Children Shape Their Savings with Gullaks
On 13th January 2024, a quiet but meaningful shift took place in a corner of Bellandur, Bengaluru. At Sobha Dreams, children aged 6 to 12 gathered with paints, stickers, and old jars—not for a competition, but to create their own Gullaks (piggy banks) as part of a Goonj ki Gullak session.
Led by Goonj volunteer Mandeep, the session invited children to bring materials from home reusing rather than buying. What emerged wasn’t just art, but intent. One child planned to save up for a bicycle. Another was setting aside money for crayons. These weren’t just savings jars; they became vessels of dreams, self-reliance, and habit-building.
Extending the Circle – Flea Market Conversations
Just a few steps away, Goonj also hosted a Green by Goonj stall at the community flea market. Residents stopped by, curious about the idea of giving their unused items a second life. A dedicated space nearby turned into a material contribution corner, where people dropped off clean, usable surplus from clothes to books and more.
The conversations went beyond things. They touched on how everyday choices—like saving or reusing—can create ripples of change. The stall wasn’t about Goonj; it became a mirror for the community to see its own role in circular living.
What a Piggy Bank Really Teaches
At first glance, it was a children’s craft session. But beneath the paints and paper, something deeper was seeded a sense of ownership, decision-making, and delayed gratification. Each gullak told a personal story.
Paired with the flea market engagement, the day brought together the value of small children, how children save with purpose, and how communities contribute with intent. At Goonj, such moments echo a larger truth: change doesn’t always come from big actions. Often, it begins with what we already have, and what we choose to do with it.
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
