Olimalar Foundation
Works with children and communities in Fort Kochi & Mattancherry to build confidence, emotional well-being, and life skills. They create safe spaces through sessions and programs where young people can learn, express, and grow.
What Olimalar Foundation did here
LifSkool: Coping with Emotions
Local Government School | Std 5–7 | 19 boys Materials: LifSkills workbooks, completed “This Is Me” folders, whiteboard & markers, Find Your Happy by Emily Coxhead Space: Regular classroom with tables and benches Timing: 45 minutes available Tuesday was about self-awareness; by Thursday, we were ready to explore coping with emotions. Meeting the boys twice a week during this 5-week programme helps us build naturally on the previous session. We started by looking at their completed “This Is Me” folders and asking a few students to recap what self-awareness meant. To get everyone moving, we played “Do the Opposite.” “Stand up” meant stay seated, “hands up” meant hands down, and “happy” meant showing a sad face. We gradually added emotions into the game, which gave us a fun bridge into the topic. There were plenty of giggles and confused faces, and it was lovely to see the boys come alive. From there, we explored what emotions are, why we have them, and how they can show up in the body. We also talked about the difference between reacting immediately and taking a moment to respond. This time, we came prepared with whiteboard markers after missing them on Tuesday. Being able to write and draw ideas as we spoke made the discussion much easier to follow. We then introduced STAR as a simple coping process: Stop and notice → Take a breath → Acknowledge what you’re feeling → Respond As part of this, we practised STAR breathing. The boys held one hand up like a star and traced around it with the index finger of the other hand — breathing in as they moved up a finger, pausing at the top, and breathing out as they moved down. We used a few everyday situations to think about how taking that pause might help us choose what to do next. To close, we read Emily Coxhead’s Find Your Happy together — a gentle book about feelings and simple ways children can notice and respond to them. The boys were then asked to complete their workbook reflection at home and try the related activity with a family member. One of our main reflections was that we spoke more than we wanted to. When time is tight, explaining feels quicker, but it gives students less space to connect the skill to their own lives, share ideas and practise for themselves. Next time, we want to ask more, use simple role-play, and give the boys more time to share their own examples. We’re also still finding the best classroom rhythm. Even when we arrive on time, getting everyone together and settled can easily take five or ten minutes. A clearer arrival routine, visual prompts on the board and shorter activity blocks should help us protect more time for participation. A lively second session, plenty of laughs, and a useful reminder to keep the learning active and student-led.
Local Government School | Std 5-7 | 13 boys Materials: Kraft envelope folders, LifSkills workbooks, crayons, sketch pens, stationery kits Space: Regular classroom with students seated on benches Timing: 45 minutes available (60 minutes planned) LifSkool is Olimalar Foundation’s school-based life skills programme, helping young people build practical skills for everyday life. This week, we began a 5-week programme with our Std 5–7 boys from a local government school. This is one of the schools we already have an established partnership with, and continuing here allows us to build on the trust and relationships formed last year. It was lovely to walk into the classroom and see a few familiar faces — boys we had met in Std 5 last year, now in Std 6, a little taller, but still remembering us. For our first session, our main goal was simple: break the ice, re-establish our connection, and start exploring our first life skill — self-awareness. We started with a quick “This or That” game. As the classroom benches left very little room to move, we took the boys out into the corridor and asked them to stand in a line. We called out two choices at a time — for example, football or cricket, dogs or cats — and they moved left or right depending on their choice. It was a simple way for everyone to share something about themselves and notice where they were similar to or different from others. Once back inside, we introduced the boys to their LifSkills workbooks and introduced the LifSkool Promise. Rather than handing down a rigid list of rules, we read through the promise together — to show up, try, listen, share ideas respectfully, ask for help when needed, and participate fully. Every student signed their name, and a member of our team signed alongside them. Co-signing made the expectations feel shared, creating a sense of mutual respect right from day one. Next came their tools: an eco-friendly brown kraft folder equipped with crayons, a sketch pen, and a small stationery kit. The workbook gives them a place to reflect on what they do and learn, while the folder is something personal they can make their own and build on throughout the programme. Their first assignment, “This Is Me,” was to start decorating their folder with drawings, words, and symbols representing what they love, what they are good at, and what matters most to them. As our start was delayed, the boys only had about 15 minutes to sketch their ideas before packing the folders into their bags to complete at home. Day 1 also handed us a very practical field lesson: the classroom had a whiteboard, but no markers. We had planned to map out the activity visually on the board, so “bring whiteboard markers” went straight to the top of our prep list for Thursday. Our biggest takeaway was simple: creative, low-pressure activities made it easier to start conversations and begin getting to know the boys without putting anyone on the spot. It was a simple first session, but a lovely way to begin — and a grounding reminder to always work with the actual time, space, and resources we have on the ground.
A Wrinkled Heart opens a conversation about kindness
The children read A Wrinkled Heart by Tracy Hoexter and talked about how words and actions can affect other people. The story helped them think about kindness, feelings, and the importance of speaking to others with care.
Show all 30 sessions
Body percussion and group games get children moving together
The session included body percussion, movement, and group games that encouraged children to listen, respond, and participate together. The activities gave them a fun way to explore rhythm, coordination, attention, and teamwork.
Paper planes help children explore how things fly
The wings in Perfectly Norman became the starting point for a Curiosity Club activity about flight. Children explored the basic forces that help things fly, then made different paper planes and tested how changes in shape affected how far and how well they flew.
Perfectly Norman opens a conversation about being different
The children read Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival, a story about a boy who suddenly grows wings and learns to accept what makes him different. The reading opened up a simple conversation about being yourself, accepting differences, and feeling comfortable with who you are.
