Joy of Colours

Just imagine yourself in front of a blank paper and a pack of crayons. Also, imagine yourself having that in front of you after ages. And you also hear a voice within you to make some drawing on it.

A sense of mixed feelings? Funny, exhilarated, confused, lost or may be bit hesitant!

This is what exactly our women experienced at our 2nd SHG Monthly meeting today. We envisioned the women at our centre to build more bond with their own self; their inner self. There is child in every human being and this child always wants to explore, learn, enjoy and be in the moment. We thought, here is where we could bring this inner child play their minds on the paper.

Thus, we did an ice-breaker activity with the women today. The objective was to have them do something different and novel from their everyday chores. There were some who just jumped in the pool while there were few who were initially little hesitant however, ones they began, they left no corner of the paper uncoloured.

Looking at the mothers draw something, the children were attracted towards the activity and they volunteered to help all those who initially felt little lost. The children helped by giving them ideas and also participated actively. In the process we observed:

a) It became an interactive session between the child and the mother; an opportunity for them to communicate on a different level altogether.

b) The children seemed completely excited looking at their mothers taking initiative in the activity.

c) Any process in the start requires some efforts; however once the process starts it becomes easier. Initially, one has to drive the process and then the process drives oneself.

d) There is a child in every human being which feels the need to come out through creative expressions.

e) The activity was a sort of catharsis for them.

f) Sharing and helping each other, within the SHG was quite an impact.

Apart from this, we as a mentor learned that;

a) We need to give them more such activities which gives them an opportunity to practise moral values which not only aides oneself but also strengthens the bond within the groups.

b) Preparing an activity sheet for them at every meeting would help to share with them more useful and awareness based information with them.

c) Documentation of our learning is also important and sharing such knowledge with people may be useful to have them apply such related activities at their NGOs, SHGs etc.

So yes, we did enjoy the play of colours with them. With every dot that they connected with crayons, a magic was happening within them and with every magic happening within them, there was sparkles in their eyes. And those colourful twinkling eyes were magic for us!

So, here is for you…Come twinkle with us!

-Dr. Sonia Mackwani

Touching Lives MicroWorld Team