Local communities coming together to learn, practice & share their skills. Stitching, Science, Reading, Dance, Cooking, Up-cycling, Gardening and more.
Local communities coming together to learn, practice & share their skills. Stitching, Science, Reading, Dance, Cooking, Up-cycling, Gardening and more.
Local communities coming together to learn, practice & share their skills. Stitching, Science, Reading, Dance, Cooking, Up-cycling, Gardening and more.
An abundance of technology has led to a scarcity of human interactions and interconnectedness, hasn't it?
Technology keeps us connected, but real community grows when people come together.
At aikyam space, we host community-driven activities that create opportunities to meet new people, share ideas, learn together, and build meaningful connections. From workshops and conversations to creative gatherings and special events, there's something for everyone.
Explore this month's calendar and see what's happening at the space. We hope to see you here!
Last Updated 30 June 2026
May Rewind
May at aikyam space was filled with learning, creativity, and community participation. From science, maths, dance, stitching, and cooking classes to NGO collaborations, volunteer meet-ups, and community events, the space brought people together to learn, share skills, build connections, and grow as a community.
June 1
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. This week’s stitching session focused on grouping participants by skill level, from beginners to experienced members who can support and teach others. The group also discussed roles and responsibilities for an upcoming bag order, including production planning and quality checks. As members continue to build their skills, they are taking on greater responsibility within the club and preparing to work together on larger production tasks.
June 2
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. Participants gathered to sort fabric pieces, prepare materials, and practice stitching together. It was a relaxed session filled with teamwork, shared learning, and creative conversations about how the available fabric could be transformed into future projects.
June 3
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. Participants continued their stitching practice with one-on-one guidance. The session focused on improving basic techniques, understanding machine handling, and building confidence through regular practice.
June 4
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. Through a shared making session, participants prepared supplies, explored stitching techniques, and worked together to imagine new possibilities for the fabric on hand.
11 AM-2 PM | Verandah Visit by the Palliative Care Team. Facilitated by Leelamma A group of 17 women from the palliative care community visited aikyam space for a meeting and documentation session. The space provided a comfortable environment for their discussions and coordination. After the session, the group expressed appreciation for the space and their happiness.
"It was a wonderful experience to conduct our meeting here. Community spaces like this are very valuable for groups like ours" - Leelamma
June 5
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team continued work on their first customer order, carefully bringing each piece together with attention and skill. The process offered valuable hands-on experience, helping participants build confidence while working collaboratively toward a shared goal.
12:30 PM- 01:30 PM | Cooking Lab Cooking Club. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Jasentha Joy Members of the cooking club came together to prepare prawn pickle, exchanging tips, stories, and plenty of laughter along the way. It was a lively session that celebrated both culinary skills and the value of learning from one another.
2 PM-3:30 PM | Students' Lab Little Makers Club. Facilitated by Shabana K H The beading session introduced children to different patterns, colours, and techniques in a fun and supportive environment. Through making their own creations, they practiced concentration, creativity, and fine motor skills while expressing their individual ideas.
4.30 PM–6.00 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. Through regular practice and gentle guidance, the young dancers continued to develop their coordination, rhythm, and expression. More than just learning steps, the sessions are helping them build confidence and enjoy the experience of moving and learning together.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team continued making steady progress on bag production, taking ownership of each stage, from cutting and stitching to finishing and quality checks. Working collaboratively and supporting one another throughout the process, participants are building confidence, strengthening their skills, and gaining valuable experience through real customer orders.
June 7
09:30 AM-11:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. Students gathered for another lively dance session, spending time refining their movements, rhythm, and expressions. Through regular practice and shared enthusiasm, they are becoming more confident performers while enjoying the sense of connection and teamwork that dance brings.
"I never thought I'd be able to dance at this age. I have great fun learning a new art form with my friends," shared one of the students.
11.30 PM–12.30 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. Students returned to dance practice with energy and focus, building on what they had learned in earlier sessions. As they explored new steps and refined familiar movements, they continued to grow in coordination, rhythm, and confidence while enjoying the shared experience of dance.
June 8
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching group continued working together on bag production, with participants taking up different roles such as measuring, cutting, stitching, and finishing. Through teamwork and regular practice, the group is steadily improving their skills while preparing products for customer orders.
June 9
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team is getting ready to deliver its first batch of 15 tote bags. From fabric cutting and stitching to finishing and quality checks, every step has been carried out by the participants themselves. This is definitely an exciting step in their learning and livelihood journey!
June 10
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The completion of the first batch of 15 tote bags was a major milestone for the Stitching Club. The bags were handed over to Siddharth Shivkumar from FOSS United, celebrating the collective effort of everyone who contributed.