Children make themselves at home during the community program
While the community program was happening, the children found their own way to enjoy the space by sitting together and playing UNO. It was a simple moment that showed how comfortable they felt spending time together and using aikyam space in their own way.
Olimalar and Thudippu discuss how to support children better
Aarthi from Olimalar Foundation and Anjali Krishnadas from Thudippu Dance Foundation met at aikyam Space to discuss how they can work together to bring out the best in children from the community. The conversation focused on understanding the children better and finding ways to support their learning, confidence, creativity, and participation through future activities.
The reading club began testing each child's reading level
We began assessing the reading levels of children using the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach developed by Pratham. The assessment helps us understand each child's current reading ability so that future sessions can be planned according to their learning needs, allowing every child to learn at a pace that is right for them.
The Reading Club split into small reading groups
The Reading Club continued with small-group activities that encouraged children to read, discuss stories, and support one another in their learning.
Children built spaghetti towers and drew as a team
Children took part in two team-based life skills challenges. In the Spaghetti Tower, they used spaghetti, tape, string and a marshmallow to build the tallest free-standing tower they could. In Draw Together, they relied on observation and clear communication to recreate a picture as a team. Both challenges encouraged teamwork, communication, creativity and problem-solving through hands-on learning.
Children read together with volunteers at the Reading Club
Children took part in the Reading Club by reading books together and with volunteers. The session encouraged regular reading and helped children become more comfortable with books.
Each child took home a fruit seed to grow
Each child took home a fruit seed to grow in a cup, to water regularly and watch week by week. The session was on plant growth and the basic needs of living organisms — and the team will track progress with them, so the learning comes from their own observation rather than classroom discussion.
Children began using the new Reading Corner
The science class continued with hands-on learning, while children also began using the new Reading Corner. The reading programme follows a research-based approach adapted from proven models such as ASER and Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), helping children build a regular reading habit based on their current reading ability rather than their age or grade. The goal is not just to provide books, but to help children enjoy reading and build confidence over time.
Young readers picked up their first books
The children’s reading corner came to life as young readers picked up their first books and spent time exploring stories. This small beginning reminded us that creating a reading habit starts with giving children a welcoming space and the freedom to discover books at their own pace.
Children pulled DNA out of a kiwi fruit
The science class explored cells and DNA, helping children understand how living things are built. As part of the session, students took part in a hands-on experiment to extract DNA from a kiwi fruit. The activity generated a lot of curiosity and questions, showing that practical experiments can make science easier to understand and more engaging for children.
Olimalar Foundation held a meet-up for its volunteers
Olimalar Foundation conducted a volunteer meet-up at the space, bringing together volunteers to learn more about the organisation’s work and future plans. The session encouraged discussion, questions, and sharing of ideas. A key learning was that regular communication and orientation are important to help volunteers understand where they can contribute most effectively.
An evening of music and chai raised funds for Olimalar
People from different walks of life for an evening of music, chai, and community. The event welcomed everyone, whether they were seasoned singers or simply people who loved music and wanted to join in. What mattered was not singing perfectly, but singing together. Through shared songs, conversations, and laughter, the fundraiser created a warm and inclusive space while supporting Olimalar Foundation’s work with children and communities across Kochi.
Olimalar Foundation shared a cake with the space
Olimalar Foundation shared a cake with the space as a small gesture of happiness and togetherness. The moment became a simple celebration of new beginnings, collaboration, and the growing bonds within the space.
Olimalar and aikyam began writing shared rules for the space
On the second day with Olimalar Foundation, discussions focused on creating shared guidelines and understanding how the space can be used thoughtfully and collectively. The conversation helped build clarity, collaboration, and a stronger sense of working together within the space.
Practice began for the Paattum Chaayayum music fundraiser
Olimalar Foundation is organising a community music fundraiser, “ Paattum chaayayum ” on May 30 at aikyam space. As part of the preparations, a practice session was recently held at the space, bringing together music, conversations, and collective energy for the upcoming event.
Olimalar Foundation was welcomed with gifts and a note
We welcomed Olimalar Foundation to aikyam space with tiny gifts and a welcome note. As they begin using the space for their work and community activities, we look forward to building meaningful collaborations, shared learning, and stronger community connections together.
Children learned how air pressure works
Children gathered for the science class and learned about air pressure through simple examples and activities. In between, they enjoyed a fun game session that helped the learning to be more engaging.
Children mixed colours to see science at work
Students watched and took part in a simple experiment using colours. By mixing and observing, they learned how small changes can show important science concepts.
Children explored the brain through hands-on experiments
Children explored the brain and its different functions through simple, hands-on experiments. Learning became something to see and feel, making complex ideas easier to understand.
Students saw the laws of motion for themselves
The session was on the basic laws of motion — not as theory, but seen and felt firsthand. Students gathered with curiosity and excitement, preparing for their experiments.
The children's art exhibition filled the walls with colour
As the walls slowly filled with colour, the space transformed into something more than an exhibition. It became a place where children could feel seen, appreciated, and proud of what they had created.
Olimalar prepared its eighth children's art exhibition
Children's art exhibition and workshop is taking shape, as the Olimalar team prepares for its 8th event, creating a colourful space for children to express and share their art.
Twelve children explored gravity and electricity at science club
Twelve children from the community came together for the science club, spending time on games, conversations to get to know each other, and a simple session exploring how gravity and electricity work.
Olimalar Foundation brought a children's art exhibition to the space
Made with HeART, an exhibition of artworks by children from across Kochi, was held on April 8 from 10 am to 5 pm, hosted by Olimalar Foundation as part of their LifSkool programme. Alongside the artworks there were hands-on stations, and guided clay modelling and calligraphy open to all ages. Entry was free with no registration.
Their story
What people said
Aarthi Veerupillai, founder of the Olimalar Foundation
“I realised how much I would have benefited from these lessons growing up.”