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
Nine children joined us this week, as schools were holding make-up classes. We began with LEGO, Dobble and building blocks. When the children asked to try body percussion, we set aside the planned reading activity and made a rhythm to We Will Rock You. We then explored what causes shadows, watched a video about the history of shadow puppetry in China and connected it to traditions in Kerala. Using materials left from previous sessions, the children made people, houses, a cat, a coconut tree, bees and an ant. For our theatre, we tied one side of a white blanket to the window while a facilitator held the other side. A torch lit the puppets from behind, with the audience seated in front. The children worked in teams to create and present three short shadow puppet stories. It was lovely to see them combine their ideas and bring their characters to life.
Stories, Voices & Confidence: Reading for Meaning
Stories, Voices & Confidence began on 10 July with Standard 7 girls at SDPY Girls High School. We raised funds to buy 50 copies of Roald Dahl's Matilda, with Penguin India giving us a discount. The books will be used with future groups too. Through the story, we are helping the girls understand what they read and share their ideas. Between monsoon rains, Onam, exams and the youth festival, it had been some time since we last met. During the break, we encouraged the girls to read for 15 minutes a day and note difficult words. In our first session back, the girls were at different points in the book; some had finished it. We planned for 37 girls to read short extracts in groups and then act out scenes or show them through still pictures. Many could read the English words but struggled to understand the passages. Olimalar facilitators and the school teacher moved between groups to help them work through the meaning. With support, the girls understood their extracts, but we did not move on to the performances. The session showed us where to focus next: helping the girls pause, ask questions and understand the story before presenting it.
LifSkool: Think Like a Detective
Our hour began by looking back at the previous LifSkool sessions and asking the boys what they remembered. They were able to recall the activities and connect them to skills they had already been practising, including communication, problem-solving and decision-making. Today’s LifSkool session focused on critical thinking. We invited the boys to think like detectives, using short thinking challenges and a collaborative investigation. Rather than explaining the skill first, they were encouraged to ask questions, examine information and work out what they thought had happened. What worked particularly well was the balance between pace and reflection. Having the activities and materials prepared in advance meant we could move quickly from one challenge to the next without losing momentum. But we also paused briefly between activities to ask the boys how they reached an answer, what they were assuming, or what made them change their mind. The boys responded strongly to this format. They were curious, eager to talk and ask questions, and every child contributed. The detective-style investigation gave them something concrete to think through together rather than simply listening to an explanation about critical thinking. Only afterwards did we name the skill and connect it to a simple idea: ask questions and check what you know before deciding what you think. Our main learning was that a fast-moving session does not have to mean rushing the learning. Good preparation helped us keep the energy up, while short reflection moments gave the boys space to notice how they were thinking. In future, we would like to build on this with slightly more challenging investigation-style activities. Group: Local Government School | Std 5–7 boys | 15 boys Materials: Simple thinking challenges, investigation materials, whiteboard and LifSkills workbooks. Space: Regular classroom with tables and benches Timing: Around 45 minutes
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Today we changed the pace of LifSkool with a Team Challenge Day. The boys worked in pairs and small groups through a series of short challenges involving memory, coordination, problem-solving and communication. From the start, the boys were curious and eager to take part. They had to listen to one another, make quick plans, try different ideas and change their approach when something did not work. In earlier sessions, we had noticed that transitions and side conversations could quickly eat into the limited time we had. So today, we introduced a simple attention routine to support smoother transitions between activities. It worked well. The boys responded quickly, and the transitions between challenges felt much smoother. One of the strongest parts of the session was seeing how naturally the life skills appeared through the games. The boys were not only talking about communication, problem-solving and decision-making — they were having to use them in real time. This session also brought together several things we had been learning over the previous weeks. We had already seen that too much explanation could reduce participation, especially when the ideas themselves were quite abstract. Today, we deliberately flipped that around: less explaining, clearer routines, more doing, and more space for the boys to work things out themselves. Timing also worked well, and we were able to complete all the planned challenges within the session. Our main takeaway was simple: when children experience a skill first, it can be much easier to talk about the learning afterwards. A lively session, lots of curiosity, and a good reminder that the programme itself should keep adapting to what we learn in the room. Group: Local Government School | Std 5–7 | 14 boys Materials: Simple team-challenge materials, paper, markers and LifSkills workbooks Space: Regular classroom with tables and benches Timing: Around 45 minutes
Community programme leads shared progress and worked through challenges together
Shabana, who leads the Stitching Club, met with Anjali of Thudippu Dance Foundation and Aarthi of Olimalar Foundation for their weekly check-in at aikyam space. They shared updates on their work so far, spoke about the challenges they faced, helped one another think through possible solutions, and reflected on what they had learned over the past week.
