BY RUBINA SHAIKH
On the occasion of World Paper Bag Day, on July 12, a workshop on making paper bags was held for the differently-abled children at the St Xavier’s Training Center, Old Goa. The workshop was organised by Gomantak's Young Inspirators Network (YIN).
The aim of the workshop was to create awareness about the use of paper bags and how to reduce the use of plastic whenever possible. During the workshop, the participants were taught how to make simple paper bags and how to paint them using thumb impressions.
The workshop started with an interactive talk, wherein the volunteers explained the various dangers associated with the use of plastic, and how plastic is harmful to the environment.
After this interactive session, there were demos on how to make easy bags using paper, following which they were shown how to go about painting the bags using simple thumb impressions.
Incharge of St Xavier's Training Centre for differently abled Old Goa, Fr. Rosario Walter D'Souza said "The thoughtfulness of engaging with our children is really a good initiative by Gomantak. Also, the paper activity is indeed an eco step towards creating awareness about environmental protection."
Volunteer and student of the Government College of Arts Commerce and Science, Marcel, Syden Luis said that an activity like this helps children learn and grasp new things. "It was a great experience and a pleasure to be a part of the event. The children were well behaved and were very excited about the activities.”
He also thanked the YIN organizers for giving him the opportunity to work with them.
Sr Petornila Fernandes, Sr Rita Fernandes and Br. Dion Rodrigues were present at the workshop.