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.
Local communities coming together to learn, practice & share their skills. Stitching, Science, Reading, Dance, Cooking, Carpentry, Up-cycling, Gardening and more.
An abundance of technology has lead to a scarcity of human interactions and interconnectedness, hasn't it?
Community clubs and labs aim to bring people together on a regular basis. They also aid in the following:
Increase the frequency of interactions among local communities and households
Improve the quality of those interactions
aikyam space facilitates this by organising community-driven activities and fostering better connections among people.
Last Updated 31 May 2026
April Rewind
April at aikyam space was filled with small moments of learning and gathering. From stitching and science to dance, cooking, and art, people shared time, skills, and ideas every day. More than the activities, it was the people who made the space feel alive, through learning, helping each other, and growing together.
May 1
Holiday for space - May day!
May 2
09:30 AM-10:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. A fee-based dance class has been started in collaboration with students as part of the Change makers in Residence initiative. It is an effort to explore new ways of learning and growing within the space.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by our Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. We have started practical stitching sessions for tote bags, right from the basics. Using simple methods like straight cutting and measuring, everyone learns step by step, helping each other along the way.
2 PM-3:30 PM | Science Lab Science Club. Facilitated by Nasrin TA. 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.
4.30 PM–6.00 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. In the dance class, students practiced hand movements and expressions under guidance. With each correction and repetition, they slowly understood how every gesture tells a story.
May 3
09 AM-2 PM | Conference Room Make A Difference (MAD) Team's Meet Up. Facilitated by Kiran Alex. The event is hosted to commemorate the ending of the volunteering tenure for the year 2025 - 2026. It brings volunteers together to reflect on their journey, revisit the impact & express gratitude toward one another.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The progress of the stitching class is reflected on the wall, with each bag telling its own story. From simple designs to creative patterns, every piece reflects the learning, effort, and growth of the community.
4.30 PM–6.00 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. The Bharatanatyam class now runs in two batches, making space for more learners. Yesterday, five new students joined, bringing fresh energy as everyone continues to learn steps, rhythms, and expressions together.
May 4
Off day for community programs. Renewing energy for the upcoming week.
May 5
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching classes proceed in a more structured way, with proper timings and simple checklists for students to follow. Beginning from the basics, the sessions help members learn slowly and steadily, with more clarity and consistency.
May 6
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. Stitching class continues with students learning through practice, guidance, and teamwork. From measuring and cutting to stitching on machines, members learn how to make tote bags from scratch.
May 7
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching space comes alive every day with practice, conversations, and learning. From beginners to those who are more confident using the machines, each session helps the community build the skills they need.
May 8
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching room is filled with fabric pieces and measurement tapes, as students continue practicing making tote bags with quiet concentration. From tracing patterns to preparing cloth for stitching, every session is helping them become more confident with the process.
May 9
Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation A fee-based dance class has been started in collaboration with students as part of the Change makers in Residence initiative. It is an effort to explore new ways of learning and growing within the space.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class focused on learning measurements, fabric cutting, and bag patterns from the basics. Students worked together with care, practicing each step slowly as the space fills with learning, teamwork, and creativity.
2 PM-3:30 PM | Science Lab Little Makers Club. Facilitated by Gauri Nishant. Children gathered for the crochet class and learned simple looping and knotting techniques using colourful yarn. The session became a calm and joyful space where they practiced patiently, helped each other, and slowly created with their own hands.
3 Pm- 4:30 PM | Cooking Lab Cooking Club. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Jasentha Community members came together for a chicken pickle making session, learning the process in detail through practice. From preparing ingredients to mixing spices, the class became a space for sharing skills, conversations, and learning together.
4.30 PM–6.00 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS The Bharatanatyam class brought together children and community members to practice steps, postures, and rhythm as a group. With every session, the space is slowly growing into a place where learning, discipline, and art come together.
May 10
10.30 AM–11.30 AM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Facilitated by Aparna NS The Bharatanatyam class was filled with energy as students practiced expressions, postures, and movements together. With every step and hand gesture, the children are getting to know how dance can tell stories without words.
May 11
Summer Camp Day 1 - Games, Yoga, Vegetable Painting
09:30 AM–12:30 PM | Main Hall Summer Camp. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. The summer camp began with an ice-breaking session, followed by animal flow movements, games, and group activities that helped children feel comfortable together. The day continued with yoga and ended with a fun vegetable painting session on cloth, where children explored creativity through colours and patterns.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class continued with students learning how to work with fabric more confidently each day. From cutting cloth to finishing small details, the sessions are helping the community slowly build practical skills through regular practice.
