From painting to coding, summer workshops for young learners

There is a multitude of cool options for kids and youth alike in the hot summers of Hyderabad this year. Workshops and seminars are being conducted all throughout the city in various areas of interest. While there are courses from established institutions that offer painting, sketching, creative writing and theatre there are also ones that offer much more mainstream courses like coding, business model establishment, public speaking and management.

Instituto Design Innovation (IDI) is taking special short term classes for the summer in fashion designing, interior designing, photography and many more for all age groups. SIRI institute of painting that is in business all through the year has organised a one- to- one session of painting lessons at distinct levels of mastery, just for the holidays.

What is interesting is that there are a lot of new players in town this season that are coming up with brilliant teaching ideas that are novel and innovative. These newcomers are breaking tradition by designing unique curriculums and catering to the needs of a broader spectrum of crowd. As to what makes these latest programmes unique and maybe even better in some cases is their modern approach clubbed with a "think outside the box" outlook.

One such individual is Shweta Jain, the founder of "The Learning Club" where she teaches a variety of arts ranging from calligraphy to acrylic painting techniques. This year, she is conducting a specialised summer camp for children below the age of 14, for the first time. When questioned as to why someone should prefer her program to others, "As a person that is just starting off, you don't have the pressure to stick to a rigid structure.

My schedule is very flexible and I like being available for my students at a time they are comfortable with rather than the other way around. I feel it makes me more approachable and also gives the child the best experience because it is going on their terms," she said.

Another striking organisation "TAI - Teaching Artificial Intelligence" is offering a hands on coding workshop this summer. When asked what makes their programme different, Kalyan, the founder said "Innovation is something one should learn at a young age. You will be far more successful in life when you develop critical thinking while you are still in school.

This is why our programmes are designed for kids between the ages 8-14. The fun part is that these children are taught using a platform of our own creation where they get to learn how to code through gaming and also how their idea can be converted into a product that has a value in the market."

It seems like today's times are great, not just for those who want to improve their skills but also for those who can teach. A film making workshop named "Vacation Vocation" that is running its course is a brilliant example.

"All that we know about filmmaking today is self taught. Back when we started, we found ourselves searching for classes and workshops that could provide a wholesome exposure to the art of film making and it was challenging to find help. So, we decided to begin something that could help those that have passion but do not have an idea of how to proceed," said Venkat Kalyan and Sriman Keerthi when asked what an individual could expect to gain from their workshop. All in all, whether you are in school or have finished graduating, this summer seems like a good time to check that one thing you always wanted to tick off your bucket list.