We usually begin Curiosity Club with a question rather than an explanation. This week, holding up a battery and a small LED, we asked: “What do you think we need to do to make this light turn on?” The children shared their ideas first, and from there we introduced a few simple concepts around atoms, electrons and circuits. We used a short game and a digital simulation to help make the invisible parts of electricity a little easier to imagine. Then came the real test: could they make the light turn on themselves? Each child built a paper circuit using a battery, LED and conductive tape, then turned it into their own design. We had traffic lights, lightning bolts and cars with working lights. Not every circuit worked first time. We had been unable to source copper tape, so we used aluminium tape instead, and some connections needed to be adjusted or rebuilt. We also noticed that some children used quite a lot of sellotape to hold things in place, which sometimes interrupted the connection and stopped the circuit from working. That ended up being one of the best parts of the session. Instead of giving up, the children kept checking, changing and trying again. One boy struggled for quite a while, but stayed with it until his light finally came on. The look on his face when it worked said everything. By the end, every child who stayed to complete the activity managed to light their LED. We came away with a few practical learnings. Next time, we would slow the build down further and demonstrate one step at a time before everyone moves on. We are also curious to try reversing the order altogether — letting the children attempt the circuit first, notice what works and what doesn’t, and then using their questions and mistakes to introduce the science behind it. For a concept as abstract as electricity, experiencing the problem first may make the explanation easier to understand. A messy, hands-on session with plenty of trial and error — which, in the end, was exactly where much of the learning happened.
This week’s Reading Club was smaller than usual, with 10 children attending, but the quieter group gave us more time to support each reader. The children began with some informal play downstairs before moving upstairs for the reading session. We had also recently received a donation of books, which gave us a much wider selection to work with. We organised the books across three reading levels, but this time, instead of giving every child the same book, the children were able to choose what they wanted to read from the books available at their level. Our emerging readers worked closely with Sreena, reading together and stopping to talk through unfamiliar words and meaning. The other groups worked more independently or alongside a buddy. At the end, we asked each child to tell us what they had understood from their story so far. Almost everyone was able to share something, which gave us a clearer sense of comprehension than simply knowing they had read the page. One of our main learnings was that children read at different levels, but they can still have a choice. Giving them a few books to choose from at their level helped them stay interested while still reading something suitable for them. Attendance is still something we need to understand better. Numbers have reduced over the past few weeks, so we want to speak with children and families to understand what may be making regular attendance difficult. For those who came, though, it was a calm and positive session — time to play, choose a book, read together and talk about what they had understood.