10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Conference Hall Magic Bus Foundation. Change Makers Meet-up Members from Magic Bus visited the space to understand more about the activities happening within the community and explore possibilities for future engagement. The interaction became a chance to share experiences, ideas, and learn more about each other’s work.
09:00 AM–05:30 PM | Conference Hall Pranava Institute. Meeting with Dhanyashri Kamalakannan We interacted with Dhanyashri from Pranava Institute, Delhi, to help her with their survey on technology barriers faced by NGOs, Kudumbashree members, ASHA, and ICDS workers in Fort Kochi. After the discussion at the space, the team went around the community to interact with people and understand their experiences and challenges with technology.
Tech Barrier Meeting with Magic Bus Foundation by Dhanyashri
May 12
Summer Camp Day 2 : Story Telling, Sign Language Session
09:30 AM–12:30 PM | Main Hall Summer Camp. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. Day 2 of the summer camp focused on storytelling and learning basic sign language . Through stories, expressions, and simple hand signs, children learned new ways to communicate, listen, and understand each other.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class continued with students spending time on practice, patience, and small improvements in every step. As fabrics slowly turn into bags and pouches, the space becomes a place of learning, support, and shared creativity.
02:30 PM–04:30 PM | Conference Hall Awaaz Leadership Lab. Meeting with Rohit Sharma. Shemeer and Rohit spent time discussing fundraising challenges for early stage non profits and how to navigate the challenges.
"aikyam felt like a mini world where people of different ages and backgrounds came together to learn, create, and feel a sense of belonging." — Rohit Sharma
May 13
Summer Camp Day 3 - Dance & Resist Dyeing
09:30 AM–12:30 PM | Main Hall Summer Camp. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. Day 3 of the summer camp focused on movement, dance, and “Resist Dyeing” activities. Through games, expression, and group sessions, children were encouraged to move freely, think creatively, and participate with confidence.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class continued with members getting to know the complete process behind making a product. From handling fabric carefully to practicing clean stitching, each session is helping turn learning into confidence.
May 14
Summer Camp Day 4 Dance, Theatre
09:30 AM–12:30 PM | Main Hall Summer Camp. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. Day 4 of the summer camp was filled with dance and theatre activities. Through movement, role play, and expression, children gained the skills to work together as a group.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class also became a space for discussion, sharing ideas, and learning together beyond just sewing. Students spent time understanding designs, materials, and different ways to improve their bag making skills step by step.
May 15
Summer Camp Final Performance Day
09:30 AM–12:30 PM | Main Hall Summer Camp. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation. The final day of the summer camp was filled with excitement as children displayed the artworks they created during the camp and proudly shared them with everyone. The day ended with dance and theatre performances at the theatre space, making it a joyful celebration of creativity, learning, and fun.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class also became a space for discussion, sharing ideas, and learning together beyond just sewing. Students spent time understanding designs, materials, and different ways to improve their bag making skills step by step.
May 16
09:30 AM– 11:00 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation A fee-based dance class has been started in collaboration with students as part of the Change makers in Residence initiative. It is an effort to explore new ways of learning and growing within the space.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by our Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. We have started practical stitching sessions for tote bags, right from the basics. Using simple methods like straight cutting and measuring, everyone learns step by step, helping each other along the way.
2 PM-3:30 PM | Science Lab Little Makers Club. Facilitated by Gauri Nishant Children gathered again for the remaining crochet class, patiently learning knots, loops, and simple patterns together. The session was filled with curiosity, mindfulness, and joyful conversations.
3 PM-4:30 PM | Varandha Cooking Club. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Jasentha Community members came together for a cooking session to learn how to make rice pathiri. From preparing the dough to frying the pathiris, the class became a space for sharing food, skills, and conversations.
4.30 PM–6.00 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. The Bharatanatyam class now runs in two batches, making space for more learners. Yesterday, five new students joined, bringing fresh energy as everyone continues to learn steps, rhythms, and expressions together.
When Nature Walked In 🦚 | Garden Area We had a few unexpected visitors walk into the space today, turning the day feel even more special. Nature has its own way of sending us invitations to slow down, observe, and enjoy the space around us.
May 17
09:30 AM– 11:00 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation A fee-based dance class has been started in collaboration with students as part of the Change makers in Residence initiative. It is an effort to explore new ways of learning and growing within the space.
