By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 11 Jun: A Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) programme on “Best out of Waste: A Workshop on Teaching Learning Material (TLM) preparation’ was hosted by Raphael from 3 to 5 June, here. It was approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India, New Delhi, and attended by 45 special educators from Delhi, Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal, Saharanpur, Roorkee and Dehradun.
The first session was conducted by Namrata Gill from Team Goonj. Goonj Foundation has worked for 25 years on recycling waste into gifts for work done by communities in education,livelihood, disaster management, sustainability, etc. She made a distinction between ‘donation’ and ‘giving’ and the importance of giving what somebody needs rather than what the donor wants to give. Goonj has worked in all states of the country at the grassroots level. They will be coming up with a curriculum for school students who can make a difference.
The next session was conducted by Monisha Datta, Director, Strategy planning and Training, The Doon Girls’ School. She gave an “Introduction to the concept of best out of waste and its importance in reducing waste and promoting creativity”. She emphasised the importance of sustainability and creativity in education. Participants were encouraged to bring recyclable items such as plastic bottles, old newspapers, cardboard boxes and fabric scraps. These materials were then transformed into innovative teaching aids ranging from educational charts to interactive learning games.
Payal Khanna, Life Cycle Coordinator, Shri Ram Centennial School, explained the uses of teaching learning material and conducted some life skills activities with the participants. Manju Singhania, Founder-Director, Joy of Learning Foundation, talked about low-cost teaching learning materials for vocational training and emphasised how they can significantly enhance skill development while being budget friendly. Also, by utilising readily available resources such as recycled materials, local craft supplies and digital tools, educators can create practical and effective instructional aids.
Nirmala Rawat, Special Educator, Latika, took an interactive session on how to create storytelling, teaching, learning materials from waste. This involves the repurposing everyday items into engaging educational tools. One should start with the collection of materials such as cardboard, fabric scraps, bottle caps and old magazines. These can then be re-used to create story boards and puppets to help make story telling interactive and fun. It also promotes environmental awareness.
Pooja Negi, Special Educator, Raphael, explained NIPUN Bharat–an initiative for the proficiency for reading and numeracy.The primary objective of the initiative is to address the educational needs of young students in primary schools, specifically in rural areas and economically disadvantaged communities, by focusing on foundational learning .
Anjali Subramaniam, Speech & Language Consultant, ZION Speech & Hearing Clinic, explained “How to make speech equipment from waste to enhance speech oral motor movement”. She laid emphasis on various materials like bottle caps and straws, old toothbrush handles, paper rolls and balloons that can be used for enhancing the oral motor movement in children with disabilities.
The day ended with a session by Luxmi Joshi Sharma, Special Educator, Raphael, on “DoSEL –Department of School Education and Literacy”. It is a government scheme of India on school education which has primary objectives like formulating policies, implementing programmes, and coordinating activities related to school education and literacy across India. It also promotes literacy activities in the country.
The third day started with a session by Karan Kapoor, President, Making A Difference (MAD), on “User friendly waste disposal with emphasis on disability and accessibility”. He shared his experiences in working in the communities. He laid emphasis on utilising prominent labels with both Braille and clear pictograms to assist individuals who have visual impairments and cognitive disabilities. He also talked about providing specialised training to waste management personnel to enhance their understanding of the unique requirements and obstacles encountered by individuals with disabilities.
Tanushree Mishra, Creative Artist & Founder- Director, Alankriti Art Studio, gave practical demonstrations on making TLM out of waste.
Neelam Chauhan Mall, Special Educator, Bajaj Institute of Learning, talked on how recycling waste can give work to persons with disability. She gave the example of ‘Plastic Gullak’ established in 2019 by Bajaj institute which focuses on collection of plastic by students, staff, School Hostel, Bakery and Tailoring Department.
At the end of the day the participants developed teaching aids from waste material and made presentations to the group. The best out of waste teaching learning material preparation workshop not only showcased the creative potential of recyclable materials but also reinforced the importance of sustainability in education. By equipping the participants with practical skills and innovative ideas, the workshop has paved the way for a more resourceful and environmentally conscious community.
