Block printing at Shikshamitra

noor's prints
Originally uploaded by dalbhat

Yesterday Ratnabali came to "play" with my students doing the Learn and Earn program at Shikshamitra. She taught them how to do block printing onto rice paper in the hopes that we can make our own wrapping paper or make patches for our eco-bags. The kids also thought that they could make pretty gift bags from these.

Ratna works for the organization Anjali, which brings structured art therapy programs into three government-run mental institutions right here in Kolkata. She spoke to my students about the people she works with and helped the children to understand them a little better: they also need food, clothing, love, human rights and education...just like you and me.

After Ratna left, her message rang out in our class. Do your work with ENERGY! What a fun day we had. Every time a child finished their paper, Ratna boomed out with words of praise and happiness. I'm not sure who was having more fun, the kids or her!

Thanks for bringing your energy into our classroom. We are going to try to build a proper pressing table in our class on Tuesday, as suggested for doing proper printing.