22 October,2014 07:04 AM IST | | The Guide Team
Art for Akanksha puts heart into empowering children from lower income groups to realise their creative passions. the guide went behind the scenes to view how they brighten our Diwali in many ways
Kajal and Naziya paint on diyas
For many of Mumbai's children who hail from lower income groups, pursuing a talent is beyond reach, a dreamy bubble. Thankfully, with spaces like Art for Akanksha, born from the Akanksha Foundation's commitment to take education to children from low income communities, such dreams become reality. It has been the foundation's strongest co-curricular for the last 16 years. Under the leadership of Ruchika Gupta, the organisation is moving towards empowering children through art.
Kajal and Naziya paint on diyas
At Art for Akanksha, which was registered as a non-profit in November 2012, 4,500 children are encouraged to create art through school classrooms and art labs on weekends while alumni are supported through financial aid, internships, career guidance and job opportunities.
Jyoti paints an art work that will go on sale as Akanksha's Diwali products
Art and designs by these kids at the labs find their way onto products that are sold to generate revenue. Akanksha products range from simple ideas to intricate hand-painted pieces of art. One cannot miss the talent flowing through the bright shades and hues.
Kajal and Naziya pack diyas into gift boxes
Display shelves with products. Pics/ Pradeep Dhivar
At the heart of it is the fact that here is the creation of a model for art education that can be introduced at government as well as low-fee private schools.
