The Department of Economics & Banking, in collaboration with the Fine Arts Club of the College organized ‘Skill Stir 2.0’ from 8th to 13th March 2023. The activity was conducted with the objective to build and stir up the creative and entrepreneurial skills within the students. The skills taught comprised the basics of stitching, the art of decoupage, crochet for soft toys, and the art of baking.
Day 1: Basics of Stitching: The first skill imparted to the students on Day 1 was the Basics of Stitching. The Resource Persons for the day were Mrs. Jayamala Shetty and Mrs. Prema Naik. The students were taught the fundamentals of stitching a kurta, i.e., how to take the required measurements of the person, the technique of drawing the pattern on a newspaper with the measurements taken, which then is to be drawn on the cloth that has to be stitched. The students were captivated by this skill and got to learn a lot from the experienced resource persons. A total of 37 students attended this session.
Day 2: Art of Decoupage: The second skill imparted to the students on Day 2 was the Art of Decoupage. The Resource Person for the day was Mrs. Jemina Vaz. Mrs. Vaz taught the students how to paint the bottles with specific decoupage chalk paints, and how to use special decoupage tissue papers for the artwork. The students were fascinated by this art. She also shared her experience on the level of profits she earns through this skill, and how one could turn into a great entrepreneur with this skill. 15 students attended this session.
Day 3: Crochet for Soft Toys: The third skill imparted to the students on Day 3 was Crochet-Making with a focus on making soft toys. The Resource Person for the day was Ms. Linette Gomes. Ms. Gomes taught the students basic stitches in crochet-making. She enlightened them on the diverse needles and yarns available and how each of them is different. She demonstrated a few steps in crochet-making and assembled a few soft toys in the presence of the students. She also shared how she markets her product on social media, especially through Instagram with her account ‘Crochet to Cuddle.’ It was a unique learning experience for the attendees. 18 students were present for this session.
Day 4: Art of Baking: The fourth skill imparted to the students on Day 4 was the Art of Baking. The Resource Person for the day was Mrs. Maria Lourdes Barreto. Mrs. Barreto taught the students the basics of baking. She started with the techniques of how to make a short-crust biscuits, revealing the ingredients and method of the same. She next went on to baking of a marble cake, wherein she skilfully displayed the method of adding the ingredients, sifting the flour, folding in of certain ingredients and spoke on the importance of all these steps which goes on to making a soft and moist cake. 24 students attended this session.
The activity SkillStir 2.0 successfully imbibed in the students creative and entrepreneurial skills meeting the objective of the activity. The faculty in charge for the activity was Ms. Lizette D’Costa, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics & Banking and Convenor, Fine Arts Club, Cultural Council.