June 11
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. Having successfully completed their first batch, the stitching team has moved on to a second tote bag order. Drawing on lessons from the first batch, members are handling the new project with increased confidence and a commitment to quality and teamwork.
June 12
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team explored new bag designs based on buyer requirements. Sample bags were tested using canvas cloth to understand different shapes, sizes, and construction methods. The exercise helped the team identify improvements before starting production.
June 13
09:30 AM-10:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes - Kids Batch. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. The children continue to make good progress in their dance classes. Compared to when they started, they are now more confident, coordinated, and comfortable performing different steps. Regular practice is helping them grow in both skill and confidence.
09:30 AM-10:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes - Adult Batch. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. The kids' batch is learning the fundamentals of dance. Through regular practice, participants are steadily developing their skills, confidence, and understanding of the art form.
4.30 PM–6.00 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. The adult dance batch has moved to the next level of training and has started attending classes in their dance uniforms. This is an important milestone that reflects their dedication and progress.
12:30 PM- 01:30 PM | Cooking Lab Cooking Club. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Jasentha Joy A trial cooking session was conducted as part of planning future paid experiences at aikyam space. While the cooking itself went well, the session helped us realise that creating a meaningful visitor experience requires much more than cooking alone. We discussed the importance of preparation, storytelling, participant interaction, giving instructions clearly, and providing an overall good guest experience.
2 PM-3:30 PM | Children's Lab Little Makers Club. Facilitated by Sajina Children participated in a beading session, where they learned basic techniques while enjoying the creative process. The class also introduced the idea that such skills could become a livelihood opportunity for those interested in developing them further.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team has started work on their second production order. Compared to the first batch, participants are more confident with the process and are beginning to take greater ownership of quality checks and production planning. The experience is helping the group understand both the opportunities and challenges involved in creating products for real-world use.
June 14
09:30 AM-11:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. Through regular practice, the children continue to grow their skills and discipline.
10:30 AM– 11:30 AM | Veranda Craft Making Sessions. Facilitated by Shilpa VS Children enjoyed another day of craft activities, experimenting with new ideas, materials, and designs.
11.30 PM–12.30 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. The community dance class continued with enthusiasm as participants learned new steps and practised together.
June 15
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy.
The stitching session welcomed a new participant: a 17-year-old student who joined during her vacation with the goal of learning stitching skills. Existing members warmly supported and guided her as she took her first steps in mastering the craft.
Meanwhile, the team continued working on the second production batch. Progress, however, was slower than anticipated, as several members were unable to attend regularly due to a bout of fever. Despite these challenges, the session reflected the growing interest in the programme and highlighted the importance of developing strategies to ensure continuity when key members are unavailable.
June 16
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team worked on a laptop bag design and explored ways to add proper padding for protection. Finding a sustainable zipper proved challenging, as most options available in the market contain plastic. The team decided to continue looking for suitable alternatives.
June 17
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team continued working on the second batch of tote bags. Alongside production, members explored how fabric cut pieces can be turned into useful products instead of being discarded. The session focused on reducing waste while creating new learning and livelihood opportunities.
June 18
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching session was divided between learning and production. New members worked on simple craft items using fabric cut pieces, helping them practice basic stitching skills and understand how materials can be reused. At the same time, senior members continued working on the second bag order.
June 19
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team continued working on the second bag order while experimenting with new designs. Three bags were made in a different shape due to a misunderstanding about the required design. While this created some extra work, it also allowed the team to learn a new bag pattern and discuss the importance of clear instructions before production began.
June 20
Behind-the-scenes Challenges. Water Leakage! A water leak was noticed in the space during the morning. Although it did not disrupt the day’s activities, it drew attention to the ongoing challenges of maintaining the space. The team carried out initial inspections, but the exact source of the leak could not be identified. Efforts are continuing to monitor the situation and find a suitable solution to prevent further damage.
09:30 AM-10:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation The regular dance class continued with participants practicing new movements, expressions, and coordination skills. With each session, they are growing more confident and comfortable, showing steady progress in their learning journey.
10:30 AM– 11:30 AM | Veranda Craft Making Sessions. Facilitated by Shilpa VS A craft session was conducted for children, giving them time to draw, create, and explore their ideas. The activity encouraged creativity and helped children express themselves through art.
11.30 AM–12.30 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. The community dance class brought together participants from different backgrounds to learn and practice dance together. As confidence grows, many participants are becoming more comfortable with movements, expressions, and group coordination.
2 PM-3:30 PM | Children's Lab Little Makers Club. Facilitated by Olimalar Foundation 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.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. Members of the stitching team spent the session practicing different cutting techniques for the next batch of bags. By testing patterns and measurements before production, they hope to reduce mistakes and improve consistency.
