To complement the efforts of the civic authorities and other government agencies in eliminating the use of plastic products, children of pourakarmikas in the city are learning the craft of making paper bags.
It is one of the activities they take part in at the ongoing summer camp organised for them at Bharath Nagar pourakarmika colony on Mahadevapura Main Road. The organisers — Adi Dravida Tamate and Nagaari Cultural Troupe — have procured large quantities of newspapers, cardboard, jute strings and gum for this purpose. They train the students, who have to make one bag by the end of the class. “The bags are strong enough to carry up to eight kgs,” said Manjunath, president of the troupe.
As many as 300 children, aged between eight and 16 years, are participating in the camp. The paper bag-making class is offered to batches of 40 to 50 children per session. The students also learn painting, dancing, theatre and folk art.
“But, we ensure that each batch learns the craft of making paper bags. The children are also taught about the hazards of plastic and about the ban on use of plastic bags,” Mr. Manjunath added.
Sachin, a Class 4 student who stays at Tilak Nagar, was thrilled to make a paper bag all by himself. Proudly holding it up, he said he would use the bag to carry his water bottle to the camp.
Navyashree, another child attending the camp, said she would use the paper bag to take home groceries.
The fortnight-long camp began earlier this month.
