Seed Ball Day at Sarkari Madari School: When Learning Got Muddy (In a Good Way)
14th June 2025
Sarkari Mathari Prathamika Shaale, Konanakunte
14th June 2025
Sarkari Mathari Prathamika Shaale, Konanakunte
Why We Did It
At Kalpaka Foundation, we don’t just believe in talking about environmental change—we believe in getting our hands dirty (literally). That’s exactly what we did on 14th June 2025, when we visited Sarkari Mathari Prathamika Shaale for a special Seed Ball Preparation and Distribution Day.
This wasn’t your average awareness session. It was about real connection—with the soil, with the children, and with the idea that even one seed can spark a forest.
At around 10:30 a.m., our team of volunteers and our founder, Mr. Vinay Venkatesh, arrived at the school.
The day before, we had already taken permission and briefed the school staff about the activity. Everyone was ready. Well, almost.
Initially, the plan was to conduct the session in the prayer hall. But the teachers kindly reminded us,
“Seed balls might make the floor messy.”
Fair point
So we moved everything outdoors. The school ground became our open classroom, and the soil? Our workbench. The 8th standard children gathered and sat directly on the ground. No chairs, no desks—just mud, energy, and excitement. And honestly, we wouldn’t have had it any other way.
What We Planned vs. What Happened
Our volunteers came ready with facts about photosynthesis, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. They even had mini speeches prepared. But before they could begin, we realized something…These kids didn’t need lectures. They needed a conversation.
Then Mr. Vinay asked,
“So, how are you going to explain all this to the kids?”
One volunteer gave a textbook-style answer. Another nervously replied,
“Sir, you explain better. Please go ahead.”
This wasn’t your average awareness session. It was about real connection—with the soil, with the children, and with the idea that even one seed can spark a forest.
The Moment It All Clicked
He began asking questions that made sense to them, in a way they could relate to.
Then came the golden line:
“If each one of you planted 12 plants, how many plants would grow?”
Suddenly, the soil turned into a math notebook. Kids bent down, counted on their fingers, scribbled in the dirt, and shouted answers.One said 612. Another shouted 720. Someone said, “Wait, how many of us are here?”
Everyone laughed—and learned something, too. That’s when we realized: this wasn’t a session.
It was a moment.
Making the Seed Balls
After that, it was time to get our hands dirty for real. With red soil, compost, water, and native seeds like tamarind (Hunase) ready, the children rolled up their sleeves. The ground was full of laughter, focus, and tiny muddy fingers.
Some kids made five seed balls. Others made ten. A few asked if they could take extra for their grandparents’ farms. Everyone wanted to do more.
In total, over 150 seed balls were made joyfully and proudly.
Taking It Home
Once the seed balls were prepared and set aside to dry, each child was given a few to take home. We encouraged them to plant them in their gardens, empty plots, or even near their schools.
These weren’t just seed balls anymore.
They were a reminder: “You can grow something real.”
A Sweet Ending
To wrap up the activity, we handed out fresh jackfruit to the kids. Sticky fingers, smiling faces, and the tired pride of a job well done.
One child asked,
“Will you come again next month?”
Another said,
“I want to make 50 next time!”
When kids ask for more learning—not less—you know you’ve done something right.
How It Was Received
The school staff were incredibly supportive throughout the activity. Teachers helped guide the children, encouraged them, and even joined in during the seed ball prep.
But the real feedback came from the children—their smiles, questions, and eagerness to do more said it all. They didn’t just learn; they felt involved.
What We Learned
This day wasn’t about how well we taught. It was about how openly the children received. It wasn’t a formal session. It was playful. Spontaneous. Messy. Perfect.
At Kalpaka Foundation, this is what we believe in—small actions taken seriously and done joyfully.
When you let kids lead with their hearts and hands, they grow into the kind of citizens who care deeply about the world around them.
Be Part of the Next One
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Because sometimes, all it takes is a handful of soil and a good question to plant the future.