03:30 PM-05:00 PM | Conference Room Volunteers Meet-up. Facilitated by Olimalar Foundation 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.
02:30 PM-051:30 PM | Office Room Team Review Meet-up. Magic Bus Foundation A team review meeting by Magic Bus Foundation was conducted at the space. Team members came together to discuss ongoing activities, share updates, and reflect on their work.
June 21
09:30 AM-11:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation The regular dance class continued with students practising steps, rhythm, and expressions. Consistent participation is helping them become more confident and comfortable with each session.
10:30 AM– 11:30 AM | Veranda Craft Making Sessions. Facilitated by Shilpa VS Children participated in a craft session where they explored new ideas using simple materials. The activity encouraged creativity, patience, and learning through hands-on making.
11.30 PM–12.30 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. The community dance class brought together participants to learn, practice, and enjoy dance as a group. Regular sessions are helping participants build confidence while learning from and supporting one another.
June 22
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team continued working on the current bag production batch while experimenting with a new curved tote bag design. A challenge that emerged was cutting smooth and consistent curves on the handloom fabric, which is thicker and more rigid than regular cloth. The team tested different methods, but they are still working towards a solution that will give a clean finish without wasting material.
June 23
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team continued working on the current production batch, improving their speed and teamwork with each session. Regular practice is helping members gain confidence while maintaining product quality.
June 24
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team continued working on the next production order with focus and teamwork. Members took up different roles such as measuring, cutting, stitching, and quality checking to keep the work moving.
June 25
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team continued working on the new bag design while trying to attach the zipper neatly. A challenge they faced was that the stitching line became visible on the outside of the bag, affecting the final look. The team spent time discussing different methods and sharing ideas to achieve a cleaner finish without compromising the strength of the bag.
June 26
Off day for space to celebrate Muharram.
June 27
09:30 AM-11:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes Kids & Adult Batch. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation The regular kids’ dance class continued with students practicing new steps, expressions, and coordination. Regular practice is helping them become more confident, while learning in a fun and encouraging environment.
10:30 AM– 11:30 AM | Veranda Craft Making Sessions. Facilitated by Shilpa VS Children took part in a craft session that encouraged creativity, patience, and learning through hands-on activities.
4.30 PM–6.00 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. The dance club continued with regular practice, helping participants build confidence, coordination, and teamwork through movement.
2 PM-3:30 PM | Verandah Readers Corner. Facilitated by Olimalar Foundation 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.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team continued making progress on the current bag order while carrying out quality checks. During the finishing process, two bags developed water stains from the iron box and had to be removed from the batch as they did not meet our quality standards.
Space Moments | Community Birthday Celebration A special Space Moment was created as community members came together to celebrate their monthly birthdays. The gathering brought joy, conversations, and a sense of belonging, reminding us that small celebrations help build a stronger community.
June 28
09:30 AM-11:30 AM | Main Hall. Regular Dance Classes kids and Adult Batch. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation Students continued their regular dance practice, improving their confidence, coordination, and expressions with each session.
10:30 AM– 11:30 AM | Veranda. Craft Making Sessions. Facilitated by Shilpa VS Children enjoyed another craft session, exploring their creativity while learning through hands-on activities.
11:30 PM–12:30 PM | Main Hall. Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. The community dance class brought participants together to practice, learn, and build confidence through dance.
04:00 PM-06:00 PM | Terrace Space. Semi-Classical Workshop. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation Thudippu conducted a semi-classical dance workshop, welcoming participants of all experience levels. The workshop created a space for people to explore movement, music, and self-expression while learning together.
June 29
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team completed the second batch of bags, marking another milestone in the programme. With each order, the team continues to build confidence, improve quality, and strengthen their production process.
June 30
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching team ended the month by completing another round of production and reflecting on the lessons learned throughout the journey. From learning basic stitching to handling customer orders, the month showed steady progress, teamwork, and a stronger focus on quality for the batches ahead.
Local communities coming together to learn, practice & share their skills. Stitching, Science, Reading, Dance, Cooking, Up-cycling, Gardening and more.
Local communities coming together to learn, practice & share their skills. Stitching, Science, Reading, Dance, Cooking, Carpentry, Up-cycling, Gardening and more.
Like a flower reaching for light, every child deserves the chance to bloom. Through Olimalar Foundation, a small team in Kochi is empowering children with the confidence, emotional strength, and life skills to shine both in school and beyond.
Carried across the sea from Goa and preserved through generations, Fugdo continues to echo with the rhythms of exile, resistance, and belonging. Here is how the Kudumbi community in Fortkochi strive to preserve the artform.
