|2013

In collaboration with NalandaWay and UNICEF, a Storybook Illustration Workshop was conducted in Salem for over 80 children affected by child labor, alongside young leaders from local communities. The workshop aimed to empower these children by introducing them to a creative outlet through art. Participants, half of whom had been rescued from child labor, engaged in crafting unique illustrations that represented their individual stories and aspirations, using colors, shapes, and narratives. By bringing together children with contrasting life experiences and educational backgrounds, the workshop fostered communication, teamwork, and a sense of camaraderie.

Aishwarya Manivannan guided the children in writing their own stories, allowing them to articulate their reflections and experiences through art and design thinking techniques. The resulting picture storybooks, developed by UNICEF, serve to raise awareness about the harsh realities of child labor and promote advocacy within rural areas and local communities. Through this creative process, the children not only found a voice but also developed a shared commitment to each other's progress and well-being.