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
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.
Show all 22 sessions
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.”