputy high commissioner to India and other guests.

Philip said the workshop has been a success with the children giving a positive feedback and showing enthusiasm.

Waiting for her turn to colour an umbrella drawn on a pinned up chart paper, 9-year-old Bhawani said: "I feel extremely excited to be a part of this workshop. I want to grow up and become a teacher one day.