By Ms Ankita Shelke for BIS Mumbai

Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK) organised a two-day Art and Craft Training Programme for teachers of the Holistic Development and Primary Education Project on June 13 and 14, 2026 at Dhadgaon, Nandurbar. The project is supported by Manos Unidas and works towards improving the quality of education and holistic development of children studying in Ashram schools.

A total of 25 teachers from Ashram schools associated with the project participated in the training. The primary objective of the workshop was to equip teachers with practical art and craft skills that they could subsequently teach to their students. By introducing creative activities in classrooms, the programme aims to nurture imagination, self-expression and joyful learning among children.

The training was conducted by Ms Tanveer Rizvi and her team from Borivali, who led the participants through a series of hands-on sessions. Throughout the two days, teachers enthusiastically engaged in activities such as clay art, pen stand making, abstract painting and wall art.

The clay art session encouraged participants to experiment with shapes and textures while developing creativity and fine motor skills. In the pen stand activity, teachers learnt how simple and inexpensive materials can be transformed into attractive and useful objects. The abstract painting session gave them the freedom to explore colours, patterns and artistic expression, while the wall art activity inspired ideas for making classrooms more vibrant and engaging for children.

More importantly, the workshop focused on how these activities can be replicated in schools. Teachers discussed ways of adapting the techniques to different age groups and using locally available materials so that students can actively participate in creative learning. The sessions emphasised that art and craft are not merely extracurricular activities but powerful tools for building confidence, encouraging teamwork and enhancing cognitive and emotional development.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for teachers to experience the joy of creating. As they collaborated, exchanged ideas and showcased their work, participants reflected on the importance of nurturing creativity both in themselves and in their students. Many teachers shared that the training had given them fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm to make learning more interactive and enjoyable.

The active participation and enthusiasm displayed throughout the programme highlighted the teachers' commitment to improving educational experiences for children in Ashram schools. By investing in the creative capacities of educators, Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra seeks to ensure that students have access to holistic learning opportunities that go beyond textbooks and encourage them to imagine, create and grow.

Through initiatives such as this, BGVK continues its mission of strengthening education in tribal communities by empowering teachers with practical skills and innovative approaches that can have a lasting impact on the lives of children.

Glimpse: https://youtube.com/shorts/0dXaT4Wli_Y?si=Eeq36lAARdUDyLVB