Empowering Children as Educators: A New Paradigm in Learning
Imagine a world where children take the lead in teaching adults, sharing knowledge on sustainability, conscious living, and creativity. This vision became a reality at the Kid’s Kraft Carnival 2025 — Edition 2, hosted by Boutique Bougainvillea and The Kraft Faktor in Velachery on November 15. Here, a group of youthful innovators showcased their skills in sustainability and art, proving that empowerment can bloom at any age.
Children as the New Teachers
At the carnival, approximately a dozen participants aged 10 to 15 conducted workshops on various art forms rooted in eco-friendly practices. From origami and quilling to clay-based crafts and palm-leaf decor, these young artists demonstrated their mastery and passion for sustainable art. Their commitment to turning waste materials into beautiful, functional items was nothing short of inspiring. Moreover, many children have extended their craft to develop brands promoting sustainability, blending art with ecological consciousness.
The Craft of Macramé: Keshavanath’s Journey
Thirteen-year-old Keshavanath Shankar discovered macramé a year and a half ago during a search for creative activities after opting to forgo television. Observing his peers and online creators, he began experimenting with this intricate knotting technique. “It just felt comfortable,” Keshavanath explains, highlighting how macramé has become a part of his daily routine.
Using sustainably sourced cotton cords from Craft Affairs, Keshavanath creates pouches and keychains, selling them at prices ranging from ₹60 to ₹250. Larger items, like wall hangings, require significantly more effort and time. He meticulously measures and cuts cords before transforming them into beautiful items, emphasizing accuracy and craftsmanship. “I enjoy almost every part, except the final steps when I have to tie every single knot,” he admits, showcasing his dedication.
Sustainable Décor through Decoupage: Meet Maya Ram
Ten-year-old Maya Ram, a Grade 5 student, uses her creativity to repurpose everyday items into stunning decoupage art. Employing scraps of tissue paper, old bedsheets, and dried flowers, she decorates pots and other surfaces, promoting sustainability through her craft. “I enjoy showing how discarded materials can be transformed into something beautiful,” she states.
Maya’s meticulous process involves layering materials on circular pots, which requires careful handling to avoid bubbles. Each project takes about one to one-and-a-half hours to complete, with a emphasis on using only eco-friendly sealants. As she develops her brand, Fusspots, Maya encourages buyers to recognize the aesthetic value of sustainable products, hoping to instill environmental awareness among her customers.
Palm-Leaf Crafting with P.S. Thara
Ten-year-old P.S. Thara is another shining example of youthful artistry in sustainable living. Starting her journey at an Organic Farmers Market exhibition, she learned the art of palm-leaf crafting. “Our first project was making fishes and other crafts with palm leaves,” she recalls, now impressing everyone with her intricate designs including stars and bracelets made from this eco-friendly material.
Palm leaves are not only a symbol of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage but also an excellent sustainable crafting option, being biodegradable and requiring no chemical treatments. Thara’s mother supports her talent, helping her refine her skills further. “It calms me and improves my concentration,” Thara reflects, highlighting the personal benefits of her craft.
Conclusion: A Greener Future Through Creative Education
The Kid’s Kraft Carnival 2025 highlighted a significant teaching moment — children can indeed pause the narrative where they learn from adults and instead, take the role of educators. As seen through the efforts of Keshavanath, Maya, and Thara, these young creators are not just producing art but are also fostering an ethos of sustainability, responsibility, and awareness among their peers and elders alike.
As we celebrate and support these initiatives, we must embrace the teachings of the younger generation and explore more about sustainable living through creative expression. To learn more about art, sustainability, and reviews in the creative space, check out MyAxom Reviews and join the conversations that shape the future.
