Mobile classroom for teaching art to slum kids launched in Bengaluru

Engaging children in art and culture is an important aspect of their learning. In order to achieve this the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has launched an initiative “Wonder on Wheels” for the marginalised children living in the slums and those in the Anganwadis, which will provide them creative learning opportunities.

The bus has several musical and art and craft instruments and its interiors are designed with creatives in sync with children’s nature. Travelling across Bengaluru, this bus will stop at Anganwadis to engage the children there for a duration of one hour in activities related to theatre, music, art, and culture.

This project launched by Tushar Giri Nath, Commissioner of BBMP is in collaboration with NGO Freethinking Foundation and Nayantara Ghosh – a graduate from Trinity College, UK.

BBMP has provided this remodelled bus to the Foundation which will run the activities and provide activity teachers.

Talking to the media, Ghosh who is based in the city said this programme was a part of her academic project with a grant of $10,000 from her college. “This programme is also an extension of my parent’s initiative who were voluntarily engaged with children of construction labourers in conducting cultural activities,” she said.

Sharing more details about the bus, Freethinking Foundation’s member Shanthi S Kanodia said: “The bus can accommodate as many children as the strength of the Anganwadi. There are three teachers and also some volunteers from the theatre, music, and art scene who will be engaging children in fun and experiential learning.”

The Foundation plans to launch 10 more such buses to cater to the needs of the Anganwadi children.