From January to June 2024, Makerspace Jorhat has been buzzing with creativity and innovation. We’ve successfully organized five dynamic programs, engaging 85 students across various activities. Our mission at Makerspace is to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators, and this year, we’ve seen some incredible ideas and talents come to life.
The Creative Climate Challenge: Inspiring Action Through Innovation
One of the highlights of this year was our Creative Climate Challenge. This event aimed to engage young minds in tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time—climate change. Participants from 18 high schools and 5 colleges took up the challenge, creating projects that explored the impacts of rising temperatures and floods.
Over five days in February, these young innovators worked tirelessly on their projects, which ranged from a solar-powered home designed for flood-prone areas to an Agro-pastoral Dam and a photobioreactor to combat global warming. These projects were judged based on creativity, feasibility, impact, and presentation. We were thrilled to see the level of ingenuity and thoughtfulness that went into each submission.
The winners were announced during our ‘CONFLUENCE’ event at Bosco Institute in March, where they were awarded monetary prizes and stationery hampers, thanks to the generous sponsorship of HDFC Bank Jorhat. This challenge not only allowed students to showcase their innovative ideas but also highlighted the importance of addressing climate change through creativity and collaboration.
Experiential Sessions: Hands-On Learning at Makerspace
In February, we hosted a two-day experiential session for 13 students from RUA Home. These sessions introduced participants to the basics of Makerspace activities, including paper circuits, Pepakura, augmented reality, and more. The goal was to provide hands-on experience and spark interest in the endless possibilities that Makerspace offers.
These experiential sessions are a key part of our outreach efforts, helping students understand what Makerspace is all about and how they can benefit from the tools, equipment, and workshops we provide.
Clay Modelling Workshops: Exploring Traditional Art Forms
In May and June, we conducted two clay modeling sessions, each offering a unique experience. The first session, held at Air Force Station Jorhat, welcomed 60 participants who learned the basics of clay modeling and even got to try their hand at creating a human bust. The second session, hosted at Makerspace, provided a more intimate experience for four participants, focusing on building 3D sculptures and mastering the traditional art form of clay modeling.
These sessions not only allowed participants to develop their artistic skills but also introduced them to the rich cultural heritage of clay modeling.
Outreach and Promotion: Spreading the Word About Makerspace
We’ve also been actively promoting Makerspace in local schools through our outreach program, in collaboration with Turbit Shillong. Using our portable display board, the Makers Menu, we’ve reached out to 12 government schools and 8 private institutions around Jorhat, showcasing the workshops and facilities available at Makerspace. This personalized approach has helped us connect with students and parents, generating excitement for our upcoming summer camps and workshops.
Looking Ahead: Summer Camps and More
With summer just around the corner, we’re gearing up for our July summer camps. These camps will be tailored to different age groups, with separate content for lower primary students (grades 1-5) and students in grades 6-9. The camps for government schools will be held at their respective locations, while private school participants will join us at Makerspace. We’re excited to see what new ideas and innovations will emerge from these camps!
Makerspace Jorhat is committed to fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship among young people in our community. As we move forward, we’re excited to continue offering more opportunities for students to learn, create, and grow.
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