“ I do regard spinning and weaving as a necessary part of any national system of education.”

–          Mahatma Gandhi

In aligning ourselves with UNSDG Goals, we at MRIS-46, Gurugram organised a Weaving Workshop for students of Grades 1 to 4 recently. This six-day long workshop began with an introduction to the art of weaving. It culminated with children in groups operating looms and weaving mats, out of strips of waste cloth. The workshop provided them with hands-on learning from trained artisans on warping, designing, weaving and using a shuttle to seal the mats. They handled a tabletop loom and learnt about frame loom (wooden and plastic) and Amber Charkha. The workshop had manifold advantages like it aided visual tracking, build eye-hand coordination, taught them to use both hands simultaneously and gave them a physical experience of spatial concepts of up, down, over and under.

The most important lesson the children took home was a sense of responsibility towards environment and how crafts play an important role in sustainability. To quote Ritisha, a student of Grade 4, “We were alarmed to learn that 85% of textiles end up in landfills. The Weaver’s Workshop has made us realised that we kids can spread awareness and encourage changes within our known circle of family and friends. Torn and waste cloth can be recycled for daily use. Our action will be like drops of water in the vast ocean of sustainability.”

Well said, young crusader!