Paper Bag Day is observed every year on July 12. This day is dedicated to spreading awareness of the ill effects of plastic and how detrimental they are to our environment.
To help the world deal with the plastic issue and inculcate skills in the coming generation, Manav Sadhna runs a program named Earn N Learn. A program where the focus is on the child’s development and education. Along with this, it is also made sure that they get something in return.
On this Paper Bag Day, Neeta ben from Manav Sadhna, in conversation with LifeBeyondNumbers, shared more about the activities under Earn N Learn.
“Earn N Learn focuses on imparting skills to children in after-school hours. The timings are from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m. Various activities are conducted including dance, tabla, sports, games, and paper bag making along with other craft activities. The materials used in every activity are provided by the Manav Sadhana organization.”
As and when a new kid becomes a part of this program, paper bags is one of the primary and initial activities they start with. Old newspapers are utilized to make paper bags. The senior students teach the new kids how to make bags. They are first taught the basics of cutting in specific shapes. Later on, they are taught how to paste and form a usable paper bag with those pieces.
Most of the kids are curious and excited to begin their new journey. Everything feels new to them, and they welcome the learning with an open mind. All they need is someone to guide them with the same interest and enthusiasm.
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The creation
Students prepare many other small craft items along with paper bags. These are kept at Manav Sadhana and available for sale. Paper bags are also made on specific orders based on requirements.
“After setting aside the cost of material, the amount received from the sale of paper bags is distributed among the kids. Also, the students are supported in their education as and when needed. The amount gathered from the sale of such products is further used to provide kids with stationery, books, and other needed resources,” the organization shared in regards to providing support to the kids.
The kids are also taken on trips a few times during the year. The age group of kids involved in these activities is usually from 7 to 14. They get involved in making items like paper bags, greeting cards, journals, diyas, and many other things. Students get a perfect combination of nutritious snacks, tutorial classes, and mentorship in daily sessions.
Manav Sadhana – Earn N Learn
Manav Sadhana is one such organization that has been actively working on the premises of Gandhi Ashram for 30 years. It works on human upliftment and conducts activities in education, nutrition, health care, providing livelihoods, community building, and creative learning.
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The project Earn N Learn began under this organization almost 20 years ago. The main impact this project wanted to create was on children’s education. At the same time, they also focused on giving them something in return and providing new opportunities and growth to a child’s brain. This kept them motivated to continue and also to support their family.
The impact of this project is manifold. Along with motivating people to utilize paper bags, the organization also focuses on using paper bags for internal exchange as well. The organization is also open to taking orders from anybody who might need paper bags for any purpose. The income earned by the organization through this cause is directly used in the upliftment of low-income families.
To help them with their mission, you offer your help here.
For students beginning their journey, Earn N Learn acts as an instrument to build a hopeful future. It is not a destination but the beginning of the journey.