This session focused on empathy and kindness — understanding how someone else might be feeling and thinking about how our words and actions affect others. It was also a learning session for us as facilitators. This was George’s first time leading a LifSkool class. He had prepared carefully beforehand, but nerves meant he relied quite closely on the printed lesson plan. We began with a movement energiser, which helped bring some energy into the room. A few boys were shy at first, but most gradually joined in. From there, we explored empathy through familiar situations and conversations about how another person might feel, what support could look like, and how small acts of kindness can make a difference. The boys were able to contribute examples and seemed to understand the core ideas. The biggest learning for us was around facilitation. Following a script closely can help a new facilitator feel prepared, but it can also reduce eye contact, interaction and responsiveness in the room. Attention drifted at times, and side conversations became more noticeable. It reminded us that the lesson plan is there to support the facilitator, not replace the connection with the students. The session also highlighted the need to revisit classroom routines and transitions. With an after-school group, chatter and changing energy levels are part of the reality, so clearer signals and expectations should help us protect more time for participation. At the end, each student chose a LifSkool buddy, who they will work with during upcoming team challenges. Attendance was again lower than the full cohort, with 12 of 20 boys attending, which remains an ongoing challenge for the after-school programme. Overall, the boys understood the ideas of empathy and kindness, while the session gave us useful learning about facilitation, engagement and classroom rhythm too. Group: Local Government School | Std 5–7 | 12 boys Materials: LifSkills workbooks, lesson-plan materials, speaker/music Space: Regular classroom with tables and benches Timing: Around 45 minutes
After exploring coping with emotions last week, today we moved into coping with stress. Today’s group was smaller than our previous session, as after-school football coaching has now started and some of the boys were attending that instead. It’s another reminder that after-school programmes have to work alongside the wider rhythm of school life. We began with a quick recap of emotions and the calming tools the boys had already learnt. We revisited STAR breathing and also introduced box breathing before moving into the new topic. Stress itself was a little harder to explain than we expected. At first, some of the boys struggled to identify what stress might look like in their own lives. Once we started using familiar examples — schoolwork, running late, arguments, tests, or several small things happening at once — the idea began to make more sense. To make it more concrete, we used a simple Stress Bucket demonstration with a cut plastic bottle and water. It helped show that stress does not always come from one big event — sometimes lots of smaller things build up over time. From there, we explored coping strategies as ways of releasing some of that pressure. The boys were especially good at coming up with their own ideas for what might help their body and mind settle. They then completed a short reflection activity, thinking about what can add to their own stress and what might help them cope. Our biggest learning today was that abstract ideas need concrete examples with this age group. The word “stress” was difficult to pin down at first, but once the boys could see it, connect it to everyday situations and talk through examples, the conversation became much easier. A smaller group today, but a useful session — and a good reminder that sometimes showing an idea works far better than explaining it. Group: Local Government School | Std 5–7 | 12 boys Materials: LifSkills workbooks, simple stress and coping activity materials, whiteboard and markers Space: Regular classroom with tables and benches Timing: Around 45 minutes available
This Saturday, 21 children learned to crochet. A facilitator from aikyam’s stitching unit led the session, bringing a skill already present within the community into the Curiosity Club. We organised the children into three groups of approximately seven and gave everyone a crochet hook and colourful yarn. Some of the boys hesitated at first, saying they did not want to try crochet. Once they had the materials, their interest grew quickly. Most of the children concentrated and tried to understand the movements. Supporting everyone with one crochet facilitator was challenging. She explained the technique to one table at a time, meaning some children had to wait. Several children already knew how to crochet, so we encouraged them to help someone else. They demonstrated the movements, encouraging and patiently supporting their friends. What began as a practical challenge became an example of peer learning, cooperation and children sharing skills. Our main learning was that an activity like crochet needs a clear whole-group demonstration at the beginning. Next time, we would first show the basic movement where everyone can see it before moving into smaller-group and individual support. We would also identify children with previous experience earlier and pair them with those needing additional help. Initial hesitation soon turned into concentration, conversation and shared learning. The session reminded us of the value of drawing on skills from within the community and giving children the opportunity to learn from both adults and one another.
Books, buddies and growing confidence
This Saturday, 21 children joined us for our first structured, level-based reading session. Before the session, we reviewed the available reading assessments, completed using the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach developed by Pratham. We selected three storybooks from Pratham Books that were broadly suited to the children’s different reading needs, printed several copies and arranged the room into three small reading areas, with a facilitator supporting each group. We deliberately removed the visible level labels from the books before giving them to the children. The levels remained useful for facilitators in planning the right support, but they were not presented as fixed identities for the children. For around 15–20 minutes, the children read together. Some needed more assistance to work through the text, while others read with a buddy. The buddy-reading approach worked particularly well. When one child struggled with a word, another would often step in to help. It was also encouraging to see how comfortable the children were asking for support. Several raised their hands when they could not read or understand a word rather than remaining silent or disengaging. One unexpected challenge was discovering that a handful of children attending that day had not completed the earlier reading assessment. We placed them provisionally using our previous interactions and observations. At the end of the activity, the children completed a short reflection to tell us how manageable they found their book. Our main learning was that assessment records need to be checked against the children who actually attend each session. Next time, we will confirm everyone’s assessment status, assess anyone who was missed and adjust the groups where necessary. A positive first session, with books and buddies helping children participate at their own pace, support one another and grow more confident about asking for help.
