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Exploring Creativity

Home / Blogs / Exploring Creativity
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makkalajagriti

When we think of the word creativity, our minds tend to gravitate towards forms of art and artistic pursuits. But if we were to break the word up and dwell on the word create, it is quite simply a conversion – conversion of thoughts, ideas, and ruminations into a reality that we can touch, feel, experience.

We looked within ourselves at Makkala Jagriti and introspected about the various ways we are fostering creative development as part of the holistic development of children. We do this regularly to understand what works and what can be done better, with the ultimate goal of children unleashing the power of self-expression.

We threw the question to our team during such an introspection: What does Creativity mean for you? Here’s what we heard:

Rohit :

For me, anything that one does with joyful energy and feeling is a creative pursuit. It does not always have to be something new and different. Therefore, creativity or creative thinking is one of the most critical dimensions of the holistic development of a child. It allows the child to constantly learn and discover and be a better version of himself/herself.

I think we allow our children and youth to be themselves and tap into their abilities. And it is in that state of mind that the child’s creative journey begins.

 

Sunayana :

Creativity is free-flowing self-expression. Many think of artists, painters, writers when you say creative – but you could be creative whether you are an artist, an engineer, a banker, a teacher, or a CEO.

Often, adults/schools do not nurture creativity in children; we constantly tell the children what to do and how to do it and not allow them to think independently. Imagination, which makes so many things possible in this world, is not encouraged right from the early years in school, making us less creative.

In all programs, Makkala Jagriti strives to create non-judgmental, safe spaces where children are free to express themselves, where they are encouraged to imagine, explore, and build on their own. This nurturing not only boosts their creativity, expands their thinking, and also makes them more confident.

 

Vidya :

Creativity means transforming our imagination, ideas, and dreams into reality. Creative thinking includes thinking, analysing, and organizing, which I believe is very important for children in the 21st century. Every child should experience the power of creativity, and every child should feel that they are unique and respect the same.

Every child should have opportunities to think, imagine, explore and create. I would focus on the content that leads to the creation of enormous opportunities for creativity.

 

Manisha :

Creativity is something we can never learn from another person. It is something that emerges within us, and we are all born with it. Every creative thought is different from the other. With imagination and thinking, the sky is the limit with the creative process! A child is naturally born with curiosity. They get drawn towards mystery and are awestruck when they apply their thoughts and see the result. That is just the beginning of creation, and giving children the power to do more will create WONDERS!

 

Ramya :

Creativity is a way of knowing our self. We can get connected to our creativity through various mediums. To be creative is for everyone who is in the quest of finding themselves.

I feel creativity is beyond our imagination. It helps us navigate through our tough times and find hope. Every individual is exceptional because each one connects to their creative self in different ways. It expands with our experiences.

Creative development in children is so essential to build their confidence and to express their uniqueness. It is one of the fundamental life skills which is crucial for every time. By developing this skill in children, we can build better humanity because creative development brings many other gifts like flexible thinking, breaking stereotypes, openness, acceptance, self-awareness, the list goes on.

 

Joy :

One explores creativity without a structural framework, pre-set conditions, notions, expectations, or compulsions. Creativity emerges by activating the right brain as the treasures of untested areas of talent lie there, be it art, poems, creative writing, etc.

When it comes to why creativity development is vital for children, I believe it propels new ways for children to access their untested talents through creativity. They feel encouraged to be original thinkers rather than emulating. Originality allows children to be themselves and see the world through their perception, views, understanding, and have a quest for becoming curious and enjoy expressions without pre-conditioned boundaries.

 

Jayalakshmi :

When children explore, design, express, and create their ideas, it is the first step towards creativity. When children find different ways to solve a problem with whatever resources they have improves their problem-solving skills, which is an essential 21st-century life skill.

We encourage free and safe space with a non-judgemental environment for a child to develop creativity. Allowing space for creating without limits helps nurture varied differences and promote overall development with curiosity which will help get deeply rooted for life.

 

Nikhil:

Creativity is a sense much like sight, hearing, and smell. Everything we think about, say, or do is a result of creativity. When nurtured from a very young age, it brings with it an inexplicable power. Great things have happened in this world as a result of creativity.

With the myriad definitions of creativity that we see, there is one common factor that connects them all – the fact that creativity is without boundaries.

We at Makkala Jagriti develop creative thinking in children by allowing them to push themselves, through a non-judgmental and safe space. We nudge children to think beyond and out of the box, help them to navigate through their own limiting beliefs and barriers, and build a solid curriculum that incorporates all the above practices.

So… what does Creativity mean for you? Leave us a comment below!

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Both of Mercy’s parents worked in the unorganised sector, who could not afford her school fees. She joined Makkala Jagriti Learning Centre at the age of 11, and always found the facilitators to be warm, welcoming and encouraging. Makkala Jagriti also supported her to pursue her education.

“We had a lot of freedom to explore our interests and talents. They taught us life skills and values. It was a new world for me.”

– Mercy

Through the Yuva Jagriti career guidance programme, Mercy received the right kind of insight and encouragement that led her to pursue a degree in Commerce, that too through a merit seat. Being the first girl in her family to study that far, she set an example in her community and made choices that allowed her to move beyond the circumstances that she was born into. Mercy now works in a reputed bank and is among our celebrated many who not only made a difference in their own lives but continue to do so in that of others.

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Prabhu was a shy yet playful boy when he joined the Yuva Jagriti centre at the age of 15. He expressed, “I feel I am at crossroads, not sure which road to take”. Following our support and guidance, he decided to pursue an internship at Makkala Jagriti. He was entrusted to work with children from Shelter Homes. Today, Prabhu is a sought-after Creative Facilitator and Coordinator at Makkala Jagriti, managing three Community Centres. A silent yet sound performer, he brings in diverse and highly creative ways to engage children and help them learn and grow.

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“When you are new to a place and don’t know anyone, it is hard to fit in. She didn’t have any friends in school.”

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Makkala Jagriti’s language development program came to her rescue.

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“Through Anganwadi trainings, I have changed in a positive way and gained confidence about myself – especially in terms of catering to all domains of early learning. I have even started making learning materials by myself to teach children”.

– Nirmala, Anganwadi teacher, Rojipura

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