MONTHLY NEWSLETTER-SEPTEMBER 2026

I enjoyed the programs you arranged at iLAB and did not notice the time passing. The interaction with the women entrepreneurs was interesting, and listening to their stories was a deeply moving experience! It is these individual stories of rising above personal challenges to realise their potential that are inspiring! Meeting the young students too was stimulating! I liked the way you handled the group of young boys with sensitivity and tact! Altogether a memorable experience! -

- Mr C Balagopal- trustee of Anaha Trust and iLAB partner

DTLP was in a mood of Celebration, success, and Convocation

The DTLP 2.0 Convocation was held at the Malabar Chamber of Commerce with more than 40 participants and their families in attendance. All participants received certificates, and those progressing to Level 3 were awarded medals. Guests Rifath Rahman, President of (Calicut Forum for IT); Poornima Satheesh, Organiser (Google Developers Group), Kozhikode; Ansar MP, Founder & CEO of (Note AI); Iman Bhattacharya, (Program Manager at Anaha Trust and Consultant at Sattva Consultancy); Ajayan Kavungal,(iLAB Advisory Member and Chairman of City 2.0); Advocate C. K. Zeenath; and Nasmina from iLAB shared their perspectives and words of encouragement with the participants.

Their Story, Their Camera

DTLP participants documented their perspectives, learning, exploration and sharing through videos they scripted and filmed themselves. These were featured at the DTLP 2.0 Convocation.

Moment of Recognition: Excellence Awards & iTalk Session

Announcing DIVE-Towards digital inclusion

At the Convocation, Project DIVE (Digital Inclusion and Vocational Excellence) was announced for young people aged 20 to 30. The project redefines DTLP in light of the lessons learned: a project-based, self-directed learning environment in which young people explore, build and learn independently, with facilitators providing guidance.

DIVE logo was announced at the DTLP 2.0 Convocation as the new chapter was unlocked during the completion of our DTLP 2.0 Journey. DIVE Logo — Created by Our Alumni, Jenifar, which created a mark of learning, growth, and the journey beyond iLAB.

All About DIVE

Curiosity took the lead as Nawaf, one of our participants, created a video introducing DIVE—turning participation into a chance to explore, create, and tell the story in his own way.

CLAP was Opening its NEW WINDOWS

Mr C. Balagopal, Trustee of Anaha Trust and iLAB partner, visited the Skill Hub and interacted with participants of CLAP. The women described their progression from acquiring new skills to creating brands, identifying markets, conducting workshops, earning income, and coming together as a cloth production unit.

A New Chapter for Urmi

Urmi is transitioning from a brand to a collective livelihood unit. The vision is to bring together 20–25 women as a registered Self-Help Group (SHG) unit. CLAP is moving towards stability, with regular employment, sustainable income, a dedicated workspace and long-term opportunities for women at its core, strengthening the foundation for this next phase. There was also a further reason for confidence: Anaha Trust renewed its partnership with iLAB.

Conversations: Building New Connections with our Women

Vyazha-Vattam: creating a safe space for women, also convened around 15 women at the Skill Hub for an evening of songs, games, laughter and conversation, providing another modest but meaningful space for women to connect.

CEEM- Packed up with ENERGY

Through STEM Exploration

Students engaged with STEM through learning circuit creation and a scribble bot. The hands-on format allowed concepts to be understood through direct exploration. The STEM series offered all students a stimulating introduction to scientific curiosity.

Curiosity and Discovery: Our Planet

Through quizzes and poster-making activities, students explored the importance of the ozone layer, examined the concept of ozone depletion, and considered how environmental protection connects to everyday life.

Into the World of Computers

A series of digital sessions led by Jaffar introduced the fundamentals of the computer system and the origins of the first computer, building a foundation for further digital learning.

Expression Through Theatre

The theatre team continued its practice sessions, focusing on refining performance skills and strengthening expression. Theatre provided a platform for improvement, experimentation and growing confidence as the children worked together towards their performances.

When English Begins with Confidence

Dr Leena facilitated English Language Teaching (ELT) training at the Skill Hub for Azham and MissionTEN. The sessions emphasised activity-based approaches to English learning and explored ways to build students' confidence in speaking and understanding while strengthening their language foundations.

Building Confidence and Connection Through Activity

Mr Rashad's activity training involved students in participation, boosting confidence, discipline, and coordination through an engaging, activity-focused approach. The session also fostered interaction among peers, promoting a learning environment that went beyond basic instruction and grew through shared experiences.

iLAB expanding to nearby coastal villages

Students from Marad coastal village began their learning journey with iLAB at GFLPS Marad on 23 September. Children were introduced to activity-based learning through action songs, play, nature observation and nature journal-making. These early experiences lay the groundwork for a learning journey rooted in observation, creativity and exploration.

When the Melting Point Reaches Ice

Over ice cream, students shared experiences in a relaxed, interactive setting. Activity-oriented interactions and feedback discussions examined students' time at iLAB, reflected on existing learning spaces and opened conversations about possible improvements across the hubs.

Stepping into a Teacher's Shoes

Taking on the role of a teacher also builds agency for change. The learning hubs at Thejus, Sanmarga and Krishna marked Teachers' Day by having students take classes on their favourite topics and share stories about the teachers who inspire them. Handmade cards added a personal touch, turning the day into an occasion to appreciate teachers while letting students experience the joy and responsibility of teaching.

Fellow Development Program

The Fellow Development Programme brought fellows together at the Skill Hub for discussion and reflection. The session examined stereotypes and theoretical perspectives related to classroom practice and fellow development, giving fellows space to review their understanding of teaching and reflect on the broader aspects of their roles as educators.

Learning Circle

Discussion centred on ongoing activities across the hubs, student attendance, behaviour and discipline, and areas needing attention. By bringing different perspectives together, the meeting encouraged collective reflection among fellows and helped identify key aspects of student engagement and learning support.

MissionTEN

• 52 learning hours: Students remained energetic and curious through regular classes and special sessions.

• Digital session: An introduction to the basics of computers and their history, including the first computer, opened a new world of Digital.

• STEM session: Exploration of the Scribble Bot and learning about circuit systems.

• English training: Leena Ma'am led an ELT session in which English became a language that can build confidence.

• Activity training: Rashad, activity trainer, conducted activities to build discipline, confidence and teamwork among the students to build self-esteem, while building a connection with themselves.

• Ice cream with iLAB: Students shared feedback and ideas for improving the programme with an ice cream and a moment of sharing their thoughts and words, with Nasmina joining the discussion.

• Parents meeting: Discussion built on attendance, behaviour and discipline. A parents' meeting was conducted for MissionTEN parents. Adv. Zeenath also addressed the different dimensions of parenting and adolescence as a period of transition.

PEBBLES

A First Meet and Greet

Students at Pallikandy and Kappakkal school met the Fellows through ice-breakers, action games and considerable laughter. The children then pictured their best teacher and made a card for them, practising "Thank you, teacher" and "Happy Teachers' Day". Every child went home with chocolates and goodies.

Our Happy, Friendly Classroom

The first regular session was held in both schools, with both batches together in one classroom, working on a single question: what makes a classroom happy? The children acted out a messy classroom and a happy one, then became "Magic Rule Makers" and designed rules posters in groups. They sang an action song, each said one English sentence about a rule, and the session closed with a promise to listen, be kind, help friends and try to speak English.