In a heartwarming tale of creativity and compassion, Pooja Rai and her friends at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur decided to make a difference. Witnessing underprivileged children playing on unsafe broken cement pipes, they embarked on a mission to create affordable and sustainable playgrounds for kids in need. This led to the birth of Anthill Creations, a Bengaluru-based non-profit that transforms waste materials into interactive playgrounds, giving children a platform to learn through play-based activities.
A ‘DIY’ Playground Revolution
With limited funds but boundless determination, Pooja and her team built a low-cost and eco-friendly playground using discarded tires, oil drums, and cable drums. This alternative approach cost a mere Rs 20,000, in contrast to the usual Rs 2 lakh for mass-produced equipment. The success of their innovative playground caught the attention of the nation, sparking inquiries from different regions eager to replicate the model.
The Power of Play-Based Learning
Play-based learning is at the core of early childhood care and education. According to Shankar Maruwada, CEO of EkStep Foundation, play is the child’s natural way of learning, encompassing activities like storytelling, music, puzzles, and dancing. This philosophy aligns with India’s education policymakers in the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF) 2023.
Beyond the Ordinary Playground
Anthill Creations challenged conventional playground norms and opted for unique designs inspired by children’s creativity and preferences. Their playgrounds feature elements like octopuses, elephants, horses, and even rockets, fostering imaginative and inclusive play for all children.
Inclusivity Matters
Anthill Creations takes special care to create inclusive spaces for children with disabilities. Collaborating with the Sankalp Learning Centre in Chennai, they designed a playground tailored to the needs of autistic and intellectually disabled children. With tactile sensors and sensory stimulation elements like xylophones, wrist and finger bars, and low-height climbers, these playgrounds enable children to explore their senses while having fun.
Conclusion
Anthill Creations’ pioneering work has brought smiles and joy to thousands of underprivileged children across India. By redefining playgrounds and embracing play-based learning, they have unlocked a world of possibilities for young minds to learn, grow, and repeat the cycle of empowerment. Together, they continue to build a brighter future, one playground at a time.
