Workshop on “Waste to Wealth” Empowers Underprivileged Children in Kolkata organised by Science City, Kolkata and The National Sample Survey Office
By: Soma Ghosh
Kolkata,India : Science City, Kolkata, in collaboration with the National Sample Survey Office, recently organized a transformative four day workshop called ‘Waste to Wealth’ for underprivileged children from July 10-13 , 2023. The event aimed to educate and inspire the young participants to repurpose waste materials into valuable products, while also promoting the importance of cleanliness and a safe environment by a puppet show.
The workshop, held at the prestigious Science City premises, witnessed the participation of thirty enthusiastic underprivileged children from various local communities. Guided by experienced mentors and experts, the children embarked on a creative journey to learn and develop innovative products using discarded materials.
Throughout the workshop, the young participants were encouraged to think outside the box and explore their imaginations. They were introduced to various techniques and methods of recycling and upcycling waste materials, turning them into useful items. The children enthusiastically embraced the opportunity, showcasing their talent and resourcefulness as they transformed waste into wealth.
In addition to the hands-on activities, two engaging puppet shows were organized to complement the workshop’s themes of cleanliness and a safe environment. The first show focused on creating awareness about the significance of cleanliness, while the second emphasized the importance of preserving and maintaining a safe and healthy environment. These puppet shows captivated the children’s attention and effectively conveyed important messages through entertainment and interactive storytelling.
The collaborative effort between Science City, Kolkata, and the National Sample Survey Office proved to be a resounding success, as the workshop empowered the underprivileged children with knowledge, skills, and a deeper understanding of waste management as well as environmental awareness. By engaging in creative projects and witnessing the transformation of waste materials, the children learned the value of recycling and sustainable practices, contributing to a greener future.
The workshop concluded with a special ceremony where the children showcased their innovative creations to their families, friends, and mentors. Their enthusiasm and passion reflected the success of the workshop in unlocking their potential and nurturing their talents. Shri Samarendra Kumar, DDG, National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) expressed his delight at the children’s enthusiasm and the positive impact of the workshop. He emphasized the need to continue such initiatives to foster a sense of environmental responsibility and equip underprivileged children with valuable skills that can enhance their future prospects and emphasise the importance of circular economy as a socio-economic impact. Initially Science City, Kolkata, and the National Sample Survey Office also nearly coinciding with United Nations’ World Youth Skills Day on 15th July 2023 who are the future of humanity and will be playing a majore role in waste management and climate change issues. The Theme of UN World Youth Skills Day is “Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future”
The ‘Waste to Wealth’ workshop at Science City, Kolkata, stands as a shining example of how education, creativity, and collaboration can transform lives and promote a cleaner and sustainable world. It is hoped that similar initiatives will inspire and empower more underprivileged children, paving the way for a brighter future for all.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release )
