Jugaad (Innovation) Lab for Disadvantaged Girls

Past few months have been really exciting for Jugaad Lab as the girls got to explore their hidden talents, speak up their minds and contribute in the setting up of the new lab space! In October, the girls visited Cherry Comet Instant Ice-cream outlet for an exposure visit to understand the technology behind making ice-cream using liquid nitrogen. It was an eye opening experience for them as so far they had only known that ice-cream is made using refrigerators. All through the visit, they were one bag full of curiosity and questions showing interest in the business model of the ice-cream outlet and asking questions like where they get liquid nitrogen from, how much electricity do they use, who has taught them this technique, etc.

In the same month, we finally acquired a space exclusively for the lab. So far we had been sharing space with another project at FAT. So now, the girls started to design their own lab! First, with help from volunteers from one of our funding partners, they painted a tree of their dreams on the wall and put up papers with what they want to become in life written on them on its branches. While someone wants to be a teacher to bring equality in our education system, someone wants to go for a world tour. Their dreams were mostly around the social stigmas they face and want to fight against. These big dreams in their small eyes are indeed a source of inspiration for us. Then, with the help of another volunteer, they also painted the earth and how they imagine it to be on another wall. These activities taught them to work in teams and broadened their imagination. 

The classes in the new space started soon. The girls have learned to make a solar lamp and a periscope in the classes. They wanted to make solar lamps to combat the problem of street harrassment that girls face while going to the community toilets after dark in their locality.

As a step to share their learning with their community members, the girls organised a community exhibition in November showing all they have made at Jugaad Lab. This public exposure filled them with oodles of confidence; the ones who usually stay quiet during the classes were the ones who actually stepped forward and explained their creations to the audiences. Sadly, towards the end of the day, a few boys created a ruckus at the exhibition and we had to close the exhibition earlier than we planned.

Last week,  we organised a carpentry workshop for girls so they can get a hands on experience of handling tools. Compared to the last carpentry workshop, this time they were more meticulous in dealing with wood, measuring it, cutting it and assembling it. They were also a lot more confident and careful. 

Everyday, we see a sparkle in their eyes to learn more and do things that they are made to believe they cannot do. During one discussion, one of the girls placed her views on how boys get the privilege to study STEM subjects and how girls are denied access to technology. Another girl shared that she wants to become an engineer to put an end to such stereotypes in her community. When we hear such comments from the girls, we know we are doing something right.

This month, we have started the #MakeIT2BreakIT Campaign to raise the funds we need to run teh project next year. Through this online campaign, we are trying to showcase the work that the girls have been doing to generate more interest and support for the Jugaad lab. We are grateful to you for supporting Jugaad Lab this far and hope to raise more funds for these little innovators with your continuing support and donations. Thank you for believing in the idea of women in STEM! And please consider donating once more to sustain the project through another year!