Introduction – Tree of Little People, Cubbon Park

The first makkala marmara was held on 6 April, 2014 at Cubbon Park, a large leafy, tree-lined park in the heart of Bangalore city. A total of 125 children participated in the event.

The session began with a warm-up game which gave the children an opportunity to get to know each other. This was followed by a welcome and introduction explaining the makkala marmara.

The first session focused on a drawing session where children were divided into eleven groups and each group was asked to present a pictorial form on the theme ‘what does it mean to be a child?’

This was followed by a second drawing session where each of the eleven groups was given an individual topic to draw with a focus on two questions:

• What facilities do you already have and are enjoying/ utilizing?
• What do you lack to achieve this enjoyment (hurdles)?

The post-lunch session began with each children’s groups sharing their dreams which included friends with whom they could enjoy studying and playing; greater attention of their parents who due to their economic situation are unable to do so; protection and care from their immediate community; school that offers space and opportunity to play, study and freedom to express themselves; nutritious food and adequate health care; sufficient opportunities to create and exhibit their skills and talents.

The day filled with joy, play and laughter concluded with a visit to Bal Bhavan and a train ride.

This Marmara was organized by (APSA) Association For Promotion of Social Action in Bangalore.
 

Introduction >> Photos of the Marmara >>