A recycling workshop was directed at the Children’s Literature Festival Secretariat in Islamabad on the 26^th of June, 2014. Students from Dhok Darzia Child Labor Drop in Center and from Master Ayub’s school took part in this event. This workshop was conducted by Nosheen Malik from Funkor Child Art Center. She taught the children how to recycle and make use of items used in everyone’s daily lives such as juice boxes and plastic water bottles. The students walked through the entrance with warm smiles, rather excited to see what the day had in store for them.

Nosheen began her demonstration by showing the students a beautiful doll made entirely from plastic bags and a plastic bottle. The students were in awe as they had not known something this exquisite could be designed from items they would normally throw away. Next, plastic bottles, plastic bags, round pieces of cardboard and scissors were distributed in order for the children to follow the instructions of the teacher. She showed them how to create the same doll with a step by step procedure.

The children were very content with how their dolls turned out. They had learned something unique and inventive which was made of simple materials, but was easy to create and beautiful to look at. Not only had they made dolls for themselves, but they also recycled and reused those toxic materials which are polluting the earth if not disposed properly. This activity was a great deal of fun for everyone who participated.  Members of Islamabad’s CLF team look forward to next week since they’ll get to experience something as remarkable and memorable as this event yet again.

Natalia Aslam Khan