May 18
09:30 AM–05:30 PM | Change Makers Working space - I Magic Bus Foundation. Change Makers Collaboration We were happy to welcome the team from Magic Bus Foundation to the space. Their visit opened up conversations around community work, youth engagement, and collaboration. Moments like these continue to make the space a place where different people and ideas come together naturally.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching room was filled with learning, teamwork, and quiet concentration. Under the guidance of the teacher, the students practiced cutting, measuring, and stitching with care. Together, they are learning to make production-quality tote bags while building confidence through every small step.
May 19
09:30 AM–05:30 PM | Change Makers Working space - II Magic Bus Foundation. Change Makers Collaboration They began discussions and recruitment activities for their upcoming community projects. It was encouraging to see the space being used to connect with people, share opportunities, and support new beginnings.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class continued with students learning each step patiently, from sorting fabric pieces to finishing neat stitches. With the support of the teacher, simple materials are slowly turning into strong and colourful tote bags made with care and teamwork.
Birthday Celebration - Jasentha Joy | Moments at Space We surprised our chef with a cake on her birthday! It felt special because she is someone who always makes sure nobody leaves the space without food or care. The celebration became one of those simple moments that truly reflected the warmth of the space.
May 20
Olimalar Foundation | Change Makers Working space - I 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.
Magic Bus Foundation | Change Makers Working space - II They began discussions and recruitment activities for their upcoming community projects. It was encouraging to see the space being used to connect with people, share opportunities, and support new beginnings.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class at aikyam continues to grow as a space for learning, teamwork, and creativity. Women gathered together to practice cutting, measuring, and stitching while learning how to make strong, production-quality tote bags from leftover fabric.
May 21
Olimalar Foundation | Change Makers Working space - I 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.
Magic Bus Foundation | Change Makers Working space - II The space was used for a stakeholder meeting and discussions around their community initiatives. It was encouraging to see different people come together at the space to share ideas, build connections, and plan future work together.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching sessions continue to grow with small improvements in skills, finishing, and teamwork. As students practice regularly, the bags are slowly becoming stronger, neater, and closer to production quality.
6 PM–7 PM | Main Hall Paatum Chaayayum. Practice session. Facilitated by Olimalar Foundation. 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.
May 22
Olimalar Foundation | Change Makers Working space - I 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.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class is slowly growing into a shared learning space where students support one another. Intermediate students are now guiding beginners step by step, helping them learn stitching techniques, improve confidence, and grow together as a community.
May 23
09:30 AM– 10:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation A fee-based dance class has been started in collaboration with students as part of the Change makers in Residence initiative. It is an effort to explore new ways of learning and growing within the space.
10:30 AM– 11:30 AM | Veranda Craft Making Sessions. Facilitated by Shilpa VS Thudippu has started craft-making sessions for children at the space, led by Shilpa VS. Through simple hands-on activities, children are getting a chance to explore creativity, learn new skills, and enjoy making things together in a fun and welcoming environment.
10.30 AM–12.30 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS. The Bharatanatyam class now runs in two batches, making space for more learners. Yesterday, five new students joined, bringing fresh energy as everyone continues to learn steps, rhythms, and expressions together.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by our Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. We have started practical stitching sessions for tote bags, right from the basics. Using simple methods like straight cutting and measuring, everyone learns step by step, helping each other along the way.
May 24
09:30 AM– 10:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation A fee-based dance class has been started in collaboration with students as part of the Change makers in Residence initiative. It is an effort to explore new ways of learning and growing within the space.
10:30 AM– 11:30 AM | Verandah Craft Making Sessions. Facilitated by Shilpa VS Another joyful day of craft learning at the space led by Shilpa VS. Children spent time creating, experimenting, and learning through simple craft activities that encouraged imagination, focus, and hands-on creativity.
10.30 AM–12.30 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS Another day of Bharathanatyam class at the space filled with practice, rhythm, and expression. The children continued learning movements and coordination together while building confidence and discipline through dance.
03 PM-7 PM | Main Hall Rise Up Forum. Volunteer's Meet Up. Facilitated by Revathy Srekumar. Volunteers team gathered at the space for a volunteer meet-up focused on discussions, reflections, and planning for future projects and community activities. The session brought together ideas, collaboration, and collective energy towards building stronger youth-led initiatives through the Rise Up Forum network.
May 25
Sriram V | Change Makers Hangout Sriram visited the space and appreciated the garden area and the overall atmosphere at aikyam. 🐾 Cheeru also made sure to be part of the visit.
