Teaching Sessions at Makerbox Foundation
Driven by a passion for using my mechanical engineering skills to make a positive impact on the lives of other individuals, I found an ideal platform for my aspirations through Makerbox Foundation (www.makersboxfoundation.org) —an esteemed non-profit organization committed to empowering children in Delhi's Jaitpur Village with STEM education and immersive practical learning opportunities. The foundation is currently running an outreach program from its Learning Nook 001 located in Jaitpur Village of Delhi. The Small Learning Nook has 2 Amazing Facilitators, Yogita Gupta (A networking Engineer) and Diwakar Kumar (A STEM Facilitator, and an Engineer by education).
An immediate connection with Mr. Diwakar Kumar led to in-depth discussions about my projects and his suggestion to visit their facility. My first visit to the center was truly eye-opening and inspiring.
During that visit, I showcased my previous projects and was thrilled to see the children's genuine interest, especially in the EMG project. They asked insightful questions that highlighted their curiosity. The center's well-equipped setup further motivated me to share my accumulated knowledge with these eager learners. Mr. Diwakar's offer to assist in obtaining additional equipment for their skill development added to the positive momentum.
Makerbox
Excited by this experience, I returned home and began planning workshops for the summer. I started by introducing them to 3D printing, a key aspect of our plan to create a prosthetic hand. With a basic understanding of the technology and access to the center's 3D printer, we got started right away.
Subsequent workshops delved into EMG signals, sensors, motors, servos, and Arduino programming. The kids formed groups, selecting projects aligned with their newfound knowledge. Their enthusiasm was palpable as they brainstormed and designed their projects, truly embodying the spirit of hands-on learning and creativity.
The workshops brought about such enjoyable moments that I eagerly anticipated each subsequent visit. As the week unfolded, our connection grew stronger, manifesting through emails and video calls where we shared insights, addressed doubts, and tracked progress.
The remarkable journey continues as these children diligently work on a variety of projects at the center, each project representing their determination and burgeoning skills:
-
Claw Machine
-
Robotic Hand
-
Strength Recorder
-
Robotic Arm
I am committed to nurturing these projects and others that may unfold, embracing a path of continuous growth and shared accomplishment. This experience has been humbling and encouraging for me at the same time.
My future plan is to conduct a 3D mela where these children will create innovative 3D prints and sell them. It will be a small step forward towards using their knowledge to making a living.
