The past three days have been nothing short of inspiring as we welcomed a new batch of trainees and fellows to embark on their journey with the Young Tinker Foundation. The training program was thoughtfully designed to immerse them into the world of Young Tinkers — where creativity meets purpose and learning happens by doing.
Day 1: Building Connections and Understanding the Young Tinker Spirit
The first day marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our trainees. We started with warm welcomes and engaging ice-breaking activities that helped everyone feel comfortable and connected.
The day then unfolded with an introduction to the Young Tinker Foundation — our programs, key achievements, and the culture and principles that define who we are. Through interactive sessions and storytelling, trainees got a deeper understanding of our mission and the impact we aim to create across communities. The highlight of the day was the mindset transformation session, which encouraged participants to shift from conventional thinking to a problem-solving and innovation-driven mindset — the true essence of being a Young Tinker.
Day 2: Diving into the Tinker on Wheels (ToW) Program
The second day was dedicated to introducing the trainees to our flagship initiative — Tinker on Wheels (ToW). Through discussions and demonstrations, they explored the mission, vision, and operational structure of ToW — understanding how it brings hands-on STEM learning to students across rural and urban India. Trainees also learned about the five-day ToW workshop framework, with special focus on what to cover on Day 1 and Day 2 during field sessions.
An engaging City/Village Planning activity followed, where they observed real-world problems, analyzed challenges, and learned how to identify potential solutions within communities. This session helped them grasp the true essence of local problem-solving — connecting innovation with community needs.
Day 3: Learning by Doing – Hands-On Training
The third day was all about experiential learning. Trainees explored the Day 3 and Day 4 modules of the ToW workshop, delving into hands-on activities that blend science, creativity, and design thinking. Rather than just observing, they actively participated in building, experimenting, and reflecting — living the principle of “learning by doing.” The sessions not only enhanced their technical understanding but also boosted their confidence to facilitate workshops effectively in schools and communities.
Day 4: Hands-on Innovation with Tools & Soldering
Today the fellows got fully hands-on! They learned soldering basics, explored various mechanical, electrical, and farming tools, and built a simple bot car from scratch. It was a day full of practical learning, curiosity, and making things come alive through teamwork and creativity!
Day 5 Highlights
Today was all about real-world experience! Our fellows visited a school and taught students everything they’ve learned so far — from hands-on making to basic STEM concepts. This field exposure boosted their confidence and teaching skills.
After returning, they reflected on their experience and revised the key learnings of the week. The day concluded with an exciting session on 3D modeling in TinkerCAD, where they learned to design simple 3D models.
A perfect blend of learning, teaching, and creating!
Day 6 & Day 7 Highlights
These two days were fully focused on classroom exposure and refinement. Our fellows continued teaching students in schools, putting their learning into action and improving their facilitation skills each day.
Alongside hands-on teaching, they also practiced soft skills — preparing themselves to confidently pitch in front of DEOs, schools, and other key stakeholders.
It was a powerful learning phase, combining real-world teaching experience with communication and presentation training.
Last Day Highlights
The closing ceremony of the 8-day Young Tinker Fellowship training was held yesterday, marking the culmination of an enriching and impactful learning journey. The event was graced by esteemed guests — Mr. Saroj Kumar Mahapatra (Income Tax Department), Mr. Kshitish Kumar Mohanty (Income Tax Department), Mr. Bimal Das (Chief Engineer), Mr. Bimal Krushna Mishra (Director of External Affairs, Young Tinker Foundation), and Mr. Ashok Panda (Former Consultant, STPI).
The ceremony began with a warm welcome to the guests, followed by a brief overview of Young Tinker Foundation’s mission and work. The fellows then shared their reflections and experiences from the 8-day training, highlighting their key learnings and takeaways.
Our distinguished guests shared valuable insights and words of encouragement, guiding the fellows toward continued innovation and purposeful impact. Mr. Anil Pradhan, Founder & CEO of Young Tinker Foundation, also shared his vision for building a “Tinker Valley”—a hub of innovation and creativity.
Certificates were then awarded to the fellows, marking a significant milestone in their journey. The guests were felicitated and presented with the Friends of Young Tinker (FoYT) badge in recognition of their support, guidance, and mentorship.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of a granite stone, marking a heartfelt promise to plant 108 trees , symbolizing growth, hope, and sustainability.
The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the Young Tinker campus and Tinker on Wheels