LifSkool: Coping with Emotions
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 revisiting the previous session and asking the boys what they remembered about self-awareness. A short movement game helped bring energy into the room before we moved into a discussion about emotions, how they can show up in the body, and the difference between reacting immediately and taking a moment to respond. We introduced a simple pause-and-breathe strategy and used familiar situations to explore how taking a moment can help us choose what to do next. We ended with a short story about feelings and ways of responding to them. One of our main reflections was that we spoke more than we wanted to. When time is tight, explaining can feel quicker, but it leaves students less space to connect the skill to their own lives, share ideas and practise for themselves. We are also still finding the best classroom rhythm. Getting everyone together and settled can easily take five or ten minutes, so clearer routines 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. Group: 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
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. We chose to return because 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 back 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 goal was simple: break the ice, reconnect, and begin exploring our first life skill — self-awareness. We started with “This or That.” As the classroom benches left little room to move, we took the boys into the corridor, stood them in a line, and called out two choices at a time. They moved left or right depending on their preference. It was a simple way to share something about themselves and notice where they were similar to or different from others. Back inside, we introduced the LifSkills workbooks and the LifSkool Promise. We read the promise together, each student signed it, and a member of the LifSkool team signed alongside them. Co-signing helped make the expectations feel shared rather than simply a list of rules. Each student also received their own folder and materials. Their first activity, “This Is Me,” was to begin decorating the folder with drawings, words and symbols showing what they like, what they are good at and what matters to them. A late start meant the boys only had around 15 minutes to sketch their ideas, so they took the folders home to complete. 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. Group: 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; movement activity moved to the corridor Timing: 45 minutes available (60 minutes planned)
A Wrinkled Heart opens a conversation about kindness
The children read A Wrinkled Heart by Tracy Hoexter and we 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.
Body percussion and group games get children moving together
We ran a session on 14 March 2024 with 12 children. We did body percussion, movement, and group games. The children listened, responded, and participated. They explored rhythm, coordination, attention, and teamwork.
Paper planes help children explore how things fly
We started a Curiosity Club activity about flight using the wings from Perfectly Norman. Children explored the basic forces that help things fly. Then they 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. We 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 we could work together to help the children from the community. We talked about 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 helped us understand each child’s current reading ability so that future sessions could be planned according to their learning needs, allowing every child to learn at a pace that was 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
On 14 March 2024, we ran two team-based life skills challenges for children. 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
On 14 March 2024, children attended the Reading Club. We read 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 we 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. 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. During 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 held a volunteer meet-up at the space on 14 March 2024. We brought volunteers together to learn about the organisation’s work and future plans. The session encouraged discussion, questions, and sharing of ideas. We learned 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 came together 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, we 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. We did it as a small gesture of happiness and togetherness. It 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, we discussed creating shared guidelines and understanding how the space could 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 organised a community music fundraiser, “Paattum chaayayum”, on May 30 at aikyam space. We held a practice session at the space recently. It involved music, conversations and collective energy for the event.
Olimalar Foundation was welcomed with gifts and a note
We welcomed Olimalar Foundation to aikyam space with small gifts and a welcome note. As they start using the space for their work and community activities, we expect to build meaningful collaborations, shared learning, and stronger community connections together.
Children learned how air pressure works
The children gathered for the science class on 14 March 2024 and we taught them about air pressure using simple examples and activities. We then ran a game session to make the learning 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
On 14 March 2024, we ran a workshop for children about the brain. They did experiments to see how different parts worked. We made it practical so they could understand the ideas better.
Students saw the laws of motion for themselves
On 14 March 2024, we ran a session on the basic laws of motion. The students came to the workshop with curiosity and excitement. We set up experiments so they could see and feel the laws firsthand.
The children's art exhibition filled the walls with colour
The walls slowly filled with colour. The space became somewhere children could feel seen, appreciated, and proud of what they had created.
Olimalar prepared its eighth children's art exhibition
The Olimalar team organised its 8th children's art exhibition and workshop. We made 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. We spent 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.”