Akhila Somanath | Change Makers Hangout Akhila visited aikyam for discussions and interactions at the space. The visit included conversations around community engagement, shared ideas, and ongoing initiatives happening within the space.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by our Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. We have started practical stitching sessions for tote bags, right from the basics. Using simple methods like straight cutting and measuring, everyone learns step by step, helping each other along the way.
May 26
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. Today’s stitching session was filled with teamwork, fabric, and learning. Students worked together on cutting, sorting, and preparing materials while improving their stitching skills step by step. The class is slowly moving from basic practice towards more confident, production-quality work through collaboration and shared learning.
4 PM–6 PM | Cooking Lab Chips Tasting Challenge. We conducted a fun banana chips tasting session with aikyam members at the space to find the best banana chips in Fort Kochi. Around 13 different chips from local shops were tasted, compared, and discussed based on taste, crunch, oiliness, salt, and overall experience. A simple activity that turned into a delicious debate. Next we are planning to do with community members soon.
May 27
Bakrid Holiday
May 28
Bakrid Holiday
May 29
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. The stitching class continued with students learning through practice and observation. As more experienced learners shared tips and techniques with beginners, the session became a space for both skill-building and mutual support.
May 30
Celebrating Our May Birthdays Together 🎂 | Moments at Space This month, we came together to celebrate the birthdays of community members born in May. The gathering was filled with smiles, conversations, cake, and shared moments that reminded us that a community is built not just through activities, but through celebrating each other. Wishing all our May birthday stars a wonderful year ahead.
09:30 AM– 10:30 AM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation A fee-based dance class has been started in collaboration with students as part of the Change makers in Residence initiative. It is an effort to explore new ways of learning and growing within the space.
11.30 AM–12:30 PM | Main Hall Dance Club. Facilitated by Aparna NS The Bharatanatyam class continued with students practicing steps, expressions, and coordination together. Through regular practice and guidance, the children are slowly becoming more confident in their movements while learning the discipline and storytelling that are at the heart of the art form.
2 PM–6 PM | Stitching Lab Stitching / Up-Cycling. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Mary Gracy. Another productive day at the stitching class as students continued refining their skills through hands-on practice. From measuring and cutting fabric to improving finishing techniques, each session brings greater confidence and attention to detail.
2 PM-3:30 PM | Conference Room Maths Lab. Facilitated by Jubina Learning maths became a fun and engaging experience as children participated in interactive activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises. The session encouraged curiosity, teamwork, and confidence, helping children understand concepts through participation rather than memorisation. By making learning enjoyable and hands-on, the class created a space where children could explore mathematics with enthusiasm and ask questions freely.
12:30 PM- 01:30 PM | Cooking Lab Cooking Club. Facilitated by Tiny Entrepreneur - Jasentha Another enjoyable cooking class at the space brought community members together to prepare a traditional favourite — Pidiyum Kozhiyum. Participants learned the recipe step by step, sharing techniques, stories, and plenty of laughter along the way.
12:30 PM-01:00 Pm | The Great Fort Kochi Chips Challenge The banana chips tasting challenge, led by community members, brought together different chips from shops across Fort Kochi for a fun and detailed comparison. Participants tasted, discussed, and ranked each sample based on flavour, crunch, freshness, and overall experience. After many opinions and a few friendly debates, a clear winner emerged. The results and the best-rated banana chips in Fort Kochi can now be found on catsofkochi.com, helping others discover a local favourite through the community’s collective taste test.
06:30 PM- 08:30PM | aikyam space Paatum Chayayum 🎶☕️: Fundraiser Program bu Olimalar Foundation 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.
May 31
10:30 AM– 11:30 AM | Veranda Craft Making Sessions. Facilitated by Shilpa VS Thudippu has started craft-making sessions for children at the space, led by Shilpa VS. Through simple hands-on activities, children are getting a chance to explore creativity, learn new skills, and enjoy making things together in a fun and welcoming environment.
11:30 AM– 12:30 PM | Main Hall Regular Dance Classes. Facilitated by Thudippu Dance Foundation A fee-based dance class has been started in collaboration with students as part of the Change makers in Residence initiative. It is an effort to explore new ways of learning and growing within the space.
Local communities coming together to learn, practice & share their skills. Stitching, Science, Reading, Dance, Cooking, 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.
Read on, to know more about the seven-year journey of Thudippu. In this conversation, Anjali reflects on the social, financial, and emotional realities of building a small arts organisation in Kerala, and why creating a safe space can itself become a quiet act of resistance.
